Apache Cat will be one of the star attractions at the Cup eve event at Living Legends

VRC celebrates equine royalty on the eve of the race that stops a nation®

14 October 2024 • Written by VRC

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today announced it will host a free public event in conjunction with at Living Legends, the home for retired champion racehorses, on the eve of Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

Headlined by three-time Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, one of the all-time greats of Australian sport, the event will celebrate the equine stars of the race that stops a nation^®. The lineup of champion horses will also include Lexus Melbourne Cup victors Brew (2000), Efficient (2007), Almandin (2016), Twilight Payment (2020), and Prince of Penzance, who famously partnered with Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador Michelle Payne OAM to win the 2015 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Along with the Lexus Melbourne Cup heroes, the public will also be able to feed carrots to Cup placegetter Maluckyday, fan favourite Apache Cat and the two-time TAB Australian Cup winner, Harlem, among others.

2020, Twilight Payment

Twilight Payment’s victory was a masterclass in stamina. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Jye McNeil, he led the race from start to finish – a rare and impressive feat in Melbourne Cup history.

2016, Almandin

In 2016, Almandin delivered a powerful finish that gave owner Lloyd
Williams his fifth Melbourne Cup victory, edging out Heartbreak City by the narrowest of margins.

2015, Prince Of Penzance

Prince Of Penzance’s 2015 win is forever remembered as Michelle
Payne’s history-making moment as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. This story captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide.

2007, Efficient

Efficient’s triumph showcased his exceptional staying power, in what became the highlight of his racing career, after winning the feature Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington the previous year.

2003, 2004 and 2005, Makybe Diva

Makybe Diva achieved the legendary status of winning three consecutive Melbourne Cups - a feat that is yet to be matched.

The $750,000 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup will be in attendance until 2:30pm, providing guests with their final opportunity to get their photo with the iconic trophy before it is presented to the winners of this year’s edition of Australia’s greatest race at Flemington.

There will be a host of free activities for people of all ages to enjoy including face painting, pony rides, craft activities and a parade of the Little Legends, Living Legends’ stable of pint-sized ponies. Also available at no charge will be Living Legends’ famous Devonshire tea, picnic snacks and beverages courtesy of Schweppes.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the club was pleased to host a free public event at Living Legends ahead of the Lexus Melbourne Cup celebrating some of the sport’s biggest stars.

“The horse is at the heart of everything we do at the Victoria Racing Club and we are excited to host a free public event at Living Legends so that everyone has an opportunity to celebrate our retired Lexus Melbourne Cup champions,” Ms Rogers said.

“Living Legends is a wonderful year-round community partner of the club. We are delighted to share our combined love of the horse with racing fans ahead of Lexus Melbourne Cup Day as well as recognise the important work undertaken by the team at Living Legends 365 days of the year.”

Hosted by Channel 9’s Eddie McGuire, there will be a special parade of past Lexus Melbourne Cup winners at 11:30am. For those that can’t make it, the legends will return at 2pm.

The free public event has capacity for up to 1000 people and visitors can register at vrc.com.au.

A not-for-profit organisation, Living Legends provides a home to some of Australia’s greatest retired racehorses, ensuring these champions of the turf can live happy and tranquil lives. The VRC has supported Living Legends since it opened in 2006. Living Legends is home to more than 35 retired racehorses.

Living Legends is approximately 21 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, with plenty of car parking available.

The 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 2 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 5 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 7 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 9 November.

BACKGROUND:

The event at Living Legends will be supported by a media event at Flemington earlier that morning from 9:00am – 10:00am, where media can hear from the key participants and contenders in the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The much-loved Lexus Melbourne Cup Parade is on hold for 2024 as construction works continue to disrupt the traditional route.