And They're Off and Racing........

The Melbourne Cup has been running for over 150 years and as each year passes the cup continues to prosper and grow.
It is a race that is said to stop the nation. A race that, every person and company put off work, business and pleasure on hold to view.

It was founded in 1861 by Captain Frederick Standish, former Chairman of the Victoria Turf Club, who wanted to put on a good handicap to rival its counterpart, the Victoria Jockey Club.
The opening of the Melbourne Cup welcomed a crowd approximating at 4000 people but through the hard work of the First Secretary of the Victoria Racing Club (formed as a mixture of the Victoria Turf Club and Victoria Jockey Club) Robert Bagot, the crowd increased and reached 100,000 people by 1880. It is held at the Flemington Racecourse which sits 120,000 and sells out each year.

Not only has the numbers of attendees increased but also the prizes. What started off with prize money that was said to be 710 pounds and a gold watch increased year by year. But in 1985, along with the Royal Visit of the Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Melbourne Cup prize money reached the $1 million mark for the first time. In 2010 the prize money was set at 6 million Australian Dollars which put the race among the richest races in the world.

The Melbourne Cup is ranked as one of the riches and prestigious 2 mile race in the world. At inception it ran on a Thursday but in 1875 it was moved to every first Tuesday of November, which still continues today.

The social standard of the Melbourne Cup now compared to the beginning has not changed. Very early on it was considered an event to be seen at and experienced for politicians and the rich and famous. Even with Flemington Racetracks rugged and rough atmosphere and conditions at the time of inception it was still viewed as ‘the race’ on the Australian calendar.

The first Melbourne Cup champion was a horse named Archer. Legend has it that Archer walked 500 miles from its stable in New South Wales to compete in the first Melbourne Cup. Archer also came back the following year which he then won again. As a result he has been placed in the records as one of the five horses that have ever won 2 or more Melbourne Cups. However even with Archer’s impressive record he would not be known or remembered as the greatest racehorse in Australia’s history

Although only winning the Melbourne once, of all the horses in the history of the Cup only 2 horses are remembered and given the title of the greatest horses Australia has seen – Carbine and Phar Lap.

Carbine first emerged in the racing world in 1890 where he took the title and won by 2 and a half length over the other horses. This was also the year of the stock market crash which rocked and affected the state. With his win Carbine was viewed as a sign of courage and strength during the hard times. Carbine, also known as ‘Old Jack’ raced 43 times in his career. In those 43 times Carbine won 33 times and was not placed at all during a race once due to a cracked heel.
However in 1895 Donald Wallace (owner of Carbine) fell through hard times and was left with no other option but to sell the much loved horse to the Duke of Portland from England. This was not easy for the public and as Carbine was leaving to his new home thousands of people filled the port docks to see him off.

It was not until 1930 that another horse would emerge to the same level of that Carbine was placed. Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup in 1930 only days after he was almost shot to death. This was also the time of the Great Depression and as a result of his victory after criminals tried to shoot him Phar Lap became a symbol for hope, dreams and prosperity to the Australian public.
Phar Lap entered 51 races during his career. Out of those 51 races he won 37.
However after placing 8th in the 1931 Melbourne Cup David Davis, owner of Phar Lap had him shipped off to America to compete in the richest race in the world, Agua Caliente Handicap. Phar Lap won the competition and set a new record but it would also be the last.
In April 1932 Australia was rocked with devastating news of Phar Lap’s death. His sudden death continues to remain a mystery today however there are those who believed that this great champion was poisoned.
After his death Phar Lap’s heart was donated to the Institute of Anatomy in Canberra but was later moved and now resides in the National Museum of Australia, which many request to see. His skeleton was moved to the New Zealand National Museum but now resides in Wellington’s Te Papa Museum. Phar Lap’s skeletons however were lent back to Australia to celebrate the Melbourne Cup’s 150th year in 2010. After the death, Phar Lap’s body was also prepared and stuffed then placed in the Australia Gallery in Melbourne Museum. A bronze statue was also built in his memory and is now one of the many great features of Flemington Racetrack.

