Melbourne Cup Tour open for applications
Applications to become a host venue for the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour are open, with the opportunity for a rural or regional Cup Tour community to win $50,000 through the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep initiative.
Now in its 19th year in operation, the Tour has travelled to more than 530 destinations across Australia, spanning over 750,000 kilometres, offering racing fans the opportunity to get up close to the Cup. If selected, the VRC will assist chosen communities with a plan to host a range of events to support the Cup’s visit.
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, which returns for a third year, offers 24 rural and regional Cup Tour communities the chance to win a prize of $50,000 by drawing the barrier of the Cup-winning horse in 2021.
Last year the prize was won by the Kangaroo Island community who collected the prize and donated it to the Royal Flying Doctors after Twilight Payment led from start to finish of the 160th Melbourne Cup.
Inspired by the initiative, the amount was subsequently doubled after connections of Twilight Payment matched the $50,000 prize.
“It was just such a fantastic experience to be part of last year’s tour and to win the sweep was phenomenal,” Mark Turner, president of the Kangaroo Island Racing Club said.
“It was the good luck the island needed after the fires and the money has gone to an amazing cause in the Royal Flying Doctors who support the island’s health care needs.
“It all started with just putting in an application to host the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and we couldn’t be more grateful to the Victoria Racing Club and the ownership group of Twilight Payment.”
Victoria Racing Club chairman, Neil Wilson, added: “We are particularly pleased to be able to take the Cup into regional areas and to provide an opportunity for fundraising and community events.
“The addition of the National Sweep two years ago has added a wonderful dimension to the tour, culminating on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.
“We look forward to being back on the road this year after our Covid-19 virtual approach in 2020.”
Applications close on Wednesday, April 7 and can be made by clicking here. The winners will be announced in June.