1861day.year
The first Melbourne Cup horse race is held in Melbourne, Australia.
In 1861, the inaugural Melbourne Cup, Australia’s famed two-mile horse race, is held in Melbourne.
The first Melbourne Cup took place on November 7, 1861, at the Flemington Racecourse.
Conceived by the Victoria Turf Club, it was a two-mile handicap race open to horses three years old and above.
The winner, Archer, secured victory under thick fog amid enthusiastic crowds.
Quickly dubbed 'the race that stops a nation,' it became Australia’s most prestigious racing event.
The Melbourne Cup grew into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fashion, festivities, and an annual public holiday.
Melbourne Cup
Melbourne
Australia