One of Australia’s most iconic sporting events, the Lexus Melbourne Cup is finally here. The $4.4 million horse race brings the world to their feet (or to their TV screens) at 3 pm AEDT. Despite not being the richest horse race in Australia (taken over by The Everest in New South Wales), it is perhaps the most loved. Either for the fashion stakes, the excitement and risks taken by many punters or simply by being a public holiday in Victoria.
The most important day in the Australian racing calendar for many. Each year, the Melbourne Cup Festival brings out the biggest celebrities. This year includes Lady Kitty Spencer and Lindsay Lohan. If you aren’t fortunate to get into the luxurious Birdcage and mingle among the famous, with a general admission ticket you will still get to experience the same buzz and anticipation.
However, every year the Melbourne Cup comes under more intense scrutiny. In recent years, racehorses have had to be euthanized on the track after becoming injured. This year, an investigation by ABC’s 7:30 report exposed dying retired racehorses being abused, beaten and slaughtered. This has caused celebrities to pull out from attending, including Lexus Ambassador Megan Gale and singer Taylor Swift, citing ‘scheduling issues’.
Will you be watching Cross Counter go back to back? Will bookies favourite Mer De Glace come home strong? What will the story be after the race?
Watch exclusive coverage on Channel 10.