Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges has been named as host destination to the 18-carat-gold Melbourne Cup trophy in October, after a record-breaking number of applications were submitted for the tour.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) announced on June 6, Macedon will host the $600,000 trophy on October 9, as one of the 41 worldwide destinations.
The Macedon Lodge is planning a range of community events for the visit, and the general manager Matthew Tillet said they are looking forward to being part of this year’s tour.
“Macedon Lodge has a rich racing history with the Melbourne Cup,” Mr Tillet said.
“Our new business is excited to be celebrating that history with the local community when the Cup arrives back here in October.“
Macedon will join 23 other rural and regional destinations across Australia to be allocated a barrier for the 2023 Melbourne Cup national sweep.
The destination which draws the barrier of the winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to go towards a nominated charity for a local initiative.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said the record-breaking interest in the tour highlights the significance of the Melbourne Cup to Australians and people around the world.
“After a record-breaking number of applications, the VRC is delighted to announce the… Melbourne Cup tour will visit a record 41 destinations in 2023,” Mr Wilson said.
“[The] Melbourne Cup trophy is recognised everywhere as the people’s cup, and we want it to be accessible to everyone and to support charity fundraising activity in each destination the cup visits.
“As its custodians, the VRC is proud to take it on an annual tour to share the magic of the… Melbourne Cup with country towns, cities, and communities across the world.
Mr Wilson said the Melbourne Cup Tour has travelled to over 590 communities since its establishment, and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and community initiatives.
“This year we are very pleased to take the iconic trophy far and wide across Australia and to the most overseas locations of any tour,” he said.
The tour will begin on Saturday, June 10 in Tokyo, and will travel to the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia.
Details: MelbourneCupTour.com.au