Many argue who was the greatest of both these horses even though both raced in different eras however, there is much more to a champion then the number of races and titles they’ve won. Both Carbine and Phar Lap became far greater than the racehorses but a symbol of encouragement to the Australian public during times of trials, tribulation and war.
Both Carbine and Phar Lap was also 2 of 5 inaugural inductees in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Top Records:

Owners:   John Tait (4 wins)

                Etienne de Mestre (4 wins)
                Dato Tan Chin Nam (4 wins)
Trainers:   Bart Cummings (12 wins)
                Etienne de Mestre (5 wins)
                Lee Freedman (5 wins)
Horses:    Makybe Diva (3 wins)
                Think Big, Rain Lover, Peter Pan
                & Archer (2 wins)
Jockeys:  Bobby Lewis (4 wins)
                Harry White (4 wins)

It's All In The Preparation - The Track, The Horses & The Jockeys!

A race this spectacular requires two key areas of preparation; track conditions and of course the something the race couldn’t be without.... the Horses!

The Melbourne Cup is now one of the richest races in the world with prize money for first place for 2010 being $3.2Million. People from around the world come to this spectacular feature race. In 2010 the weather was not welcoming; with heavy rain and strong winds, however the race still attracted 110,223 people [www.rvl.com.au]. Drawing such large crowds huge preparations are required.

The grounds of Flemington racecourse are manicured to perfection. There are two separate areas for grounds preparation; One Gardens and two the Race Track.

Gardens

Terry Freeman is the leading gardener at Flemington and has been working there since 1976, when he was only 16 years old. 2010 was his 33rd year perfecting the gardens. Looking after the gardens is a full time job. “There is plenty of things to do, we not only have 15,400 roses to maintain and perfect for the

Spring, but we have the lawns to maintain and have now extended our gardens from the turnstiles right up to Epsom Road.” [Mr. Terry Freeman: Moonee ValleyLeader.com:2010].

Mr Freeman has a team of 16 gardeners, and every one of them has an allocated area. Preparation include lawns, trees, garden beds, paths and of course the famous roses.

Mr. Terry Freeman head gardener at Flemington

Mr. Terry Freeman head gardener at Flemington showing his manicured roses.

The 15,400 Flemington roses begin their journey for perfection in June when the team begins pruning them back so they will bloom over the spring carnival and most importantly will be ready for ‘the race that stops the nation’.

With crowds reaching into the hundreds of thousands many racegoers choose to soak up the atmosphere of the track without indulging in a marquee. As a result

of this the lawns need to be as accommodating as possible, grass must be level and no thorns or thistles are to be left in the grass. According to the boardof the Victorian Racing club, it is not only about the perfect looking lawn, but a duty of care must be taken to prevent any legal implications due to a lack of lawn care. “Although the general public may not be paying as much as a marquee member, we must supply a safe and comfortable outdoor environment for them”. [Mr. R M Fiztroy – Chairmen Victorian Racing Club:2009]  

The Track

Flemington is Australia’s largest racecourse, and the preparation of the 30-metre wide, 2,312 metre long track for race day involves many people and much work.Various races are run on this track throughout the year, however over the spring carnival over one week four highly regarded race meetings are run; The Derby, The Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day. Each meeting has between 7 and 8 races per day therefore the track needs to be kept in pristine condition, millions of dollars are at stake if the track isn’t maintained at this level over the carnival.

The Flemington Racecourse aeriel view.

To keep the track maintained at this level “involves watering, replanting, rolling, cutting, raking, fertilising and aerating the grass to keep it looking lush, green and safe for the horses to run on. After a race, a ground crew walks along parts of the track to patch up any holes in the grass which have been ‘cut up’ by horses’ hoofs.” [www.melbournecupeducation.com.au].

