Melbourne Cup Carnival Just Keeps Getting Better
Organisers have recently published economic data from the 2017 Melbourne Cup, and reported that the event generated record breaking revenues for the state of Victoria. And as Australia’s premier horse racing event garners ever increasing global attention, all the indicators suggest that the numbers will keep getting higher.
Value added contribution
Amanda Elliott is Chairman of the Victoria Racing Club, and reported total revenue had increased from $360 million in 2013 to almost $445 million last year. An increase of 23 percent in just four years. Of critical importance, is what she termed “value added contribution” – this is the money generated by race fans from outside the state of Victoria, either elsewhere in Australia or from overseas.
More than 82,000 out of state visitors attended the festival itself, with a huge increase of international attendees from Europe, Asia and North America. But even this paled into insignificance compared with the number of horse racing fanatics who watched and wagered online. The event was broadcast on TV in 163 territories, and reached a remarkable 1.6 million global viewers via live streams.
Betting on 2018’s winner already underway
Such is the enthusiasm for the Melbourne Cup that punters and bookmakers have already started to discuss the betting odds for 2018, despite the event being some nine months away. This is almost unheard of in a sport where form and fitness can change so quickly. However, Australian horse racing site Bettingpro.com.au has posted some early Melbourne cup tips, and there are certainly opportunities for brave gamblers to get some tempting odds.
Their top tip is that last year’s winner, the hugely impressive four year old Rekindling, is an early favourite to win again. The ante-post odds of 20/1 will certainly shorten by the month provided Rekindling remains fit and keeps winning, and many gamblers will feel it is worth putting some money down now.
Unsurprisingly, the other horse attracting attention is Johannes Vermeer, which came so close to victory last year.
Looking forward to 2018
The 2018 event will take place over four days in November 2018, with the Melbourne Cup itself on Tuesday 06 November. The excitement starts on 01 November with Victoria Derby Day, featuring nine races including the feature grade one race, the Victoria Derby.
On 06 November, the crowds and international TV audiences will assemble for Gold Cup day, then two days later it is Oaks Day. The event reaches its conclusion on Saturday 10 November with Stakes Day, featuring the $2 million Emirates Stakes.
The carnival is not just about the races, however. Trackside, there is enough going on to keep everyone entertained, even if they have little interest in horses or gambling. The whole week is a spectacle of top entertainment, glamour and fashion, where everyday visitors rub shoulders with the rich and famous. It is all set in the majestic splendour of Flemington Race Course, the top horse racing venue in Australia and an Australian National Heritage site.
Whether you make the trip in person or watch the action online, this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival is not to be missed.
