70 Lowe Street residents to host iconic Melbourne Cup

Residents of 70 Lowe Street will play host to the iconic 18-carat gold Emirates Melbourne Cup in October.

The Victoria Racing Club announced that East Grampians Health Service’s 70 Lowe Street, Ararat will join racing history when it hosts a visit of the Cup on October 9.

Ararat, selected for its passion for racing and community spirit, was revealed as a tour destination at a special event at 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams’ training facilities at Mount Macedon, Victoria.

Ararat will join 30 other cities and towns across Australia and New Zealand that will be part of the 15th annual Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.

Mark Dyer, President of Ararat Turf Club, said they were thrilled to be part of the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour, which would provide the community with the opportunity to come together and experience the magic that is the Melbourne Cup.

“Ararat has a rich history of horse racing and to this day, race days are very much part of our region’s social fabric. We’re delighted to be named as an Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour destination which will give locals the chance to celebrate the iconic trophy and our own history of racing.”

East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush said the residents and staff of 70 Lowe Street were looking forward to the visit of the cup.

“It is exciting that 70 Lowe Street has been chosen to host the Cup during its visit to Ararat, hopefully one of the locals can win it one day, like former Callawadda identity Sandy McGregor did with Prince of Penzance,” Mr Bush said.

“Many of our residents are avid followers of the Melbourne Cup and will be keenly watching the running of the great race in November.

“The race will mean even more to them this year, having been given the opportunity to see the magnificent cup up close prior to the event.”

The $200,000 trophy is visiting 31 destinations across Australia and New Zealand, starting in West Wyalong in regional NSW, where the gold used by ABC Bullion to make the trophy is mined, before returning to Flemington for ‘The ‘Race That Stops A Nation’™ on the first Tuesday in November.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the Cup is an Australian cultural icon so it is only fitting that the trophy and its rich history is taken on a journey to meet the people.

“The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour celebrates the stories intrinsically linked to the Cup and its contribution to Australia’s cultural and historical heritage,” Mrs Elliott said.