By Zoe Melbourne Cup

What was the winner of the 1861 Melbourne Cup awarded? The winner of the first Melbourne Cup in 1861 was awarded a gold watch.

Why is the Melbourne cup called, “the race that stops the nation”? It’s called the race that stops the nation, because everyone in the nation stops to watch the race.

Find out about the 1866 Melbourne Cup trophy. In the 1866 Melbourne Cup is there for the most earliest known Melbourne Cup, that will remain until in its original state. It was made out of silver and gold leaf.

What can you find out about the Phar lap? He was bought $300 and brought to Australia from New Zealand.

What interesting facts can you find out about the Melbourne Cup. In 1875, the Cup was run on a Tuesday for the very first time. The only special horses has got over 1 cup. Phar Lap's heart was only 6.2kg.  The horse heart weighed 3.2 kg. Jockeys in Victoria have really bad blood-alcohol readings under 0.02! The first winner ever was Archer, it has h walked from Sydney to Melbourne in 1861!