Loreto College has a special connection to the Melbourne Cup through our past pupil, 2015 Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Michelle Payne. We were delighted, therefore, to welcome Melbourne Cup Ambassadors, Mick Robins and Tony Bourke, along with this year’s Melbourne Cup as a part of their annual tour across Australia and New Zealand.

David Kennedy, Tourism and Community Executive, offered a brief history of the Cup and then students and staff alike were welcome to ask questions and take turns at carefully holding the Cup. Many students asked questions about the inspiring Past Loreto Pupil and 2015 Cup Winner, Michelle Payne, and of course asked about the beautiful Cup itself.

Mick Robins, 1968 and 1969 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, and Tony Bourke (long time racing writer for The Age) shared their experiences and what the Melbourne Cup means to them. Mick explained that going to the Melbourne Cup still feels like Christmas to him and that “the whole experience has been like a fairy-tale for me”. Tony expressed that it is “wonderful for us to have the opportunity to take the trophy around many schools and places”.

Thank you to the Melbourne Cup Ambassadors for visiting Loreto College and giving us the chance to ask questions and hold the famous 3.6 kg, 18-carat solid gold trophy!