It’s official – the Cup is going on tour and hitting the road in preparation for the 150th running of the world’s greatest two-miler. Damien Oliver and a host of other racing legends farewelled the $150,000 trophy from Flemington Racecourse this morning.
VRC deputy chief executive Sue Lloyd-Williams said that the 2010 edition of the Melbourne Cup will be the biggest sporting and social event in the city’s history.
The 2010 trophy, which was crafted from 18-carat gold by Hardy Brothers Jewellers, is patterned after the super-sized 1930 version, which was won by incomparable Phar Lap. The newly minted chalice will travel to 10 international destinations before returning to Australia in August for a 32-city tour.
Oliver, winner of the 2002 Melbourne Cup on Media Puzzle and the 1995 Melbourne Cup on Doriemus, will escort the three-handled loving cup to Japan on its first overseas voyage. Additional destinations include Dublin, London, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dubai and Auckland.
I’ll have the pleasure of welcoming the Cup to Los Angeles next week. Wendy Hills, the vivacious and lovely owner of 1999 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh, will shepherd the trophy to the Beverly Hills Hotel where she will no doubt regale my fellow Americans with the amazing story of her celebrated victory.
Other racing legends to be involved in the massive campaign include 12-time Cup winner Bart Cummings, Wendy Green, David Hayes, Lee Freedman, Glen Boss, Sheila Laxon, Roy Higgins, John Letts, John Marshall, and Bob Skelton.
