VISITORS to the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell got more they bargained for yesterday.
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They had come to see the famous coastal formations, but were also treated to a glimpse of this year’s Melbourne Cup, which was brought to the site as part of a three-month promotional tour taking in 34 locations in Australia and New Zealand.
When the $175,000, 18-carat gold cup was taken out of its satchel and placed on a post for some photographs, quizzical visitors asked what it was all about.
“Wow, the Melbourne Cup — like, that’s a really big deal isn’t it? Like our Kentucky Derby,” said one American visitor, pleased to have chanced upon this unexpected bonus to his tour.
With the cup were Victoria Racing Club tour manager Joe McGrath, public relations manager Julia Henkel and legendary former trainer Mick Robins, who trained 1961 and 1962 back-to-back winner Rain Lover.
Now retired and living at Mornington, Mr McGrath was training in Adelaide at the time of his wins.
It was the first back-to-back win since Archer won the first and second cups in 1861 and 1862.
The cup will be on show at Lorne and Geelong today.