The maintenance of the track is not only to look good but is governed by standards issued by Racing Victoria and all clubs must adhere to these to ensure

the safety of competing horses and jockeys. Clubs can be fined up to $20,000 if the track is not adequately prepared for racing.

Interesting Facts about the Track

Did you know-

The track is groomed before each race day and given a rating to indicate how firm the ground is. The main inspection and rating is conducted approximately

90 minutes before the running of the first race in the day’s program. The rating is achieved through the use of a device called a Penetrometer which

measures how wet or dry the track is and uses the following scale:

• fast: very firm and dry surface

• good: firm surface with a little give

• dead: track with give in the ground

• slow: rain affected

• heavy: very rain affected.

Historic Fact

The track itself was completely resurfaced in 2006–07, the first time in its history that the entire surface was replaced.

[www.melbournecupeducation.com.au:horses]

Horses

From 4.00 am, trainers, horses and jockeys brave the often chilly morning air to work with their horses and complete their track work routines, often

lasting several hours. Horses will be required to do track work on a frequent basis just like people training for a marathon. Training can consist of

pace work (walking, trotting, cantering & galloping) to swimming and machine workings.

Other than the physical training component, track work is also an opportunity for trainers to test their horses and monitor their progress as well as trialthe partnership of a horse with a particular jockey. It is also an opportunity for horses to run alongside other horses and simulate the conditions of an

actual race.

On the morning of the big race horses will still do track work, it could be in the form on a light gallop and/or swimming. This is to allow their musclesto stretch out. Some trainers such as Robert Hickmott use massage machines such as “The Equissage” to stimulate blood to the areas where there may be some tightness. After there early morning gallop the horses are given a good wash so their coat is gleaming. Some trainers, more so European trainers plait the horses whereas most Australian trainers like to have a free flowing mane.

The horses has everything done, farrier check shoes and correct and a vet to make sure they are in good health. Interesting fact:- the horse has 24hour

security before the big race!

Efficient 2007 Winner of The Melbourne Cup ridden by Michael Rodd Owned by Mr. Lloyd Williams.

Jockeys

After the horses are entered in the Melbourne Cup they are given a Weight to carry. The jockeys are then required if given the ride on the horse to make that certain weight. The weights vary on the performances the horse has i.e. if you are number 1 horse then you carry the most weight which is usually60kg’s whereas if you are number 24 (as there is only 24 horses that can run in the Melbourne Cup) then the weight carried is around 47-49kg’s.

Being the biggest race in Australia and world renowned, jockeys do anything they can to get a ride in the big race, and also considering they earn 5% of $3.2million dollars! Therefore their diets play a huge role in keeping their ride. The jockey must be able to make the set weight the horse has which includes all gear (saddle, clothing, padding & whip).

After sitting down and talking to various jockeys;- Anthony Darmanin, Nicholas Hall, Matthew Gatt and Jason Benbow  they all agreed that the nervesare prominent but it is key that you remain focused and try to treat the race like any other race. You listen to your trainers instructions and you keep your mind clear and ride the race you can.

Nicholas Hall said “ Flemington racecourse has a very long straight, in the Melbourne Cup, nerves are running wild but you must really remember back into your apprentice days and when you hit the top of the straight breathe,  and count your 10 seconds then just go for it as best you can, the thrill is amazing! You have 100,000 people watching , cheering, but out there you can’t hear anything, it feels

like slow motion.”

Jockeys line up for the Australian National Anthem for the before the running of the 2009 Melbourne Cup.

An Interview With Nicholas Hall - A Melbourne Cup Jockey

Bianca: "How long have you been riding for?"

Nic: " In my 5th season and I think I first came in contact with horses at 17 years"

Bianca: "As an apprentice, is your main aim to ride in The Melbourne Cup?

Nic: "I think as an apprentice I firstly looked at more achievable short term goals like out riding my full claim, but winning a cup has always been in the back of my mind"

Bianca: "Because your Father (Greg Hall) was a Melbourne Cup winning jockey, did you have or feel any expectations?"

