Melbourne Cup 2016: The race that stops the nation
FLEMINGTON is jumping as up to 100,000 people pack into the world-famous track for today’s $6.2 million Melbourne Cup. Here’s your bumper guide.
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EAGER punters flooded into Flemington early as racegoers geared up for the biggest day on the Spring Racing calendar.
Despite predictions of rain organisers remain confident about 100,000 people will attend today’s today’s $6.2 million Melbourne Cup.
Additional trains packed with patrons started running this morning every 10 minutes from Flinders St and Southern Cross stations.
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Punters are backing the only Australian-bred horse in the race — Caulfield Cup winner Jameka.
One plunged a staggering $80,000 at $9. Other bets on Jameka ranged from $10,000 to $30,000.
The 3200-metre race will be watched by an estimated worldwide TV audience of up to 700 million.
No fewer than 10 foreign trainers, from as far afield as Ireland, Great Britain and Japan, have entered runners.
Racegoers are being advised to pack an umbrella.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Stephen King said rain is expected to last throughout the afternoon.
“The first couple of races should be clear but rain is expected for the rest of the day,” he said.
“It will be heavy enough to affect those not under cover but not that heavy to affect the track or races.”
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But Mr King said punters can expect a temperature top of 17 degrees.
“It’s been a cooler morning, currently at 11 degrees but we can expect it to reach 17 degrees, maybe even 18,” he said.
North-westerly winds of 20 to 30km/h turning west to south-westerly during the afternoon.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the atmosphere at Flemington at 3pm, when the 24 gates clang open and the field charges on to the track, was comparable only to that at the opening bounce at the MCG on Grand Final Day.
“It’s going to be pretty hard to beat the fairytale of Michelle and Stevie Payne and a 100-1 shot winning the Cup,’’ he said, referring to last year’s triumph by Prince of Penzance.
“But every year since 1861 there has been a story ... history, drama, fashion, romance, and a great boost to business.’’
One contender for a story to take its place in Cup legend is Katelyn Mallyon, who will climb aboard Assign hoping to repeat Payne’s fairytale victory and become the second woman jockey to take out the coveted trophy.
And still trying to write itself into Cup lore is the world’s biggest racing firm, Godolphin, which mounted its first campaign way back in 1998.
This year it has placed its hopes on no fewer than five runners, under three trainers.
Favourite Hartnell leads the Godolphin field, ahead of Oceanographer, Geelong Cup winner Qewy, Beautiful Romance, and Secret Number.
Godolphin chief John Ferguson declared: “This is the race in the world right now.
“That is largely thanks to the people of Victoria, that you’ve made it the most unbelievable sporting event. We’re just happy to be here.’’
THE ULTIMATE MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE
THE BIGGEST MELBOURNE CUP UPSETS
FAVOURITES WHO FAILED IN THE MELBOURNE CUP
EVERY MELBOURNE CUP RUNNER PREVIEWED IN OUR TEN MINUTE GUIDE TO PICKING A WINNER
MELBOURNE REVELS IN COUNTRY’S BIGGEST RACE
GHOST: FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE
WHO IS MICHELLE PAYNE TIPPING IN THE MELBOURNE CUP?
Businessman Lloyd Williams, chasing a fifth Cup crown, has four runners of his own.
And Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman is shooting for his sixth Cup triumph.
Joking that “money’’ was great incentive, Freedman said: “It’s Australia’s greatest race, and it’s our calling card overseas as well.’’
Victoria Racing Club chairman Michael Byrne said people were coming from far and wide to enjoy the magic of the Melbourne Cup.
“The international tourism associated with the carnival has been increasing in recent years, so it’s great for the city of Melbourne,’’ he said.
Four cruise ships packed with 8000 passengers have sailed into Melbourne in time for the race.
Forecast late morning and afternoon showers and a top temperature of just 18C are unlikely to deter hordes of equine experts, fashionistas, and once-a-year punters.
Many are likely to arrive early, keen to grab prime position on the lawns in front of Flemington’s famous grandstand for their picnics.
In the VIP Birdcage enclosure, celebrities including Snakes on a Plane actor Elsa Pataky, models Jennifer Hawkins and Rachael Finch, and Olympians Cate and Bronte Campbell and Mack Horton will rub shoulders.
Victorian Racing Minister Martin Pakula said that the Cup was “the greatest event in this city’’.
The TAB’s Shaun Anderson said Hartnell ($5.50) remained race favourite but “punters have shown patriotism’’ for Jameka, which eased to $7.50.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Melbourne Cup, today, race 7, 3pm
WEATHER: 17C Partly cloudy, shower or two
TICKETS: Adults $79, Student $64, Pensioner $42, Children under 16 free
GATES OPEN: 8.30am
FIRST RACE: 10.40am
LAST RACE: 5.15pm
TRAINS GETTING THERE: Services run direct from Flinders St to Flemington and from South Cross Station to Flemington via North Melbourne
FROM FLINDERS STREET STATION (PLATFORMS 8 OR 9): 8.17am to 9.37am — every 15 minutes, 9.37am to 1.18pm — every 5-10 minutes
FROM SOUTHERN CROSS STATION (PLATFORM 8): 8.20am — 1.23am — every 10-20 minutes
TRAINS GETTING BACK: From Flemington every 10 minutes until 8.40pm
THE ULTIMATE MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE
THE BIGGEST MELBOURNE CUP UPSETS
FAVOURITES WHO FAILED IN THE MELBOURNE CUP
EVERY MELBOURNE CUP RUNNER PREVIEWED IN OUR TEN MINUTE GUIDE TO PICKING A WINNER
MELBOURNE REVELS IN COUNTRY’S BIGGEST RACE
Bec’s out-of-this-world Caulfield Cup outfit
Melbourne’s most fashionable frocked up and flocked to the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, with bold colours and dramatic headwear trackside favourites. But it was one fashion-forward WAG whose holographic jumpsuit had the punters talking.
What’s open on Melbourne Cup day
THE RACE that stops the nation is here. If you’re confused on what’s open or what services are running, look no further because we have all you need to about the Melbourne Cup public holiday.