Melbourne Cup Parade through the centre of Melbourne could be overhauled

The popular event, which was last staged pre-pandemic in 2019, has in recent years started to attract anti-horse racing protesters.

Melbourne Cup Parade. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Is the time honoured Melbourne Cup Parade through the centre of Melbourne about to be overhauled?

Plans are being worked through for the parade which for years has seen horses who have won the great race led through Swanston Street as part of the celebrations leading up to Cup Day.

The equine stars of the past have traditionally been joined by former winning jockeys and trainers and jockeys, owners, trainers, fashion identities and the occasional celebrity involved with that year’s Cup.

The popular event, which was last staged pre-pandemic in 2019, has unfortunately in recent years started to attract a small, noisy group of anti-horse racing protesters.

Might and Power scared by the protesters at the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Parade. Picture: Jason Edwards

Word is the route of the parade may be altered because of road disruptions and major building works in the CBD mainly associated with the Metro Tunnel project.

After the Victoria Racing Club’s bold decision to revolutionise Fashions On The Field by making the fashion event genderless, maybe it is time to give the parade a bit of a spruce up.

A contract between the Victoria Racing Club and the City of Melbourne is yet to be officially inked.

“The Victoria Racing Club is in discussions with the City of Melbourne, Federation Square and various authorities about this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup parade route. We will share more details when arrangements can be confirmed,” the club said in a statement.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said: “We are looking forward to the return of the Spring Racing Carnival and all that it brings. The parade is very important to us because it brings people to the city and it is a free event. We are still working on the details with the VRC.”