After receiving a record breaking number of applications, the Victoria Racing Club has announced Tallarook will join racing history when it plays host to the iconic 18-carat gold Lexus Melbourne Cup in 2019.
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Tallarook was revealed as a tour destination at a special launch event at Flemington Racecourse, joining 38 other towns and cities across the globe that will be part of the 17th annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
The VRC also officially announced the increase in prizemoney for the Lexus Melbourne Cup to $8million, a record in the 158-year history of Australia’s greatest race.
This year holds special significance for Australia’s most iconic trophy, with the VRC celebrating 100 years of the renowned three-handled Melbourne Cup design, first presented to the connections of Artilleryman in 1919.
Tallarook Hotel proprietor Adam Knight said being part of the tour would be an unforgettable experience.
‘‘We’re extremely excited to have the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visit the Tallarook community,’’ he said.
‘‘The visit will provide locals with the opportunity to unite together and experience the magic of the people’s cup.’’
This year’s tour will also feature an exciting new element, with 24 rural and regional destinations across Australia to be allocated a barrier for the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Tallarook will be included as a national sweep destination in the new initiative.
Barriers will be drawn at random throughout the tour and the town which draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50000 to be put towards a charity for a local community initiative.
As part of the cup’s overseas expedition, the trophy will attend the historic Ebor Festival at York Racecourse in the United Kingdom and preview some of the potential 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup contenders.
The cup will also travel to Tokyo in Japan to cheer on Australia in the Rugby World Cup.
Since its beginning, the tour has travelled more than 600000 kilometres and visited more than 450 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations.
For further information about the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, visit melbournecuptour.com.au
