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Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams, a thrilling virtual race pitting 24 past champions of the Cup.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC), Network 10 and Inspired Entertainment are delighted to announce the first ever running of Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams, a thrilling virtual race pitting 24 past champions of the Cup against each other.

To celebrate 160 years of Australia's greatest race, a panel of experts including VRC Ambassador Gai Waterhouse and legendary race caller Greg Miles, the voice of 36 Melbourne Cups, will select the final field from more than a hundred equine stars who have etched their name into the Lexus Melbourne Cup's storied history.

Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams will be shown live across Australia on Network 10 and streamed on 10 Play on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 3 November.

Iconic gallopers such as Carbine, Phar Lap, Might and Power and Makybe Diva are certain to feature in the spectacular race that will decide the ultimate Cup champion.

Inspired Entertainment, using their advanced technology, will create a computer-simulated virtual race at a CGI representation of Flemington Racecourse which will feature 24 past Cup winners.  Data algorithms including historical handicapping information about each horse will be used to determine the finishing position of the runners.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the virtual race will unite and excite Australians in the lead up to the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

"Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams will reignite time-old debates about Australia's greatest stayer – who would triumph in a race between the mighty Phar Lap and Carbine? Would Might And Power lead a race from start to finish over Rising Fast? Could Makybe Diva add a fourth Lexus Melbourne Cup to her trophy case in a field crowded with superstars, fifteen years after her last crown?

"It is really exciting and I will make my selection once the field is finalised.

"We want everyone to embrace the concept, whether that be running a traditional Cup Day sweep with family and friends for the virtual race, or posting who you think will win on social media tagging @FlemingtonVRC, which will ensure bragging rights are yours should your tip take out the Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams.

"Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams is just one of the innovative ways the VRC will enhance its off-course engagement in 2020, creating a virtual experience that will rival traditional on-course events. We want everyone to know that wherever they are, they have a ticket to the celebrations."

Inspired Entertainment is a world leader in game content and technology, operating in 35 countries across the globe.

Inspired Entertainment Chief Commercial Officer for Virtual Sports, Steve Rogers said they were thrilled to work with the VRC and its media partners to create the unforgettable race.

"The Lexus Melbourne Cup is one of the world's greatest horse races, and its winners include a roll call of some of the sport's biggest icons. We could not be more excited about working with the VRC and its media partners to create this celebration of Australian racing history," said Rogers. 

"Bringing 24 of those icons back to the turf is every racing fan's dream come true. It's an honour to have this role in Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, and we can't wait to show Australia the quality of our state-of-art virtual sports."   

Network 10's Director of Sport Production, Adam Cush said the race will add another dimension to the outstanding broadcast of Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

"The Melbourne Cup Carnival is known for producing memorable sporting moments and in the 160th year of the race that stops a nation, Network 10 is pleased to be able to broadcast the much anticipated contest between 24 Cup champions into homes across Australia," Cush said. 

"In a year like no other, Network 10 looks forward to delivering an incredible broadcast for the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival with Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams sure to be a highlight."

Punters will not be able to place a bet on the 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup The Race of Dreams.

The 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with AAMI Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 31 October 2020 followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 5 November and Seppelt Wines Stakes Day on Saturday 7 November. You will be able to watch all of the action from Cup Week on Network 10 and 10 Play.

Network 10 is the exclusive broadcast partner of the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival with all races live and free on 10 and streamed on 10 Play.