The iconic Melbourne Cup trophy was the guest of honour at a luncheon in Brisbane today as part of a world tour.

It was showcased to help celebrate one hundred and fifty years of Australia’s most prestigious racing event.

William Stopford reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

It’s not Flemington but the prized cup came to lunch at Eagle Farm.

One hundred and fifty thousand dollars. That’s the cost of a luxury car, and it’s also the value of this year’s Melbourne Cup.

Judith Fitzmaurice, Victoria Racing Club: “Eight years ago, the Victoria Racing Club decided that this was the trophy of the people and we should really take it to the people of Australia and New Zealand.”

Made of thirty-four pieces of eighteen carat gold, it took over two hundred hours for Hardy Brothers of Brisbane to hand beat this year’s trophy.

It’s the same design as in 1930, when Phar Lap famously won.

At today’s luncheon, well known members of the racing industry.

John Letts, Two-time Melbourne Cup Winning Jockey: “You go from being a nationally known jockey to an internationally known. The world’s a stage then.”

Guests paid tribute to jockey Stathi Katsidis, who was found dead earlier this week.

John Letts, Two-time Melbourne Cup Winning Jockey: “He had realised his dream to ride in the Melbourne Cup, he had a chance of winning it, now that chance is gone.”

There’s just eleven days to go until the Melbourne Cup, and those who can’t make it to Flemington can come down to Eagle Farm for a day of fashion, entertainment and racing.

But just before three PM all eyes will watching “the race that stops a nation”.

D William Stopford, QUT News.