2017 Melbourne Cup stolen from Digger’s Rest cafe

The part-owner of 2017 Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling has called for public support after the valuable trophy was stolen from a cafe over the weekend.

Winning owner Lloyd Williams with the 2017 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Paul Rovere

The 2017 Melbourne Cup has been stolen from a cafe in Melbourne’s north-west.

The trophy disappeared from Houdini’s cafè è cucina in Diggers Rest, where it has been displayed for the last two years.

The cafe and Rekindling’s part-owner Mark Ruff have called on the public to help get it back.

It is a replica cup because there are multiple owners, but it is still extremely valuable.

!!! 2017 MELBOURNE CUP MISSING !!! Unfortunately early Monday morning the 2017 Melbourne cup was stolen from Houdini’s...

Posted by Houdini's Café e Cucina on Sunday, 6 October 2019

Mr Ruff said the break-in had shaken him and the owners of the cafe up.

“We live at Diggers Rest and we love that restaurant,” he told the Herald Sun.

“We have a lot of special family functions there and think it’s one of the best Italian restaurants around.

“The actual Melbourne Cup resides with Lloyd (Williams), as it should do, but the rest of the part owners all had replicas made.

“I said to the owner Frank that we thought it (the restaurant) was a great place to have the Cup displayed and admired by all the locals. It’s been there ever since.”

Victoria Police said offenders raided the cafe, stealing a cash register, money, as well as the prized Cup.

Rekindling was the winner of the 2017 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Scott Barbour

The theft took place sometime between 11.30pm Sunday and 10.30am Monday.

Melton Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating and are keen to speak to anyone that may be able to help with the investigation.

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Mr Ruff said he was hopeful police would be able to track down CCTV footage of the break-in, as the restaurant is directly opposite the Diggers Rest train station.

Rekindling took out the 2017 Melbourne Cup, becoming the youngest horse in 76 years to win the famous race.

Lloyd Williams announced in August this year Rekindling had been retired to stud.

He did not race for 18 months after his historic win, having just one further start, finishing last in the Australian Cup at Flemington in March.