Melbourne Cup comes to town
In the lead up to the race that stops the nation, the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy is set to tour the Southern Highlands as part of its three month Australasian journey this Friday 4 October 2013.
The 3.1 kilogram racing trophy, made from 18 carat gold and valued at $175,000, will begin its visit to the Shire with a Mayoral Breakfast at the Southern Highlands Information Centre from 8.00am.
Council’s Acting Group Manager of Tourism, Economic Development and Events, Steve Rosa said the visit was an opportunity for guests to see the iconic trophy for themselves.
“The Melbourne Cup really is one of the defining images of Australian sport,” Mr Rosa said. “The race and trophy have unrivalled significance in the cultural, sporting and social history of this nation.”
“For many people, Friday’s visit may be their only opportunity to see this magnificent silverware up close for themselves before the actual race in a month’s time.”
The Southern Highlands was selected in June to be part of the Cup’s annual tour this year after an application was submitted by the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club.
“Whilst viewing the Cup and perhaps having your photo taken with it, we’ll also be encouraging guests to explore some of the other delights our region has to offer 365 days of the year,” Mr Rosa added.
A light breakfast will be provided by the staff of the Information Centre.
Following the visit to the Southern Highlands Information Centre in Mittagong, the Cup will then hitch a horse and carriage ride to retirement villages in and around Bowral. The Melbourne Cup will then travel via vintage car to the Bradman Museum before making its way to the Bong Bong Racecourse in the afternoon. In the evening the prized trophy will be the centre piece of the Bowral Chamber of Commerce’s Cocktail Party.
For more information on the Mayoral Breakfast, contact the Southern Highlands Information Centre on phone 4871 2888 or email Steve Rosa, Acting Group Manager Tourism, Economic Development and Events at steve.rosa@wsc.nsw.gov.au.