Betting Guide Β· Updated October 2026
Melbourne Cup History: 1861 to Today
First run in 1861 with 17 horses and a prize of 710 gold sovereigns, the Melbourne Cup has grown into Australia's most famous sporting event. Its history is the history of the nation that stops to watch it.
01The beginning: 1861 and Archer
The inaugural Melbourne Cup was won by Archer, who walked 800km from Nowra to Flemington to contest it. Archer won again in 1862, and legend has it his owners' entry for 1863 arrived late β the 'forfeit Cup' scratched the greatest horse of the era, and the race has been run on strict deadlines ever since. The two-mile distance (3200m) has never changed.
02Phar Lap and the Depression era
The 1930 Cup was won by Phar Lap β the 'Red Terror' carrying 9 stone 7 pounds (62.5kg) in an era before minimum weights, starting at 8/11 in the depths of the Great Depression as a symbol of hope. Two days later he won at Flemington again. Phar Lap's story, and his mysterious death in California in 1932, remains Australian sport's greatest legend.
03The modern greats
Rain Lover (1968β69) and Think Big (1974β75) won consecutive Cups; Peter Pan (1932, 1934) did it with a year in between. Kingston Rule set the still-standing record of 3:16.30 in 1990. Doriemus, Might And Power and Jezabeel defined the 1990s; Makybe Diva achieved the impossible, three straight Cups from 2003 to 2005. More recently, Protectionist (2014), Rekindling (2017), Cross Counter (2018) and Twilight Payment (2020) made it seven wins in eight years for the European raiders.
04Records and curiosities
Bart Cummings trained a record 12 winners ('the Cups King'). Four-time winning jockeys: Bobby Lewis and Harry White. Michelle Payne (2015, Prince Of Penzance) is the only woman to ride a Cup winner. The youngest winning jockey was Peter St. Albans, 13 (allegedly), in 1876. The race has survived two world wars, the 1888 Melbourne Cup riot, and 2020's COVID-era crowd ban β and it has never been cancelled.
05The Cup today
The modern Cup carries over $8 million in prizemoney, attracts 24 of the world's best stayers, and stops the nation at 3:00pm on the first Tuesday in November. Flemington's rose gardens host more than 100,000 racegoers, and the race anchors a four-day carnival that includes Derby Day, Oaks Day and Champions Day. Our Melbourne Cup page covers the current field, odds and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Melbourne Cup?βΊ
1861, won by Archer at Flemington. The race has been run every year since, making it one of the world's oldest continuously-run sporting events.
Who has won the most Melbourne Cups?βΊ
Trainer Bart Cummings with 12. Jockeys Harry White and Bobby Lewis each won four, and Makybe Diva is the only horse to win three (2003, 2004, 2005).
Why is the Melbourne Cup so famous?βΊ
A combination of history (since 1861), handicap drama (24 horses, huge fields, frequent longshot winners), the 3200m staying test, and its place as a cultural event β the nation literally stops for the 3:00pm race.
π 18+ Gamble responsibly. This guide is educational content β Race.com.au does not take bets. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.