The Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, hosts the 2000m cup race for thoroughbred horses every March. Prize money in 2006 when Roman Arch, ridden by Craig Newitt and trained by Robbie Laing, won was $1 million.
Race Type: Group 1
Distance: 2000m
Track: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
The Australian Cup is a weight for age race, which means the weight carried by the horse varies depending on the horse’s age, its sex, the race distance and the month of the year.
The Australian Cup has seen a lot of changes since the race was first contested in 1863. Over the years the length of the race has varied. From 1863 to 1942 the Australian Cup was run over 18 furlongs, which is approximately 3600 meters. From 1943 to 1962 it was shortened to 17 furlongs and 110 yards or about 3500 meters. In 1963 the length was cut back to two miles or 3200 meters and since 1964 it has been contested over 10 furlongs or about 2000m.
Makybe Diva won in 2005 in record time of 1.58.73, which eclipsed the previous best held by Northerly. Makybe Diva’s jockey was Glen Boss and Lee Freedman was the trainer.
Trainer Bart Cummings has seen three of his horses win the cup in the last 15 years. Let’s Elope won in 1992, Durbridge in 1994 and Dane Ripper in 1998.
John Hawkes and Freedman both have had two winners in that stretch.
Jockey Darren Beadman has ridden three Australian Cup champions, Let’s Elope in 1992, Saintly in 1996 and Lonhro in 2004.
Other recent winners were Northerly, 2003 and 2001; Old Comnrade, 2002; Intergaze, 2000; Istidaad, 1999; Dane Ripper, 1998; Octagonal, 1997; Starstruck, 1995; Durbridge, 1994; Veandercross, 1993; Better Loosen Up, 1991; and
Vo Rogue, 1990 and 1989.
Past winners of the Australian Cup:
| 2009 – Niconero 2008 – Sirmione 2007 – Pompeii Ruler 2006 – Roman Arch 2005 – Makybe Diva 2004 – Lonhro 2003 – Northerly |
2002 – Old Comnrade 2001 – Northerly 2000 – Intergaze 1999 – Istidaad 1998 – Dane Ripper 1997 – Octagonal 1996 – Saintly |
Latest Horse Racing Odds – 2010 Australian Cup Racing Odds
