Melbourne Cup is the most celebrated much-loved, and well-known horse race in the Australian racing calendar. Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861. The racehorse Archer won the cup in 1861 and 1862. It was run over the distance of two miles (3,219-metre) but later the metric system was used in Australia since then the race was decreased to 3,200-metre. The race can take approximately between 3 to 4 mins.
It is the most significant thoroughbred race ran by the Victoria Racing Club and held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria on the first Tuesday in November on the same day every year. The race is broadcast on radio and television. Residents in Melbourne have a public holiday for the race. On that day, the cup itself is a major part of the entertainment, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed woman and man.