Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour connects communities in the South

The visit evoked a sense of nostalgia for LMCT ambassador and two-time Melbourne Cup winner John Letts. He fondly recalled his early days racing at the club. “My first winner here was a horse called Val Claire,” he said, reminiscing about the day he rode three winners and earned the rare luxury of a morning sleep-in the next day.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is not just about showcasing the coveted trophy; it’s about fostering community spirit. As Peter Darwin of the Clare Valley Racing Club put it, “The race meetings at country clubs are more about the social interaction and not necessarily just about the racing.”

Murray Bridge Race Club, home of Cup runner The Map, was proud to host the Cup, showcasing their new facilities and great track. The Melbourne Cup Tour’s presence highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing both the racing industry and its community.

Dan Clarken, trainer of The Map, was thrilled to welcome the Cup at his facility and its arrival carried personal significance for him. “My old man bought this place, and to have the Melbourne Cup drive through the gate, he’d be off his trumpet,” he said, reflecting on how proud his father would have been to witness the moment.

The South Australian leg of the Tour was not only about honouring the race’s legacy but also celebrating the bond between regional racing clubs and their communities.