SEE THE DRAW
Hosted by Network 10’s Natalie Yoannidis, the barrier draw saw 24 rural and regional Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour destinations allocated a barrier for this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The town that draws the barrier of the eventual Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a registered charity for a local community initiative.
Representatives from each of the 24 destinations dialled in virtually to select their barrier, with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chairman Neil Wilson assisting in the proceedings.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassador and legendary racecaller Greg Miles also assisted in proceedings along with former Chief Steward of Racing Victoria Des Gleeson.
Residents of Cairns in Far North Queensland were left cheering when they drew barrier 11, the most successful barrier in Cup history with eight winners so far.
Despite not yet having produced a winner, Coleraine in regional Victoria will be hoping to make history on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day after drawing barrier 18.
Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley selected barrier 12, which was the barrier of last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment.
While residents in Kerang will be hoping hometown hero and last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil will jump from their barrier 22.
West Australian destination Jennacubbine drew the widest gate, selecting barrier number 24.
Destinations will be eagerly awaiting this Saturday’s official Lexus Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw following the conclusion of Penfolds Victoria Derby Day to see which horse will compete for their town.
The bushfire-ravaged community of Kangaroo Island in South Australia took home the $50,000 donation last year for the Royal Flying Doctors after Twilight Payment led from start to finish to win the 160th running of the Cup.
Inspired by the initiative, the ownership group behind Twilight Payment matched the prize to make the total contribution $100,000.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 30 October, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 2 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 4 November, and Paramount+ Stakes Day on Saturday 6 November.
WATCH THE DRAW
All the action from the 2021 Melbourne Cup Carnival can be seen live and free on Network 10 and 10 Play on demand with our website also home to exciting and exclusive content and competitions.
