Melbourne Cup Tour names Kandanga as host town
A Quiet Gympie region township is about to play host to the Australian racing’s biggest prize
Gympie
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The Mary Valley is about to become part of racing history with the Melbourne Cup headed to Kandanga as part of a nationwide tour ahead of the race that stops the nation.
The Gympie region town was one of nine Queensland locations named by the Victoria Racing Club as hosts of the cup over the next four months.
Brisbane, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Richmond, Warra, Warwick, Noosa and Gayndah were the other Queensland locations listed as part of the tour.
The Cup will be in Kandanga on Tuesday October 5.
Kandanga Country Club chairman Guy Burnett said the community welcomed the news.
“We look forward to hosting the iconic trophy when it visits in October,” Mr Burnett said.
“The tour will be a great opportunity for our community to come together and learn about the history of the Melbourne Cup.”
Kandanga will also be part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, which will give 24 Cup Tour destinations across Australia the opportunity to be allocated a barrier for the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The town which draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a nominated charity for a local community initiative.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said this year’s tour will celebrate 19 years on the road.
“The VRC is pleased to be taking the iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy back on the road after restricted travel last year, and sharing it with the nation again,” Mr Wilson said.
“Now in its 19th year, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour allows local communities to come together to share stories, celebrate their favourite racing moments and to raise funds for local community charities and initiatives in their town.
“The tour also plays an important role in showcasing these towns and communities with people across Australia and the world.”
The tour starts on July 3 at Port Augusta in South Australia.
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