The Melbourne Cup (often known as "the race that stops the nation") is just about the most-watched horse races each year. The cup is held on the second Tuesday of November, and has become so popular that it's considered a public holiday in the state of Victoria. As well as Melbourne and the rest of Victoria, the whole world generally tunes in to watch the races. The Melbourne Cup is held on the Flemington Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, which is purposefully placed after the Australian Football League finals and just prior to the Pro Cricket season.
The Cup is a 3,200 metre handicap race of around 24 horses that are at least 36 months old. The world record for fastest time around the track is currently held by Kingston Rule, who managed to get around the track in 3 minutes and 16.3 seconds. Because it is a handicap race, weights are used to give each horse the same opportunity to win. Owners should pay five fees ahead of the race- a $600 entry fee, after which four acceptance fees of $960, $1,450, $2,420, and $45,375, respectively. The fifth fee may be the only one that may be refunded if your horse is balloted out of the final field. Horses can be balloted out for a number of reasons, including previously won prize money, placings in lead-up races, or handicap weight. However, winning one of the twelve qualifying races before the cup excludes a horse from being balloted out.Although fees are large, the winnings are much larger. A year ago, a total amount of $6,175,000 dollars was awarded to horses in the cup, with the winner taking $3,300,000. The first ten horses to cross the finish line win money, with tenth place receiving $115,000 in 2011. The winner also gets a trophy valuing $125,000 dollars. Right after the cup, the trophy goes on tour throughout New zealand and australia, although it is the sole property of the owner of the winning horse.
Attendance at the cup is often over 100,000, and notable people from around the world come to see the action first-hand. As well as the horses, these spectators are eligible to win prizes, too, such as the coveted "best-dressed man" and "best-dressed woman" prize. Elegant hats are required, and flowers are also a tremendous part of the fashions worn. The official flower of Melbourne cup day is the yellow rose, and over 200 varieties of roses are grown at Flemington Racecourse. Melbourne Cup betting can also be insanely popular, especially with "sweeps" organised in offices and households. In 2000, it was discovered that 80% of adult Australians bet on the race, and the numbers for the Melbourne Cup 2012 are anticipated to be even higher.
All in all, "the race that stops a nation" is a fascinating event that captivates millions of people worldwide as they tune in on that second Tuesday of November. If you haven't seen the race before, it may be time to get into Melbourne Cup betting when watching the Melbourne
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