The Melbourne Cup was born following the quest of the Victoria Turf Club to put on a "good handicap" which would rival its counterpart, the Victoria Jockey Club. While 1860s racing administrators were enthusiastic and visionary in many ways, not in their wildest dreams would they have thought the Cup would become what we know it today - the greatest 3200 metre handicap horse-race in the world.

The history of the Cup dates back to 1861, the resultant brain child of Captain Frederick Standish, one time VRC Chairman and former Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria. As a former member of the Victoria Turf Club he conceptually founded the great race with the club committed to offering modest prize-money and a hand beaten gold watch. The conditions for the race would state "a sweepstakes of 20 sovereigns, 10 sovereigns forfeit or 5 sovereigns if declared, with 200 sovereigns added money".

The uniqueness of the race stipulated handicap conditions and a distance of two miles. Whilst this is the discerning and attractive feature of the race as we know it today, some critics claimed the conditions for the race would promote mediocrity. "Surely the race demands set weights status at least!" was the cry. Whilst the conditions of the race are against the grain of other premier international races, these are the same qualities which make it so unique and endearing.

2008 Full Field

History Of The Cup