The Melbourne Cup Carnival has been a major social event for more than 150 years. While many race-goers focus on the horses, for others it is all about fashion and social events. But whichever way you choose to celebrate the Melbourne Cup, there can be no denying that it is an important part of Australia’s heritage and social culture.
Sport in general holds a special place in the Australian psyche and thoroughbred racing has been important from generation to generation. Unlike other sports in Australia in the 1800s, horseracing was always popular for both men and women – at least as spectators. Early film footage and photographs of the Melbourne Cup show women and men enjoying the occasion. In the early days, just as it is today, the Carnival was an opportunity for friends to gather together, to dress up and enjoy a day out – a tradition accessible to all social classes.
In 2006, Flemington was included on the National Heritage List for its role in bringing Australians together and its social and cultural contributions to Australia’s heritage and identity. Minister Kevin Andrews and Senator Ian Campbell identified Flemington as a place of outstanding heritage significance to Australia.
