Information and activities for all Australian schools celebrating the Melbourne Cup and the contribution it has made to Australian life, culture, history and heritage.

Flemington gates and cup
Image acknowledgement

VRC Collection

150th Melbourne Cup

The 150th running of the Melbourne Cup provided a great opportunity to celebrate one of the nation’s major sporting events. Learn more »

Race to the finish line
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Courtesy of www.sdpmedia.com.au

Cup Day

Since the first Melbourne Cup, Australians and the wider global community have embraced the tradition of the Melbourne Cup. Learn more »

Phar Lap
Image acknowledgement

VRC Collection

Horses

Each year, 300 to 400 horses are nominated for the Cup. In November, the best qualified 24 horses compete in the race. Learn more »

A young Bart Cummings
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Photograph courtesy of The Herald Sun Herald sun

Champions & Characters

Horses may be the champions of the Melbourne Cup, but it's the people who provide character for which the race is famous. Learn more »

Parading beautiful clothes and hats during the Melbourne Cup Carnival
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Courtesy of www.sdpmedia.com.au

Dressing for the Cup

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is an opportunity for designers to show off their latest creations and for guests to enjoy ‘dressing up’. Learn more »

Phar Lap news clipping, Daily Pictorial Wednesday 5 November 1930
Image acknowledgement

VRC Collection

Media & the Arts

The Melbourne Cup has received extensive media coverage over its history, and artists have represented it in many ways. Learn more »

Flemington's biggest crowd, 2003
Image acknowledgement

VRC Collection

As a horse race the Melbourne Cup is unique as the focus of a national celebration. Right from the earliest times, it became part of the Australian legend.

Former VRC Chairman Rod Fitzroy in the book The Story of the Melbourne Cup, Australia's Greatest Race.