The 2021 Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is held every year at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. The race is run over a distance of 3,200 metres and features a field of 24 horses competing for the first-place prize of $4 million. The race is the highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a week-long series of events, including the Victoria Derby, Crown Oaks, and Emirates Stakes. In 2021, the Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday, November 2.
History of the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia’s oldest horse racing events, having been first run in 1861. Since then, the race has become a beloved Australian tradition and is now known as ‘the race that stops a nation’. The Cup has attracted some of the world’s best horses, jockeys, and trainers and is regarded as one of the most prestigious races in the world.
How Many Horses Run in the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is a handicap race, which means that horses are allocated weights based on their performance in previous races. The number of horses that can compete in the race is limited to 24, and the final field is determined by the Melbourne Cup barrier draw. The barrier draw is used to determine the order in which the horses will start from the barrier stalls.
Qualifying Criteria for the Melbourne Cup
In order to qualify for the Melbourne Cup, horses must meet a number of criteria. Horses must be at least three years old, must have won at least one race in the previous season, and must carry a weight of at least 48 kilograms. In addition, horses must have been nominated for the race by October 1 and must have been accepted into the race by October 31.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup Field
The 2021 Melbourne Cup field will consist of 24 horses, all of which must meet the criteria outlined above. The field will be made up of the top-rated horses from the previous season, as well as those nominated by their owners. The 2021 Melbourne Cup field includes: Verry Elleegant, Anthony Van Dyck, Tiger Moth, Master of Reality, Lord Belvedere, Stratum Albion, Russian Camelot, Twilight Payment, Surprise Baby, Prince of Arran, Finche, Young Rascal, Mirage Dancer, Steel Prince, Verry Elleegant, Anthony Van Dyck, Tiger Moth, Master of Reality, Lord Belvedere, Stratum Albion, Russian Camelot, Twilight Payment, Surprise Baby, Prince of Arran, Finche, and Young Rascal.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup Prize Money
The total prize money for the 2021 Melbourne Cup is $8 million, with the first-place winner receiving $4 million. The prize money for the remaining places is as follows:
- Second place: $1 million
- Third place: $500,000
- Fourth place: $250,000
- Fifth place: $150,000
- Sixth place: $100,000
- Seventh place: $50,000
- Eighth place: $25,000
- Ninth place: $10,000
- Tenth place: $5,000
The 2021 Melbourne Cup Odds
The 2021 Melbourne Cup odds are released closer to the race date and are determined by the performance of each horse in the lead-up races. The current favourite for the 2021 Melbourne Cup is Verry Elleegant, who is paying odds of $4.50. Other horses in the top five include Anthony Van Dyck ($5.00), Tiger Moth ($7.00), Master of Reality ($8.00), and Lord Belvedere ($10.00).
Tips for Betting on the Melbourne Cup
Betting on the Melbourne Cup can be a fun and exciting way to get involved in the race. However, it is important to remember that betting on the Melbourne Cup is a high-risk activity and should not be undertaken lightly. Here are a few tips to help you bet on the Melbourne Cup:
- Do your research: Before placing a bet, be sure to research each horse in the field and their recent form. This will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a horse.
- Set a budget: It is important to set a budget and stick to it. Betting on the Melbourne Cup can be a fun activity, but it is important to remember that it is also a form of gambling and should not be done recklessly.
- Spread your bets: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your bets across a few different horses to increase your chances of winning.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup Race Day
The 2021 Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday, November 2 at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. The gates will open at 10am and the first race will start at 11am. The Melbourne Cup race will start at 3pm and will be broadcast live on television and radio.
Conclusion
The 2021 Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is a beloved Australian tradition. The race will feature a field of 24 horses competing for the first-place prize of $4 million. In order to qualify for the race, horses must meet a number of criteria, including being at least three years old and having won at least one race in the previous season. The 2021 Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday, November 2 at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.
If you’re looking to get involved in the 2021 Melbourne Cup, be sure to do your research, set a budget and spread your bets. Good luck!