THE Melbourne Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the Australian calendar, so much so that it is known as “the race that stops a nation”. Millions of people tune in to watch it, thousands place bets and even more attend in person. If you want to get involved in the fun of it all, why don’t you consider placing a bet? There are lots of great sites out there that offer free bets, welcome bonuses, and enhanced odds.

Introduction to Melbourne Cup
This prestigious thoroughbred house race consists of a 3,200-metre course, which is designed for horses aged three years-plus and it takes place at the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. There are lots of Melbourne Cup free bets available.

Qualification
When it comes to qualifying for the race, there is no maximum weight, but the minimum weight of a horse is set at 50kg. Weight is calculated to give every participant an equal chance of winning and this is referred to as a ballast. Obviously, the lighter the jockey and the lighter the horse, the higher the chance of them winning due to less weight having to be transported: this is something to look out for when deciding which horse to bet on!

Prize
Over the years, the prize money has fluctuated greatly, both because of inflation, and due to the increase in interest in the event. Today the prize money stands at a whopping $6.2 million Australian Dollars!

Off the Track
Fashion on Field is a major focus of the Melbourne Cup. There are actual prices awarded for the best dressed man and woman and this creates a great competition every year! The requirement for this prize is the use of elegant hats and sophistication in dressing and this prize draws as much attention as the main event itself. Here are some top Melbourne Cup moments.

A Public Holiday
Melbourne Cup day is regarded as a public holiday in Melbourne and adjoining areas. During the event, people take one full or two half days off in order to enjoy the races in their entirety. Whilst we don’t recommend asking your boss for a day off if you live outside of Australia, with online betting, you can still get some of the action on your smartphone or tablet without having to go out of your way or routine!

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year and draws millions of viewers annually whilst taking millions in bets. Why not get involved in the fun of it all and place a few bets of your won? You don’t need to fly to Melbourne to do this, just download an app, or log on to your favourite betting partner, take advantage of some free bets and enjoy!