The definition of a racehorse? An animal that can take thousands of people for a ride at the same time.
After another tumultuous year of COVID and lockdowns, come Tuesday, November 2 there will be up to 10,000 racegoers at the Melbourne Cup as part of a trial crowd for large-scale events.
Flemington will once again come alive with the sounds of the Spring Racing Carnival and celebrations are sure to stirrup memories of what life was like before the global pandemic.
Whether you are lucky enough to be trackside, watching at your favourite restaurant, or sipping bubbles at home, may the horse be with you!
As we all know you can’t make a fast buck on a slow horse - it’s time to round the clubhouse turn, be a frontrunner and pick up the pace to cross the finish line in style, at one of these stables around the country:
Don’t hide behind your blinkers, gallop on into Mode Kitchen & Bar on George Street in the heart of Sydney to celebrate not only the Cup but also newfound freedom on Tuesday. A touch of glamour and a seven-course degustation awaits along with a generous beverage package; think dishes like Tasmanian octopus salad and dry-aged roasted duck breast, with radicchio, blueberry and soubise.
Celebrate the Cup and newfound freedom at Mode Kitchen & Bar in Sydney.
Dress to impress and receive a glass of bubbles or lager at the starting gates when you celebrate the Cup at Miss Moneypenny’s on Surf Parade in Broadbeach. There are sweepstakes, a best-dressed competition and fashion parade to accompany a four-course lunch, alongside live entertainment and the racing on a big screen.
Miss Moneypenny’s turns up the Cup action in Broadbeach.
Take in unrivalled views of the harbour at The Darwin Club on The Esplanade as you graze on a delectable Reef & Beef buffet seated lunch on Tuesday. Expect a glass of Pol Roger Champagne on arrival, Fashion on the Field competition with stunning prizes and the race broadcast on a huge LED screen; along with oysters, whole roasted snapper and Wagyu rostbif, served medium-rare.
The Darwin Club serves up a Reef & Beef buffet for Tuesday.
Get a little racy and trot into Paddy Malone’s on Grand Boulevard in Joondalup for all your Cup action. Say neigh to delicious share boards and Chef specials, bubbles on arrival and prizes for the best dressed at this well-loved local watering hole, which dishes up a slice of Ireland, along with good food, good wine and good times to all who visit.
Get a little racy with a cocktail at Paddy Malone’s in Joondalup.
Celebrate the race that stops the nation with absolute beachfront views at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill on Pringle Road in Airlie Beach. Share a seafood platter of prawns, oysters, salmon sashimi and roulade as part of your three-course Cup feast; followed by confit duck Maryland, or pan-fried nannygai while trying your luck in sweepstakes and door prizes – courtesy bus also available.
Seafood and Champagne await Cup-goers at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill.
Sydney rock oysters, half-shell scallops and boneless beef short rib are on the Cup menu at Jonah’s on the Beach on the corner of Shortland Esplanade and Zaara Street in Newcastle. Enjoy a three-course lunch and beverage package, as well as lucky door prizes, best dressed and best hat competitions, before the horses hit the starting gates for the big race.
Join the Cup fun at Jonah’s on the Beach in Newcastle.
Still looking for a frontrunner to tear up the course on Tuesday? Click here for more venues near you celebrating Melbourne Cup.
