Tuesday 5 November 2013 marks the 153rd time the 3,200-metre Melbourne Cup will stop a nation. Shortly after 3pm at Flemington Racecourse, up to 24 horses will jump the barriers, pass the post for the first time, circle the imposing track and then turn for home with eternal glory glinting in their equine eyes.
That’s 3pm in Victoria, New South Wales (excluding Broken Hill), Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The race starts at 2:30pm in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill; 2pm in Queensland; and 12 midday in Western Australia.
The day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne, though not all of Victoria, so businesses with urgent commerce with Melbourne-based enterprises should conduct this before close of business Monday 4 November 2013.
While the rest of country is expected at work on Cup Day, the Melbourne Cup is not called the race that stops a nation because of its inability to stop a nation — much of the country shuts down for lunches and functions in the afternoon, so it is best not to expect too much business to take place in the hour leading up to the race and the entire afternoon following it.
Coverage of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is in standard definition on Channel Seven and its affiliates from 10am local time. There is no high definition broadcast of the race.
TV and home entertainment suppliers are constantly reinforcing the fantastic sports-watching experience available on new panels; the Melbourne Cup provides a great opportunity to showcase this, so retailers are encouraged to tune all the TVs in store to Channel Seven for the race.
The naming rights sponsor of the Melbourne Cup is Emirates. Look out for TCL signage at the track — the Chinese brand is a long-time supporter of the Carnival — while portioned coffee brand Lavazza is entertaining guests at its marquee in the Birdcage.
The Melbourne Cup’s TAB betting code is MR7. It is the first leg of Quaddie and the Daily Double, and the third leg of the BIG6.
Patrick’s Tips:
- 8 Dandino
- 22 Dear Demi
- 2 Green Moon
- 5 Brown Panther
Patrick’s Melbourne Cup Tipping Record:
- 2008: Honolulu (21st)
- 2009: Shocking (winner)
- 2010: Monaco Consul (14th)
- 2011: Niwot (8th)
- 2012: Galileo’s Choice (20th)