Australian Cup

See the 2024 Australian Cup Preview and results.

See the 2023 Australian Cup Preview and results.

See the 2022 Australian Cup Preview and results.

See the 2021 Australian Cup Preview and results.

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 metres. From 1943 to 1962 it was shortened to 17 furlongs and 110 yards or about 3500 metres. In 1963 the length was cut back to two miles or 3200 metres and since 1964 it has been contested over 10 furlongs or about 2000m.

In 2022 Duais, a four-year-old trained by Edward Cummings won. She was the first mare to win since Makybe Diva won as a 6YO in 2005. The last 4YO mare to win before her was Dane Ripper in 1998 who was trained by Bart Cummings (Edwards grandfather). Bart also won with 4YO mares Let’s Elope and Leilani and in total won this race 12 times.

Last mare to win: Makybe Diva (2005)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Super Cool (2013); Filly – none since it was run over 2000m

Multiple winners: Cascadian (2023 & 2024); Harlem (2018 & 2019); Northerly (2001 & 2003); Vo Rogue (1989 & 1990); Ming Dynasty (1978 & 1980); Craftsman (1965 & 1966); Welkin ( 1962 & 1963); Woodman (1865 & 1866).

Fastest time (2000m): Makybe Diva (2005) 1:58:73

Interesting trivia: In 1969 Yootha and Cyron dead-heated for first. In 1912 Prizefighter and Saxonite dead-heated for first.

In 2014 Fiorente and Green Moon became the first two Melbourne Cup winners to quinella a race since 1873. Trainer Bart Cummings won this race 13 times with the first win on 1968 and the last in 2008. Let’s Elope won in 1992, Durbridge in 1994 and Dane Ripper in 1998.

Jockey Darren Beadman has ridden three Australian Cup champions, Let’s Elope in 1992, Saintly in 1996 and Lonhro in 2004. When Makybe Diva won in 2005 she set the race record time of 1:58:73 which beat the previous record set by Northerly who won in 2003 and 2001. Other winners include Istidaad, 1999; Dane Ripper, 1998; Octagonal, 1997; Starstruck, 1995; Durbridge, 1994; Veandercross, 1993; Better Loosen Up, 1991 and Vo Rogue, 1990 and 1989.

From the archives:

Australian Cup Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Good    Weather: Fine

There will be 12 starters for the $1.5 million 2018 Australian Cup and six of them had their last start in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes. The favourite is Gailo Chop who won the Peter Young by 1.25 lengths. Second favourite is 2016 Melbourne Cup winner Almandin who resumed for a close 2nd in the Mornington Cup Prelude. Third favourite is The Taj Mahal who hasn’t started since his 3.5 length win in the Group 2 Zipping Classic last November.

Hartnell was 3rd in the Peter Young after an impressive first-up win in the Orr Stakes, while Single Gaze was 2nd in both of those races. Homesman held on to win the Mornington Cup Prelude first-up. Devise is a talented New Zealand mare who won the Group 1 Haunui Farm over 1600m last start. The other runners are currently at 20 to 1 or longer, including Japanese horse Ambitious who is having his first Australian start here.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.