Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour: First stop Kyoto, Japan

The event marked the beginning of the global journey for Australia's most famous sporting trophy ahead of the 2026 Melbourne Cup.

The occasion commemorated the 15th anniversary of Dunaden's memorable Melbourne Cup victory in 2011, one of the closest finishes in the race's storied history. Joining the celebrations was jockey Christophe Lemaire, who partnered Dunaden to victory and remains the rider of the narrowest winning margin ever recorded in the race.

The event also recognised the 20th anniversary of Delta Blues' groundbreaking success in 2006. Trained in Japan, Delta Blues became the first Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup, a landmark achievement that strengthened the connection between Australian and Japanese racing.

The Melbourne Cup Tour continues to showcase the history and prestige of the race while connecting with international audiences who have helped shape its legacy.

Lemaire reflected on the honour of hosting the Cup in Japan and the race's enduring appeal.

"It's amazing to see the Cup travel the world before the race," he said. "The Melbourne Cup is a very special race to many people and, as a jockey, it's a race every young rider dreams of winning."

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is continuing its global journey, with the next stop in New York, USA, where a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup is on offer at Saratoga.