Melbourne Cup Day in Australia ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Melbourne Cup Day in Australia and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Melbourne Cup Day in Australia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Melbourne Cup is a horse race that is held annually in Australia on the first Tuesday of November. The event is one of the most popular sporting events in the country, and is known as “the race that stops a nation”. More than 100,000 people attend the event each year, and many more watch it on television.
The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861, and has been held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne since 1864. The race is a 3200-metre handicap race, and is open to horses aged three years and over. Around 24 horses start in the race, and the winner receives a trophy and prize money of over $3 million.
The Melbourne Cup is a significant event on the Australian social calendar, and is often used as an excuse for parties and days off work. It is also a major betting event, with millions of dollars being wagered on the outcome of the race each year.