Major Melbourne Cup stuff up sees plenty of Aussies miss the race

Many Aussies missed the “race that stops a nation” by making the same blunder, with one punter saying he had “never felt so stupid” in his life.

Disgruntled racing fans have taken to social media to express their frustration at missing the Melbourne Cup because they thought the race was on another channel.

Channel 10 has held the rights to Cup Day and other events at Flemington since 2019, however, many thought that the “race that stops a nation” was being broadcast on rival network Channel 7.

“Any other idiot wondering why Channel 7 are going to an ad break right on 3pm? The Great Race is on 10, that‘s why,” one punter said.

“Wonder how many people tried to watch the #MelbourneCup on Channel 7,” another said on Twitter.

Thousands of punters braved bad weather at Flemington, but others struggled to find it on their TVs. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Well I turned on the TV. Channel 7 had horses on. I assumed that was probably where the horse race would be. Turns out it wasn’t. Missed the race. Oh well.

— Matt Bevan (@MatthewBevan) November 1, 2022

Curious how many viewers are watching Sydney racing on @Channel7 rather than Melb Cup on @Channel10AU?

Certainly my local milk bar has fallen for the confusion. #MelbCuppic.twitter.com/V9tERISdfK

— Kevin Perry (@kevinperry) November 1, 2022

Many were quick to point out that Channel 7 was also broadcasting horse racing, adding to punter’s confusion.

Seven were instead showing the races at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse instead, drawing ire from some who said they felt mislead by having multiple big racing events on one day.

Never felt so stupid in my life. 😂

Had channel 7 on all day as there is racing on 7 too.

Didn’t realise the Melbourne cup was on Channel 10 until the trace was over.

I thought the Melbourne cup stops the nation? Why are there other races on in Australia? 😂

— JR. (@JR_24X) November 1, 2022

Was I the only person who missed the Melbourne Cup because I was watching Channel 7? They were showing racing... I just assumed they were showing the main race!

— Sarah Wiley (@SarahWiley8) November 1, 2022

Rights to the Melbourne Cup Carnival had been held by Channel 7 since 2002, before they were passed to Channel 10 for a five-year contract spanning 2019-2023.

Ten previously held broadcasting rights form 1978 until 2001.

The confusion drew comparisons between the two broadcasters, with some slamming the current coverage while others said they preferred it.

“Good riddance to Channel 7, and the boring coverage they offered over all too many years,” one said.

Lol Channel 7 screwed over 10 bad. Can’t imagine the amount of casuals that missed the “race that stops a nation”. Anyway, the less people that care about horse racing, the better. #MelbourneCup

— 🔍 (@justinr334) November 1, 2022