Melbourne Cup not to be missed

Australia is a dream holiday destination for many people and, if you’re a horse racing fan as well, then tying the trip in with a visit to Flemington to watch ‘the race that stops a nation’ is an absolute must.

The Melbourne Cup, which is always run on the first Tuesday in November, is one of the most famous races in the world and is a spectacular occasion which will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Think Royal Ascot, minus the Royal procession each day, and a guarantee of glorious weather, and you will probably get close to the type of grand occasion the Melbourne Cup is in Australia. Similar to Royal Ascot, it is not just about the racing either and it is a great opportunity for everyone to put on their best outfits. It’s definitely worth checking before you go exactly what the dress code is for the Members’ Enclosure, but gentlemen traditionally wear a yellow rose in their jacket lapels. And, if you’re an overseas visitor, then you’re more than welcome to wear the formal national dress of your country.

Getting to the course in the first place is a straightforward task and it’s certainly worth travelling via public transport to feel part of the buzz and anticipation of heading to one of the biggest days in the Australian calendar. You can catch a train right next to the course as special trains run on race days from Flinders Street Station and/or Southern Cross Station. Alternatively, you could catch the tram or a bus to the course, which is situated next to the Maribyrnong River.

You’ll probably want to have a bet while you’re at the track and there are plenty of opportunities for you to do that. But to get the sense of excitement building before you go, you could put on an ante-post bet and take advantage of any moneyback specials to really get good value about your horse.

You should also note that overseas visitors have enjoyed great success in the Melbourne Cup in recent years. Irish trainer Dermot Weld has twice trained the winner of the race, with Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle nine years later. In 2010 and 2011, the winners both came from France and last year Protectionist, ridden by British jockey Ryan Moore, won the race for Germany.

There has yet to be a British-trained winner of the race, but Green Moon in 2012 and Fiorente 12 months later had both started their careers in England. The gallant Red Cadeaux, meanwhile, has finished runner-up three times in the past four years, so a British win cannot be far away.

If you’re going to make the trip to Flemington, then you shouldn’t just go for the Melbourne Cup itself as there are other attractions worth taking in. You can have an enjoyable tour of the racecourse and there are also some fascinating historical features, such as the bronze statue of Phar Lap, who is the most famous horse in Australian racing history and won the Melbourne Cup in 1930.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to visit Australia, and you love your horse racing and an unforgettable day out, then going to the Melbourne Cup is an opportunity not to be passed up.