Dermot Weld with the Melbourne Cup at the Curragh Racecourse, Ireland. Pic: Victoria Racing Club

In 2023, the prestigious Melbourne Cup embarked on a remarkable global tour, visiting locations across the world, from England to Japan.

Valued at $600,000, this 18-carat gold trophy was transported discreetly in an unassuming grey carry-on.

The cup visited trainer Dermot Weld in the Curragh, Ireland, as part of the 21st annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. The cup was brought to the Curragh to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Irish horse Vintage Crop’s historic victory. 

Vintage Crop was the first international horse to clinch ‘the race that stops a nation’. 

The visit rekindled memories of Dermot Weld’s audacious triumph in 1993. Vintage Crop’s unexpected win broke barriers, catalysing the inclusion of overseas contenders at Flemington.

Dermot reflected on the challenges faced during Vintage Crop’s journey, emphasising that it involved the transformation of quarantine systems and training methods. “Most people in Australia thought it was impossible, most people in Europe thought it was equally impossible,” he said. 

“I said at the time that it would internationalise the Melbourne Cup and internationalise horse racing. I have been fortunate to win in Hong Kong, to win right across America, east coast, west coast and right across Europe and, of course, in Dubai but to win in Australia was very, very special.” 

He expressed his hope of returning to Flemington with another Cup contender.

“I would love to come back for another one, definitely. We’re working on it, I’ll put it that way!”

While in Ireland, the cup also paid a visit to trainers Willie Mullins and Aidan O’Brien.

The Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday, 7th November at 2pm AEST.