The History of the Melbourne Cup

Brian Martin is celebrating the 2020 Melbourne Cup by looking back at the history of Australia’s greatest race. 2 famous stories of recent times begin with Michael Rodd in 2007 who took Efficient to the front in the famous navy blue with white stripes, and Steven King went back to 1991 when Lets Elope took home the Cup on that first Tuesday in November

The final edition of the History of the Melbourne Cup for series 1 is Kevin Hillier sitting down with Bryan Martin to discuss his affiliation with Australia’s greatest race. BM called the Melbourne Cup on 29 occasions, but his first memory of the race dates back to 1956. There’s also a bonus chat with 1993 winner of the Cup, Mick Kinane who became the first trainer to win the race with an international horse, the great Irish runner Vintage Crop. 

Mick Robins left Broken Hill in 1962 to follow his passion for horse racing, finding a job with South Australian trainer Grahame Heagney. When Heagney moved to America, he left Mick in charge of training the stable, the stable that included the mighty horse Rain Lover. Rain Lover would win back to back Melbourne Cups in 1968 & 1969. Still obsessed with racing and the thrill of the win, Robins describes the spring racing carnival as another Christmas for him. As it is for most people who share the love and passion for racing that Robins does.

Joe McGrath works for the VRC, his official role is to be the “keeper of the Cup” – He is apart of the Melbourne Cup Tour and takes the Cup everywhere, his brother Jim McGrath has called 20 Melbourne Cups, all the way back to the UK with the BBC. Both join Bryan Martin to discuss their favourite Cup memories, calling back to the UK, the racing ties they have in their family plus much more!

Wendy Green is the owner of 1999 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh, she tells some terrific stories about her horse and then her trip back home with the Melbourne Cup in the back of the car. As well as Sheila Laxon who is listed as the first female to claim the Melbourne Cup with Etherial in 2001.

Bryan Martin sits down with VRC historian Andrew Lemon to discuss the origins of the actual Melbourne Cup and the 3 handled trophy, the story behind the history of it. Plus Dale Monteith to talk all about the great Carbine!

Arguably the greatest jockey of all-time Damien Oliver has claimed the Melbourne Cup 3 times in his illustrious career. Going back to his first win in 1995 on Doriemus, discussing his last win on Fiorente in 2013 but also perhaps the most emotional Melbourne Cup ever won was in 2002 with Damien on board Media Puzzle riding a week after his brother Jason died in a racing fall. Damien wore Jason’s silks and rode home the winner.

Bryan Martin brings you another edition of The History of the Melbourne Cup, going in-depth on the “Phar Lap” story. Bryan sits down with VRC historian Andrew Lemon as they dissect “Big Red’s” dominance in the 1930 Spring Carnival, his relationship with Tommy Woodcock and the decision to send him over to America where he unfortunately passed away.