The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race, held annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. It is a handicap race over 3200 meters, and is the richest horse race in Australia. The Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861, and has attracted some of the world’s greatest horses, jockeys and trainers over the years.
The Grey Horse in Australian Racing
Grey horses have been a part of the Australian racing scene since the early 1800s. Grey horses have been popular in Australia for many reasons, including their unique colour, their athleticism and their durability. They are considered to be intelligent, strong and reliable horses, making them ideal for racing.
Grey Horses and the Melbourne Cup
While grey horses have been a part of the Melbourne Cup since its inception in 1861, none have ever won the coveted race. Grey horses have placed second on five occasions, most recently in 2019 when Cross Counter finished second to Vow and Declare.
Notable Grey Horses in the Melbourne Cup
Over the years, there have been a number of notable grey horses that have contested the Melbourne Cup. These include:
- Rostropovich, who placed second in 2018
- Hartnell, who placed third in 2016 and 2017
- Red Cadeaux, who placed second in 2011 and third in 2014
- Makybe Diva, who placed third in 2006
- Grey Lightning, who placed third in 2003
Grey Horses and Other Major Races
While no grey horse has ever won the Melbourne Cup, grey horses have had success in other major Australian races. In 2017, Gailo Chop won the Group 1 Australian Cup, and in 2016, Grey Lion won the Group 1 Caulfield Cup.
Grey Horses Around the World
Grey horses have also had success in major races around the world. Arcadio won the 2004 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the world’s most prestigious race, while Grey Swallow won the 2005 Irish Derby.
Notable Grey Horses of the Past
Grey horses have a long history in Australian racing, and some of the most notable grey horses of the past include:
- Archer, the first Melbourne Cup winner in 1861
- Carbine, the winner of the 1890 Melbourne Cup
- Manyung, the winner of the Melbourne Cup in 1906
- Windbag, the winner of the 1927 Melbourne Cup
- Beau Vite, the winner of the 1942 Melbourne Cup
Conclusion
While a grey horse has never won the Melbourne Cup, grey horses have had success in other major races in Australia and around the world. Grey horses have been a part of the Australian racing scene for many years, and it is only a matter of time before one of these magnificent creatures takes out the coveted Melbourne Cup.