How Much Do You Really Know About the Melbourne Cup?

Edition #6 - October 2024

Estimated read time: 5 min

Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or just hoping your office sweep horse doesn’t finish last, Melbourne Cup Day never fails to entertain!

Here are 5 fun facts to help you sound like a pro at the party:

  1. 🏇 The Origin
    The winning horse of the 1st Cup allegedly walked from Nowra to Melbourne just to compete! And his rider won a gold watch as the prize.

  2. 🍀 Office Sweep MVPs
    This year’s favorites are ‘Buckaroo’ and ‘Circle of Fire’—with early pick ‘Via Sistina’ now scratched.

  3. 🏇 Barrier Luck
    Gate 5 has produced the most winners (9). Meanwhile, barrier 18 has only had 1.

  4. 🥇 The First “Cup”
    The first Melbourne Cup trophy was so unappealing that the winner sold it. Ouch!

  5. 🌊 A North Shore Connection
    Racing royalty Gai Waterhouse, who grew up on Sydney’s North Shore, is back in the spotlight this year with Too Darn Lizzie, a horse she co-trains with Adrian Bott. North Shore locals, this is your hometown favorite!

Now you’re armed with all the best conversation starters for any sweep, luncheon, or post-race chat. Win or lose, Melbourne Cup Day is all about enjoying the ride!

If you don’t already have plans, here are our top picks for where to celebrate this Tuesday:

Description

Date/Time/Place

Hotel Steyne Beach Club

A relaxed yet festive spot with canapés, food stations, DJs, best-dressed prizes, and a view over Manly Beach.

Location: Hotel Steyne, Manly

Cost: $59pp, Learn More

Henry G’s

Indulge in a five-course Spanish Pintxos menu, plus a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival.

Location: Henry G’s, Manly

Cost: $85pp, Learn More

Dee Why RSL - Seafood Buffet

Celebrate in style with a seafood buffet, live music, sweeps, prizes, and a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Location: Dee Why RSL

Cost: From $69pp, Learn More

Pittwater RSL

Catch all the racing action on big screens with special Melbourne Cup menus, sweeps, entertainment, and best-dressed prizes.

Location: Pittwater RSL

Cost: Variable, Learn More

Reader Spotlight: A Night With Neil Diamond

Shout-out to readers Nigel and Lisa, who took our tip and checked out the Neil Diamond Symphony concert at Dee Why RSL! We’re thrilled you had a fabulous time—thanks for sharing this great snap with us! Keep those pics coming!

And to all our new subscribers—welcome aboard!👋 We’re excited to have you with us, and can’t wait to share all the best local tips, events, and hidden gems with you!

“Thanks for the tip. FABULOUS!” - Lisa

What’s On?

Events / Activities

Description

Date/Time/Place

This Week:

North Sydney Festival🚊

Toot toot! Celebrate the opening of the new Victoria Cross Station and explore new retail and dining venues in North Sydney.

Dates: Sat 2nd Nov, 11am - 5pm

Location: North Sydney CBD

Cost: Free! Learn More

World Food Market - Collaroy 🍲

Enjoy global cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment at Collaroy Plateau Park.

Date: Fri 1 & 8 Nov

Location: Collaroy Plateau Park

Cost: Free Learn More

Northern Beaches Music Festival🎵

Featuring 40 acts across multiple stages, with world music, local artists, and community vibes.

Dates: Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, 11am - 7pm

Location: Tramshed Community Arts Centre and The Berry Reserve, Narrabeen

Cost: Free - $100 Learn More

Haunted House - For Stewart House🎃

The spooky season is here! Visit a Haunted House in Allambie Heights and support a great cause.

Dates: Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, 6 - 10pm

Location: The Brick, Allambie Heights

Cost: $20 donation Learn More

Upcoming:

The Angels - 50th Anniversary🤘

A big night of live music awaits as The Angels celebrate 50 years! Catch two big sets of classics and fan favorites, including hits like “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” and “No Secrets.”

Dates: Sat 9 Nov, 7:30pm

Location: Pittwater RSL

Cost: $50 Learn More

Janus Concert - FAMS Theatre Co🎭

Enjoy an evening of community theatre with “Janus: Endings & Beginnings,” brought to you by FAMS, our local Christian-led theatre group.

Dates: Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, 6 - 10pm

Location: St John’s Anglican Church Hall, Dee Why

Cost: From $15 Learn More

Manly Festival of Short Plays🎫

Support local talent as Manly Theatre Group performs original 10-minute plays written by our own community members..

Dates: 14, 16, 21, 23 Nov, 7 - 9pm

Location: Darley Smith Theatre

Cost: From $25 Learn More

Groups

Description

Details

Harbord Diggers Toastmasters🥂

Learn More

Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Meetings are twice a month, and newcomers are welcome.

When: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Joining fee: Free to attend

Northern Beaches Meditation😌

Learn More

Explore meditation’s transformative power through a pragmatic, secular, and integrative lens. Join the Northern Beaches Meditation group for sessions and community.

Volunteering

Opportunity

Description

Commitment

Surf Life Saving - Narrabeen🏄

Learn More

Contribute to the safety of our beaches by joining the Narrabeen Surf Life Saving team! Training in first aid, CPR, and surf rescue is provided.

Regular

Connections Playgroup - Mosman🎨

Learn More

Support parents, carers, and children by assisting with activities, interactions, and maintaining a safe, clean play environment. Volunteers help set up and pack down each session.

Regular

Bush Regenerators - Lane Cove National Park🌳

No experience necessary! Join the team to help restore native bushland, learn about natural heritage, and meet like-minded people.

Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly (approx. 3 hrs per session)

As always, let us know if you try any of these events or if there are other community activities we should feature! Until next week!

-Liana xx

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or to participate.