Each year, 24 regional towns are chosen for the Cup’s barrier draw, with $50,000 awarded to a community if the winning horse comes from the gate number they have been assigned.
Gunbower is in the draw this year and club president Vicky McGillivray said the prizemoney would be split between two groups.
“We nominated the Gunbower Lions Club and the Cancer and Wellness Centre at Echuca Regional Health,” she said.
“The Lions because they’re very prominent in our community. They do a lot of good fundraising and amazing things out here.
“And the Cancer and Wellness Centre ... we’ve all just been touched by it.”
On Thursday, August 28, community members, Gunbower Primary School and We Are Vivid clients gathered at the club for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
Track rider Joe Agresta, who did track work for five Cup winners, and Melbourne Cup Carnival security manager Simon Ogden led the tour.
To kick the day off, Mr Ogden shared his extensive knowledge of the trophy’s design and history with the students and attendees.
One is made per year and it is the only sporting cup in the world with three handles, designed to be hoisted by the horse owner, trainer and jockey.
Mr Agresta was then invited on stage to talk abut his 34 years working with legendary racehorse trainer Bart Cummings, taking questions from the crowd.
Regional legs of the tour are a highlight for Mr Agresta and Mr Ogden, who said they appreciated the enthusiasm and good nature of country people.
“Today’s been sensational,” Mr Agresta said.
“I really enjoy going to these country places because I can see how the people just love it. And to talk to the kids, it’s something really special.”
Now retired, Mr Agresta discussed his successful career with the late Mr Cummings, whose strong character influenced his professional and personal life.
As the only trainer to win 12 Melbourne Cups, Mr Agresta said no-one else would ever repeat Mr Cummings’ feat.
“Gai Waterhouse yelled out to me after he won one of the cups ― and she’s a great trainer ― but she said, ‘Joe, how does he do it?’,” he said.
“I just said to her, ‘Gai, if you gave every trainer in the world the same program that he did, not one would follow it through’.”
Amid difficult farming conditions and economic stress, Mr Ogden said the tour was a great way for communities to come together for something positive.
“There’s a lot of drought going on in these areas at the moment and, thank God, we’ve had a bit of rain,” he said.
“Some people do it tough with costs and everything these days and, to bring (the trophy) out here, they can take their mind off things.”
Ms McGillivray thanked the Gunbower community for its keen support and said she was proud to see such a large turn-out to the event.
The Melbourne Cup barrier draw will take place on Saturday, November 1.
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