Melbourne Cup 2024: The Ultimate Guide

The Race That Stops a Nation is back on November 5 as we prepare for the Melbourne Cup 2024 edition, the 164th running of Australia's biggest horse racing event.

One of the most prestigious horse races in the world will take place on Tuesday, November 5, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne!

The Melbourne Cup will feature 24 horses competing for a prize fund worth over £4,000,000! This is Australia's biggest and most famous horse race, with a total prize fund of over £4 million.

What is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup, held for the first time in 1861, is Australia's largest thoroughbred race. It is held over 3,200 meters (about 2 miles) at Flemington Racecourse.

This handicap race, held on a grass surface every year on the first Tuesday in November, is open to horses over three years of age.

The Melbourne Cup has become part of Australian culture and one of the symbols of Australian sport.

Melbourne Cup - more than a horse racing event

It's called "The Race That Stops a Nation" because most of the country takes a day off for the race.

The Melbourne Cup is actually part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which runs for several days and includes several different races, such as the Victoria Derby, Oaks Day, and Stakes Day.

In addition, the Melbourne Cup is an opportunity to highlight fashion trends, but it is also essential for culture and provides numerous entertainment events.

Melbourne Cup 2024: Horses list and Favourites

Before the 164th edition of the race, the names Buckaroo and Vauban stand out as favourites.

Vauban has a strong reputation and a desire to correct a disappointing performance in 2023. Vuaban finished only the 14th in the hot race at the 32 degrees Celsius.

His trainer, Willie Mullins, did everything to prepare him for this year's race in Australia. Knowing Mullins' reputation, there is no doubt that Vauban, ridden by William Buick, will be a serious contender.

"It's probably the biggest flat race in the world that I can win with the type of horses we buy," said Mullins, 68.

Vauban participated in several European races, including the British classics Yorkshire Cup and Ascot Gold Cup. He won on August 23 in York. According to Mullins, neither Vauban nor his other horse, Absurde, ran his best race of the season.

According to bookmakers and experts, Buckaroo trained by Chris Waller is the main competitor.

Jockey Joao Moreira placed second in the Melbourne Cup last year (on Soulcombe) and second in the Caulfield Cup held last Sunday (on Buckaroo).

Both times, he was very close to victory, and now the expectations are very high. He will need the ride of his life, especially given that Buckaroo has drawn so wide (barrier 21), which means he will probably have to settle further back than he would've liked.

Best of the rest - Melbourne Cup 2024 Underdogs

Of the others, the Absurde, also from Willie Mullins stable, is certainly a strong candidate, and you cannot exclude him from the list of favourites, although experts believe that Vauban is a slightly better candidate for victory.

Sea King won the Bendigo Cup last week but was given barrier one, which is certainly not good for him and Hollie Doyle, who will be competing in the Melbourne Cup for the second time.

Onesmoothoperator will be ridden by 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Craig Williams, who has high ambitions. He was impressive in the Geelong Cup, which he won.

Last year's champion, Without A Fight, is not participating this year, but the winning jockey from 2023 is.

Mark Zahra surprised and won his home race last year, and now he will try to do the same with Circle Of Fire, a horse bred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose trainer is now Ciaron Maher.

He also won the Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200m in April this year riding Circle of Fire. Barrier 24 is one reason why it is not among the top three favourites.

Zardozi, who ran well in the Metropolitan and Caulfield Cup, is amongst the contenders for victory or a high ranking.

Interpretation finished just behind Onesmoothoperator in the Geelong Cup; last year, he was a good sixth in Melbourne.

Okita Soushi and Land Legend will look for outside chances. Okita Soushi has Jamie Kah aboard, and carries excellent form into the race after a Victoria Derby day.

Melbourne Cup Records

Makybe Diva is the only horse to win this prestigious race three times. To make it even more impressive, she did it in three consecutive years (2003-2005).

In jockeys, two men have four wins each. Bobbie Lewis did it in the early 20th century, and Harry White did it again in the 1970s.

Kerrin McEvoy, who will ride Absurde this year, has three wins, the last coming back in 2018.

Bart Cummings is the most successful trainer, with as many as 12 victories. No one else is over five.

As for the owner, Lloyd Williams has seven wins as an owner, the first in 1981 and the last four years ago.

Of the other important records, Kingston Rule ran the fastest race in 1990. He crossed the track at 3.16.30.

Melbourne Cup Betting Guide

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most popular betting events in Australia and the world.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are wagered in the race every year, and even those who don't follow horse racing bet on the Melbourne Cup. That shows just what kind of event it is.

How To Bet On Horse Racing: Tips And Strategies For Winning

The race of races in Australia brings serious money to the top 12 horses, with the top two winning millions in prize money. The winner will receive around £2.3 million.

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