The Melbourne Cup is still happening at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, but the effects of coronavirus restrictions means this year’s edition will not look like it has done for the past 160 years.
Find out everything you need to know ahead of the big race.
What time does the Melbourne Cup start?
The so-called “race that stops the nation” is scheduled for 3:00pm AEDT — that’s Melbourne time, and also for those in New South Wales, ACT and Tasmania.
If you’re in Queensland, the race will start at 2:00pm AEST, or in South Australia, at 2:30pm ACDT. In the Northern Territory, it will be 1:30pm ACST, and in Western Australia it will be 12:00pm AWST.
What’s different this year?
In short, despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, you can’t go to Flemington for the Cup.
Unless you are a jockey or strapper, or working at Flemington for the big day, you will not be allowed to be at the racecourse on Tuesday.
It’s not just punters that are banned from Cup day, even connections (owners) of the horses running will not be there.
The other big Cup tradition — the Melbourne Cup parade the day before the race — is also off until next year.
How do I watch it?
If you want to watch the race, it will be broadcast on Channel Ten, who have acquired the rights to this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Their broadcast will start at 10am AEDT and finish at 5:30pm (AEDT) after the last race of the day.
Where can I listen to the Cup?
Four networks will broadcast the race — ABC local radio, the Racing and Sports Network, SEN Radio and Nine Radio.
You can also follow all the action throughout the day in our live blog.
What about Fashions on the Field?
For obvious reasons the traditional colourful outfits will not be seen at Flemington for Cup Day — however, Cup fashions are being turned into an online event for 2020.
The Victorian Racing Club is running Fashions On Your Front Lawn.
People can post pictures of their Cup outfits on Instagram or other social media, using the hashtag #CupWeekFashion and the categories #MadHatters, #CupWeekCostumes, #FamilyTies or #LoungeInStyle.
Who are the favourites?
The favourite is Irish horse Tiger Moth, trained by Aidan O’Brien — but it has not run in Australia before the Cup.
Other leading chances include the Chris Waller-trained Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant, and Sir Dragonet — from the stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace — which won the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Last year’s winner, Vow and Declare, is back for this year’s race. But he is not in the same form as 2019 and is seen as more of a long-shot.
What will the weather be like?
At this point, Cup Day is expected to bring us some early fog, but once that clears it will be sunny with a high of 29 degrees.
There is zero chance of rain, which means the ground for the Cup should be no worse than good — so check out our big Cup guide and you can draw a line through most of the horses that are wet-trackers.
What is the prizemoney this year?
The prize pool for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million.
The first 12 horses across the line will earn prizemoney.
The breakdown: 1st: $4.4 million; 2nd: $1.1 million; 3rd: $550,000; 4th: $350,000; 5th: $230,000; 6th to 12th: $160,000.
