The pinnacle of Australian flat Thoroughbred racing, the playground for racing royalty and the centrepiece to the country’s most iconic sports, entertainment and fashion profiles. The Melbourne Cup at Flemington racecourse on Tuesday November 1st 2016 represents all that is magnificent about sporting entertainment.

Whether it be worldwide movie stars or top-class sporting athletes, the Melbourne Cup attracts the most recognised individuals to its setting for a day of unrivalled action and entertainment. Year on year, the occasion grows further throughout mainstream media as 24 of the very best stayers descend upon Flemington racecourse for the two-mile showpiece main-event that is the Melbourne Cup.

The race itself is one of great uniqueness. A two-mile (3200 metres) test around Flemington’s long, sweeping left-handed track before a wild home straight sprint to the finish. The prize pool exceeds $6.2 million as a maximum field of 24 go to post. In recent years, the draw has played a pivotal role in the result of Australia’s richest race with those drawn lower experiencing more fortune in running. However, it is the weight and handicapper leniency that is of more importance. With the Melbourne Cup being registered as a Grade One Premier Handicap, each horse is allocated a weight based on their ability in relation to one another. This results in a level playing field for all contenders, giving each an equal chance of success.

Throughout the past 10 years, the Melbourne Cup has seen an increase in oversees quality lining up in its headline race and the 2016 renewal is setting up be the best yet. Leading stayers from Britain, Ireland, America and Asia are all being targeted towards a tilt at the world’s richest two-mile handicap which is likely to see many allotted a hefty weight. This year’s Melbourne Cup odds and tips are looking more interesting as prominent horses in the market, such as Order Of St George and Protectionist, are set to be handed top weights by the Australian handicapper giving those rated lower improved the opportunity to prove competitive.

As the quality of Thoroughbred increases, so does the overall occasion at Flemington racecourse on the first Tuesday of November. With over 120,000 set to make their way to the track on race-day, organisers continue to expand on their hospitality and social entertainment. From live fashion shows to firework displays, Melbourne Cup day represents an overall celebration of Australia’s immense equine tradition both on the course and off of it.
The term ‘the race that stops a nation’ is fitting for Melbourne Cup day with millions across Australia and New Zealand coming together to witness the historic yearly event, cementing itself as one of the world’s most pivotal sporting moments. And this year’s race is sure to exceed expectations once more.