This year’s Melbourne Cup will again touch communities across the length and breadth of Australia with an incredible 44 race meetings being held on Tuesday.
“Melbourne Cup day is the major race day of the year for numerous regional and rural communities with even Royal Randwick attracting one of its biggest crowds of up to 25,000 in attendance.” ARB CEO Peter McGauran said.
“Apart from the fun and excitement of a local race meeting on Melbourne Cup day, there is a significant economic boost to local businesses and contractors providing catering and other services.” he said.Racing is conducted on a massive scale in Australia with 389 race clubs, 367 race tracks, 980 jockeys, 3,900 trainers and 96,000 owners all of which goes to employ over 200,000 people.
“The Melbourne Cup has fostered a national sporting celebration that extends beyond Flemington racecourse. Hundreds of thousands of Australians will participate in their local races in celebration of a uniquely Australian tradition.” Mr McGauran said.“Thoroughbred racing is deeply embedded in the Australian way of life. We join as a nation on the first Tuesday in November to celebrate one of our oldest and finest traditions.” Mr McGauran said.