Nic: "No not really I was able to enjoy what I was doing away from the lime light due to good management"

Bianca: "How did you get a ride in The Melbourne Cup?"

Nic: "It's just as much about your connections and how you manage and maintain those healthy relations, as it is your riding ability. I think you need to have the ability of a great jockey as well as being pro active in gettting a ride"

Bianca: "How many times have you ridden in The Melbourne Cup? How old were you when you had your first ride?"

Nic: "Four times and I was 21yrs"

Bianca: "Did you seek advice on how to handle a race with such high calibre or were you pretty confident you could handle it as it was "just another race" as such?"

Nic: "I didn't seek advice but some was passed on to me through my peers and mentors. It certainly wasn't just another race it is a real experience and I was nervous, but I have always been able to harness this energy and use it positively. I believe I ride better in pressure situations"

Bianca: "Ok, so you have received a call from your manager (Adrian Coin), that you have secuerd a ride in The Melbourne Cup:-

                   (a) Do you do anything differently? (i.e. more training on your fitness, change your diet, ride that

                        particular horse more often?

                   (b) Do you study the form of the race? Does this help you with setting race tactics?

                   (c) If you are heavier then the set weight, how do you lose it?"

Nic: " (a) In terms of diet and training, one year I had to ride 49kg's aboard Red Lord I usually ride at 54kg's, this took a good 3 weeks preparation in order to be fit and at the correct weight. I began a heavy personal training regime as well as a strict diet. I started this as soon as I had confirmed the ride. More time the better."

(b) " I certainly study the form myself as well as speak to my form analysist in order to get a second opinion and between the two of us I always have some sort of a plan. I do believe there is such thing as over thinking a race, a lot has to be on feel."

(c) "Through training, diet and closer to race day some fluid loss, although you must manage this correctly and be very careful of work load and recovery time."

Bianca: "How do you handle the hype that surrounds the race and not let yourself get distracted? Does experience play a role in this, if so, do you think you have improved your ability to stay focused on the race?"

Nic: " I think it is a real advantage to have experience in this race there is no other like it, so the dynamics are very different. I was really glad that I had the opportunity to have a couple of outside chances prior to having a live chance, just so I at least had a feel for the race?"

Bianca: " It's the night before the cup, do you do anything different, any superstitions?"

Nic: " No Im exactly the same nothing changes just try and get a really early night in"

Bianca: " The morning of the race, what do you have to do?"

Nic: : Probably do 20 minutes on the bike, a couple of sessions in the sauna, then if I have anymore weight to lose its either the bath or last minute sweat at the races"

Bianca: " What happens during the meeting? If you have other rides, how do you stay focused on them?"

Nic: " Very simple, take each race as it comes, I wouldnt think to much about the cup until it's time"

Bianca: " Standing in the enclosure in front of millions of people (both live and on tv) what's running through your mind? How are your nerves?"

Nic: " It's always the same with me, my nerves settle down once I'm abord the horse. The most anxious time would be talking to owners and waiting to mount up. I usually have a good bond with the horse that I'm riding so I know his or her manor-isms and it somewhat settling to me to know that the animal is all good. That's half the battle"

Bianca: " Does the trainer give you instructions?"

Nic: "Usually for a race like that I like to talk with the trainer the night before so we are both on the same page he or she may want to reiterate a few things but I prefer not to much to be said in terms of tactics. Just the usual pre race rubbish talk"

Bianca: " What's it like having over 100,000 people in the crowd cheering for you?"

Nic: "I'm sure it would be the best feeling if you won coming back down that straight at Flemington, it really is designed for that moment. My biggest memory every year is the raw of the crowd going pat the post the first time. It's amazing how clear and loud it is"

Bianca: "How do you handle any criticisim:-

            (a) of the trainer and/or owners?

            (b) the media?

            (c) your peers?"

