Melbourne Cup Trophy - A Crowning Glory
The Melbourne Cup trophy is one of the most iconic pieces of silverware to be given as a prize in any sport, let alone racing. The three-handled trophy is awarded to the winning owners of the Melbourne Cup horse, while there are also trophies given to the winning horse’s jockey, trainer and strapper, and from 2024, a trophy for the horse in the form of a finely crafted headcollar. We dive into the history of the Melbourne Cup trophy as well as its value and worth to the Australian public.
Melbourne Cup Trophy History
The Cup, known as the ‘Loving Cup’ has changed a lot from its original design, but it has remained in its current shape since 1919. The first ever Melbourne Cup was won by Archer in 1861, and the winning owners received £710 and a gold watch. It wasn’t until 1865 that the first Melbourne Cup trophy was awarded, and the trophy was a two-handled piece, adorned with a horse and jockey, sitting atop a silver platter.
The owner of the Cup labelled it a “monstrosity” and sold it to the Flemington Hunt Club who rebranded the first ever Melbourne Cup trophy as a trophy for their annual cup.
Originally, the Melbourne Cup trophy was made in England and sent to Australia for the race, but in 1867, Victorian-based jewellers protested this and suggested a locally made trophy would be more fitting for an Australian race. Instead of awarding the contract to local jewellers, the Melbourne Cup committee did not issue a trophy for the next eight years.
For 58 years, the Melbourne Cup trophy had been created in a new design each year.
The last Melbourne Cup trophy manufactured in England was produced in 1914, and in 1919, the Victorian Racing Club (VRC) commissioned James Steeth to design the three-handled Cup, a design that is still used today.
Why the Melbourne Cup Trophy Has Three Handles
The purpose of the Melbourne Cup trophy having three handles, is to signify the relationship between horse, jockey and trainer. This is also where the nickname ‘Loving Cup’ comes from.
Who Wins the Melbourne Cup Trophy?
There are six trophies awarded to winning connections, who also receive a share in the Melbourne Cup prizemoney on Cup Day. This takes place after the race during a presentation ceremony at Flemington Racecourse. See below for a rundown of each trophy:
Owner
The main trophy is a hand crafted 18-carat gold masterpiece and is valued at $750,000. There are 44 individual pieces that are meticulously welded over approximately 250 hours. The gold is sourced from Queensland, and the Jarrah wood base is sourced from Western Australia, signifying the national importance of the Melbourne Cup and its trophy.
Trainer & Jockey
Both the trainer and jockey receive their own 2/3 scale replica of the Melbourne Cup trophy. The jockey also receives two whips; one called the Wirths’ Whip which has been a long-standing tradition, and another called the Harry White Whip which has been awarded since 2015.
Strapper
The strapper or groomer of the horse, receives a half sized trophy as a reward for their tireless effort in caring for the horse. The trophy awarded to the strapper is known as the Tommy Woodcock, which is named in honour of Phar Lap’s strapper.
Horse
As of 2024, a hand crafted headcollar made from English leather with polished brass accents is awarded to the Melbourne Cup winning horse. There is a gold plate either side of the headcollar, with one side reading ‘(Year) Lexus Melbourne Cup’ and the other side being engraved with the horse’s name.
Breeder
Another half sized replica is awarded to the breeder of the Melbourne Cup winning horse.
How Much is the Melbourne Cup Trophy Worth?
| Trophy to | Trophy Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Melbourne Cup | $750,000 |
| Trainer | 2/3 scale replica | $10,000 |
| Jockey | 1/2 scale replica | $5,000 |
| Strapper | 1/2 scale replica | $5,000 |
| Breeder | 1/2 scale replica | $5,000 |
| Horse | Head Collar | $5,000 |
Melbourne Cup Trophy Tour
The Melbourne Cup tour started in 2003, taking the Cup to each corner of Australia while raising money for charities along the way.
In 2024, the Melbourne Cup toured six different countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA, England and Ireland.
As of 2024, the Melbourne Cup has travelled more than one million kilometers and visited 640 destinations, including schools, hospitals, aged care facilities and community events.
For more information about the Melbourne Cup, including the latest Melbourne Cup predictions, Blackbook.com.au has you covered.
