Melbourne Cup 2021: Towns encouraged to apply for trophy hosting duties

The race that stops the nation will reach regional areas via the Melbourne Cup Tour — here’s how to get up close and personal with racing’s premier trophy.

Last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour was largely virtual and unlike any other due to the pandemic, with regional Victorians from Donald among the lucky few who got to see the $275,000, 18-carat gold trophy in person.

This year, the People’s Cup will tour once more, with towns, cities and communities across Australia encouraged to apply for hosting duties.

A stable of racing legends will also accompany the coveted trophy on tour to share an unforgettable moment with the Australian community.

Sally Rowe and Ann French with last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup at the Donald Op Shop. Picture: Nicole Cleary

“We look forward to being back on the road this year after our COVID-19 virtual approach in 2020,” said VRC chairman Neil Wilson.

“We are particularly pleased to be able to take the Cup into regional areas and to provide an opportunity for fundraising and community events.”

Dancer Jemimah Webb, 18, from The District Dance Studio, incorporates the Lexus Melbourne Cup into her routine. Picture- Nicole Cleary

Now in its 19th year, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has travelled more than 750,000km and visited more than 530 destinations, with a national sweep giving 24 rural and regional Cup Tour destinations the chance to be allocated a barrier at this year’s 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup. 

The town that draws the barrier of the Cup-winning horse will also be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a nominated charity for a local community initiative. 

Tour hosting applications can be made online until April 7, with successful submissions announced in June before the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour officially commences its journey in July: melbournecuptour.com.au