Nic: " I think with criticism it is important to take it on board and really analyze it at a later date when all the emotions are in tact. I would say I am my toughest critic so I take criticism pretty well and usually have already recognized my mistakes. It's important to be able to accept that you make mistakes that's the only way you learn from them"

Bianca: " What would it mean to you to win a Melbourne Cup? Do you think it would mean more if you won a horse for your Godfather Mr Lloyd Williams or is it simply 'a win is a win' "?

Nic: " I'll take any win in a Melbourne Cup, but I suppose there is some connection with Lloyd and the whole family. It would be an added mix of emotions I believe. They say it changes your life but I plan on being able to tell you within the next 10 years"

Bianca: " Do you have any advice for someone who want to be a Melbourne Cup jockey?"

Nic: " Patience".

I would like to thank Nicholas Hall for his time in assisting myself, Rebecca and Michelle for our Melbourne Cup Blog. We wish him all the success in the future and hope he can with "the big one" soon!

Nicholas Hall aboard Star Witness winner of The Blue Diamond 2009

Nicholas Hall focused on the 2009 Melbourne Cup

Celebrating in Style - The Facilities

Mmmmm  can you smell the roses? Set on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington racecourse is home to the Melbourne cup and is well known for its wide lawns and thousands of roses that turn out in full bloom for the carnival.

The enormous crowds that flock to Flemington racecourse for The Melbourne Cup celebration create an atmosphere of fun and excitement that is unique to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Corporate Marquees, restaurants, the member’s car park, grandstands and public lawn all come alive with friends, colleagues, fashion, entertainment & racing. 

Whether it be a picnic that you have packed yourself on the public lawn, sitting in the members stand  or mingling with the rich and famous in a fully catered marquee, Flemington racecourse plays host to around 120,000 people on Melbourne Cup Day and cater to all tastes and budgets.

The Corporate World spends millions of dollars wining, dining and schmoosing their clients during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Sponsoring their own private marquees, multi-national conglomerates such as Emirates, Lexus, Saab, Lavazza & Longlines set up in The Birdcage Enclosure, the place to see and be seen and home to the fashionable elite. They provide for their VIP’s extravagant food, beverages, furnishings & entertainment from Swarovski crystal chandeliers; Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pianists, diamante studded upholstered walls, DJ’s and concierge services. Each of these marquees has their own distinct theme, some of which are three stories high and all provide a ‘playground’ for celebrities and the rich and famous.

Other enclosures set up for corporate entertaining include:

• ·         Winning Post Enclosure – corporate hospitality Precinct – 3 levelled private marquees with capacity for  40- 70 people.

• ·         Trackside Enclosure – the most highly sort after corporate hospitality experience with 60-70 people capacity including private balconies.

• ·         The Birdcage – Corporate Hospitality – only available to VRC Sponsors – private customised birdcage marquee 40-200 people capacity, pre-packaged sponsor chalets 40-80 people capacity, and syndicated marquee options.

• ·         Hill Stand Corporate Suites – located on the first level of the Hill Stand with small suites for 6-10 people and large suites for 18-24 peopl.e

• ·         Archer Marquee – set in the Hill Enclosure, tables of 10-12 includes private tote facilities

• ·         Makybe Diva Marquee – located in the Hill Enclosure overlooking the home straight tables catering for 10-12 people.

• ·         Champions Dining Marquee – in the Elms District has an alfresco atmosphere with outdoor paved area, tables for 10-12.

• ·         International Lounge – positioned above the horse stalls with an alfresco atmosphere

• ·        Lawn Stand Boxes – situated on the tiers of the upper lawn stand accommodate 6 guests.

• ·         Carbine Marquee – on the banks of the Maribyrnong River at the western end of the racecourse, has a courtyard with access to bookmaker & tote facilities.              

• ·         Riverside – at the Western end of the racecourse mini marquees for exclusive use or to share with a central courtyard.

