Melbourne Cup Field
A star-studded cast of thoroughbreds comprise the Melbourne Cup field each and every year. Aside from the best race horses in Australia and New Zealand, a growing number of international gallopers come to participate in the 3200-metre race which is held every November at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
The composition of a typical Melbourne Cup field is dominated by stallions or older geldings. However, there are a few colts, fillies and mares that have entered the final field but they have not fared well in the race. The most popular mare that won the Melbourne Cup is Makybe Diva. Before the Melbourne Cup field is finalized, thoroughbreds go through several nominations and acceptances.
Trainers and owners will be informed about the initial nomination for the Melbourne Cup. If the horse was not nominated here, it can still be nominated during the late nominations. After which, there will be acceptances to sort out the aspirants. After the third acceptances, the 2011 Melbourne Cup field will be revealed and the barrier draw will take place right after.
Though making it to the Melbourne Cup field entails a lot of hard work and preparation, the potential rewards that you can reap is worth it. The winner of the race will get the top share of the $6,175,000 prize pool which is the biggest prize pool in Australian horse racing. However, winning the race is not easy for it is a test of endurance for any Melbourne Cup field.
