AUSTRALIA’S most revered drinking vessel was touring Launceston on Wednesday, as hype builds around the upcoming Melbourne Cup.
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The trophy was a star attraction at the Mowbray racecourse for the launch of the Launceston Racing Club’s night season.
Racing stalwart of 30 years and Melbourne Cup and tour ambassador Des Gleeson said the $175,000, 18-carat gold cup had already been admired by thousands of people during its 2015 national tour.
‘‘It’s been the length and breadth of Australia – from Albany to Darwin, North Queensland, now Tasmania,’’ Mr Gleeson said.
‘‘It’s also been the length and breadth of New Zealand as well.
‘‘Everybody everywhere we’ve been to, no matter where they are from, has recognised this famous trophy.
‘‘Certainly [the Melbourne Cup] is the most recognised race in Australia, it’s now the number-one handicap race in the world with $6 million in prizemoney.’’
Mr Gleeson is also a TasRacing director and said the state had a proud history with ‘‘the race that stops the nation’’.
‘‘I love Tasmanian racing, it’s heading in the right direction,’’ he said.
‘‘Tasmania has had such a wonderful history over the years, with Melbourne Cup winners dating back to the 1800s.’’
Three Cup winners – Malua (1884), Sheet Anchor (1885) and Piping Lane (1972) – have come from Tasmania.
This year’s Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, November 3.
