There was a large change to the Melbourne Cup for the 2026 iteration with a 165-year first.
The race that brings the nation to a halt yearly will see the trophy attain new heights when it’s time to hand out the prize.
With annually’s winner receiving a brand new trophy, every version is made model new and solely for that race.
And this yr, for the primary time in its historical past, the trophy itself is valued at over $1 million.
That’s as a result of the trophy has been comprised of pure Australian ABC Bullion gold, sourced completely from the Northern Territory.
It weighs over 1.8kg and accommodates round 60 ounces of 18-carat gold, making the trophy an actual factor of magnificence.
The Melbourne Cup will probably be value over $1 million for the primary time in it is historical past
It has been made out of pure Australian ACB Bullion gold completely from the Northern Territory.
The trophy was unveiled in a submit on Instagram by ABC Bullion and WJSandersau, captioned, ‘For the primary time in its 165-year historical past, the coveted Lexus Melbourne Cup has been handcrafted utilizing pure Australian ABC Bullion gold sourced completely from the Northern Territory.
‘Marking one other vital milestone for the Cup, the esteemed trophy has additionally reached a worth of $1 million.
‘Since 2016, ABC Bullion has been the official trophy producer for @FlemingtonVRC, accountable for producing the total suite of @MelbourneCup trophies. Every is handmade by W.J. Sanders craftspeople with Australian ABC Bullion valuable metals, to exacting VRC requirements.
The gold within the 2026 trophy has been sourced from Newmont’s Tanami operation, earlier than being meticulously refined, poured and fabricated in Sydney by ABC Refinery and W.J. Sanders over greater than 250 hours of skilled craftsmanship.
The 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup weighs over 1.8kg and accommodates nearly 60 ounces of 18-carat gold. Comprising 44 individually formed elements, the Cup is a logo of workmanship, excellence and nationwide satisfaction.
‘There’s something deeply significant about seeing Northern Territory gold delivered to life within the type of the Melbourne Cup,’ stated Andrew Cochineas, CEO of Pallion. ‘From the mine to the end line, the Cup is proudly Australian.’
Final yr Jamie Melham turned simply the second ever feminine jockey to win the illustrious race on Half Yours
Final yr, it was Jamie Melham, who claimed the glory and within the course of became just the second female jockey to do so when she rode Half Yours to the end line.
That additionally gave father-and-son trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy their first ever Melbourne Cup triumph.
Earlier than then it was rank outsider Knight’s Selection, ridden by Robbie Dolan that claimed first place for the coaching duo of John Symons and Sheila Laxon.
This yr’s race will probably be held on Tuesday, November 3 at Flemington.
The successful connections will get a share in $4.5 million value of prize cash, in addition to the trophy which is value greater than ever earlier than.
