The Melbourne Cup by Numbers

The Melbourne Cup is one of the biggest thoroughbred racing events in the world, and is keenly anticipated by horseracing fans around the world. An event of this size boasts some impressive stats – here is the Melbourne Cup by numbers.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 06: Jockey's and horses return to scale after the running of Race 4 the Liberty Financial Stakes during The Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting at Flemington Racecourse November 6, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia.

500000	The payout in Australian dollars to the horse that can win both the Melbourne Cup and the Irish St. Leger in a single year.
125000	Value of the current incarnation of the gold Melbourne Cup in Australian dollars.
106691	The biggest crowd ever to attend the running of the Melbourne Cup. This record was set in 2006.
61867.9	The biggest recorded payout on a trifecta bet at the Melbourne Cup in US Dollars in 1993.
12000	The number of roses grown in the Flemington Park racecourse grounds.
3200	The distance in meters run at the Melbourne Cup.
1962	The year that the Melbourne Cup’s famous ‘Fashions on the Field’ was held for the first time.
1861	The only year no trophy was awarded at the Melbourne Cup. The winner received a gold watch instead.
1420	The 1861 Melbourne Cup prize money in pounds sterling.
100	The number winning bets on The Pearl were multiplied by when she won the Melbourne Cup in 1871.
80	The percentage of adult Australians who watched the running of the Melbourne Cup in 2007.
68	The highest handicap weight in kilograms ever carried to victory in the Melbourne Cup.
19	The number of colts who have won the Melbourne Cup.
17	The number of runners who participated in the first running of the Melbourne Cup.
17	The number of Melbourne Cups won by jockeys dressed mainly in black.
16.3	The fastest winning time in seconds in the Melbourne Cup, achieved by Kingston Rule in 1990.
14	The average stake on the Melbourne Cup in Australian Dollars.
12	The number of gardeners hired to maintain Flemington Park racecourse’s extensive grounds.
11	The most wins by a trainer in the Melbourne Cup, and a record that goes to legendary trainer Bart Cummings.
7	The lowest number of runners in the Melbourne Cup, which occurred in 1863.
4	The age of the majority of the Melbourne Cup winning thoroughbreds. Forty-three 4 year olds have won the race.
3	The most wins at the Melbourne Cup by a thoroughbred racehorse. The record is held by Makybe Diva.
0.72	The lowest odds in decimal points ever offered on a runner in the Melbourne Cup. That runner was Phar Lap, who went on to win the race.