Flemington racecourse also offers a choice of restaurants that will delight even the most astute of tastebuds. Pre-booking of tables in groups of 6, 8, 10 and 12 is required, some offer views over the race course, individual television screens and direct access to bookmakers.    

• ·         Skyline Restaurant – located on level 3 of the Hill Stand opposite the winning post has tables for groups of 10-12.

• ·         Panorama Restaurant – located on level 3 of the Hill stand with tables for 6-8 people.

• ·         The Terrace Restaurant – this tiered restaurant is for members only with individual television screens on each table.    

• ·         Saintly Place Restaurant – located in the Flemington Racecourse Tabernet behind the Hill Stand with tables for groups of 10.

The Grandstand completed in 2000 at a cost of $41 million dollars has around 6900 viewing seats has five tiers, state-of-the-art betting lounge and a member's level with a unique glazed atrium space with spectacular trackside views. It is joined on one side by The Hill Stand which provides an excellent view of the winning post and on the other side by the Historic Members Stand.   

Other places to enjoy the festivities include:

• ·        The Banks @ Ascot – outdoor alfresco setting with two super-screens and entertainment area creates a party atmosphere for revellers, this area is located behind the stands.

• ·         The Nursery Enclosure – available to members only it consists of standard Car Sites and Super Sites and includes amenities, tote facilities and a Super Screen to watch all the action.

• ·         Loreal Paris Powder Room – a place to embrace glamour and style. This purpose built marquee supplies essential touch-up for the lips, the nails, or the hair and  has become an essential part of the race day experience.

• ·         The betting ring, bookmakers, tote facilities all enable punters to test their luck on the richest race in Australia.  

Whilst admission to most areas of the racecourse require membership or VIP passes to corporate marquees there is still an abundance of space for the general public to frolic and soak up the excitement and celebration that is the race that stops a nation - The Melbourne Cup. 

What Would It Be Without The Sponsors?

The Melbourne Cup,is Australia's premier sporting event and attracts attendance of approximately 100,000 people each year.

Flemington ensures that any entertaining needs can be accommodated with the impressive on-course facilities and diverse hospitality options available. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is regarded as one of the 'must-attend' events on the Australian corporate calendar.Sponsorship at Flemington offers unique experiential branding opportunities and targeted communication channels. “Recently rated as Australia's most popular sporting event in a study by Sweeney & Associates, the Melbourne Cup Carnival now transcends traditional sporting events as a unique combination of sport, fashion, entertainment, hospitality

and business.” [www.vrc.com.au]

The Melbourne Cup Carnival hosts impressive network of associations with companies participating in sponsorship and corporate hospitality including:-

• Emirates – The Sponsor of the “Big Race”

•  AAMI – The Sponsors of The Derby

•  Crown,

• Lion Nathan,

• Myer - Main sponsor of  Fashions on the Field,

• Lexus – Sponsorship includes a race and also supplies prises for winners of mens and ladies Fashions on   the Field ( Ladies win a brand new Lexus & Men win a 12month lease of brand new Lexus)

• Yellowglen ,

• Schweppes,

•  Diageo,

• Longines,

• Lavazza and

•  Channel 7 – Exclusive Television rights that include the right to be the only station to broadcast the race live besides Sky Channel.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the ideal event for corporate entertaining and exposure. Few events worldwide have attendances and media coverage of such high

calibre. The Carnival's relaxed social atmosphere and spaced racing program creates the perfect environment for business networking.

A race sponsorship package during the Melbourne Cup Carnival includes:-

• Race naming rights

• Trophy presentation,

• Advertising exposure

• Media coverage,

• Sponsor signage and various other branded items on course

• Executive privileges and

• corporate hospitality.

To become a sponsor for a Melbourne Cup Day Race the pricing starts from $100,000+ GST, prices are subject to the rating of the race i.e. Listed, Group 3, Group 2 or Group 1 (being lowest to highest) and the amount of prizemoney/prizes required to be of standard.