The iconic gold cup with its three signature handles will arrive in Gunbower on August 28 as part of the 2025 Come Tour With Us event, which winds its way across the country to Flemington on that first Tuesday in November.
Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray said the club had been overwhelmed by getting the cup visit and was already planning a country welcome to be held at the racecourse.
The 18-carat gold Lexus Melbourne Cup weighs 3.9kg and this year is valued at a staggering (and record) $850,000.
“For a small club such as ours to have this opportunity will be such a buzz for the whole community, and we are already putting the polish on our plans to make it a day-long event,” Ms McGillivray said.
“We will be involving all the local schools, and everyone is welcome to join us for the occasion. There will be entertainment and a few surprises as well, which we will unveil a bit closer to the day.”
Ms McGillivray and club vice-president Gary Spitall made the trip to Flemington for the announcement of the cup tour – and the chance to meet 2024 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Robbie Dolan, who rode Knight’s Choice to an upset $91 win.
She said not only is Mr Dolan a champion rider, he is also an amazing singer.
“Robbie serenaded us when we arrived, it was really quite magical there on the lawns alongside the famous Flemington straight,” Ms McGillivray said.
“The whole launch of the cup tour was amazing – but not as amazing as the day at Gunbower Racing Club is going to be.
“With our cup run a month before the Melbourne Cup – with the Caulfield Cup in between – the August visit will make a fantastic connection for our community and the race that still stops the nation.”
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