New Zealanders invited to share in Lexus Melbourne Cup magic

Applications now open to host the 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

Australia’s most iconic trophy, the Lexus Melbourne Cup, will this year embark on its sixteenth annual Tour, and towns, cities and communities, and organisations around New Zealand are now invited to be part of its journey.

With the Cup having travelled more than half-a-million kilometres on Tour, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is now seeking bold, unique, and imaginative submissions from people and organisations which want to showcase the magic of the Cup in their community or at their event.

For the first time ever, organisations will have the chance to submit creative videos as part of their application with the best videos to be profiled across VRC platforms.

In 2017, the NZ$216,000 18 carat gold trophy travelled across New Zealand making stops in Auckland, Christchurch, Stratford, Matamata and Cambridge.

Last year’s Tour of New Zealand was highlighted by a visit to the world famous Hobbiton, a trip to Rich Hill Stud – the birthplace of 2015 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance – and a meet and greet with star Silver Fern netballer Maria Tutaia.

VRC Chief Executive Neil Wilson said the 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will be more ambitious than ever.

“Over the past 15 years, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has travelled to an incredibly diverse array of communities across Australia and New Zealand, and indeed the world, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many to experience the Cup up close,” Mr Wilson said.

“This year we are encouraging innovative and creative applications that seek to create memorable events while showcasing our iconic trophy.”

Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassadors and heroes of the sport will join in the 2018 journey, as they recall unforgettable moments of the Melbourne Cup and recount their best memories of ‘the race that stops a nation’™.

While the winner of the first Melbourne Cup in 1861 received a gold watch, today’s three handled ‘loving cup’ is made by ABC Bullion from 44 pieces of hand-beaten gold sourced from Mt Rawdon in Queensland – the first time the gold has come from this mine.

Successful 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour submissions will be announced in June, while the Tour itself will commence in July.

Applications can be made online at MelbourneCupTour.com.au up until applications close on Monday 9 April.

Further information on the application process can be found at MelbourneCupTour.com.au

The 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday 3 November with AAMI Victoria Derby Day, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 6 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 8 November and VRC Stakes Day on Saturday 10 November.

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