Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour 2019.
Applications to host the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour have officially opened, and towns, cities and communities around the world are invited to be part of the journey.
Now in its 17th year, the Tour has travelled more than 600,000 kilometres and visited more than 450 destinations, providing communities with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Last year the $200,000 trophy travelled to a record 37 destinations across five countries, including first time locations South Korea, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said the Tour is a wonderful opportunity for towns to unite together and celebrate an Australian cultural icon.
“The VRC established the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to share the magic of the Melbourne Cup with everyone, including Australians living in remote locations without easy geographical access to Flemington,” Mr Wilson said.
“In 2018 the Cup travelled to a record number of destinations and we want to ensure that as many communities as possible can share in the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup this year.”
Mission Beach local Brian Bywater, who successfully applied to host the 2018 Cup Tour on behalf of his community, said welcoming the iconic trophy to town was an unforgettable experience.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visiting Mission Beach ranks as my number one highlight for 2018. It brought the whole community together and it will be hard to top this year or in any other year,” Mr Bywater said.
“Taking the Cup to the Great Barrier Reef was also a special moment. Bringing together two of Australia’s icons was unforgettable and I would encourage towns to get their applications in to host the Tour.”
Once selected, each destination will be supported by the VRC to plan and host a range of memorable community events during the Cup’s visit.
A stable of racing legends will accompany the Cup as Tour Ambassadors and share their unforgettable Melbourne Cup moments.
Applications can be made online at MelbourneCupTour.com.au up until Friday 5 April.
Successful 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour submissions will be announced in June, with the Tour officially commencing its journey in July.
The 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday 2 November with AAMI Victoria Derby Day, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 5 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 7 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday 9 November.
