Honouring the heroes of the Cup

The VRC will add a new chapter to this legacy this year by introducing honorary membership for all Cup-winning jockeys and trainers. This initiative ensures their achievements are forever celebrated as part of Flemington’s story, recognising the men and women who have played a central role in shaping the Cup – from Damien Oliver and Glen Boss to Michelle Payne and the trainers behind some of the race’s most memorable triumphs.

“We’re really excited about this announcement. We think it’s special and are delighted to have the opportunity to do this,” said VRC Chairman Neil Wilson.

"An honorary member is someone we recognise for their contribution to the club, and in this case, very much to the club but also the greatest race in Australia." - VRC Chairman Neil Wilson

“Trainers and jockeys who have won the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be awarded honorary membership for the rest of their lives.”

The honorary membership initiative follows a series of recent tributes. In 2023, the VRC unveiled Honour Boards in The Committee Room foyer, a project dedicated to acknowledging every Melbourne Cup winner since 1861.

The boards are more than displays – they are storytellers. With the scan of a QR code, visitors are transported into the narratives of the horses, jockeys, and trainers behind each victory. From triumphs to tales of resilience, each champion’s journey is brought to life in a way that connects past and present.

Alongside these boards, a specially made head collar is now also presented to each Cup-winning horse, a symbolic keepsake ensuring equine champions leave Flemington with a tangible reminder of their triumph. Together, these elements honour every part of the Cup victory – the horse, the trainer, and the jockey.

The boards also pay tribute to the administrators who influenced the race and the club. The VRC’s first Secretary, Robert Cooper Bagot, introduced structure and vision in the 19th century. His successor, Henry Byron Moore, served for 44 years, transforming Flemington into a spectacle with six grandstands, stunning gardens, and numerous innovations.

From early Chairmen like James Blackwood to current leadership under Neil Wilson, these individuals have ensured that the Melbourne Cup and Flemington remain at the forefront of international racing.

Extending honorary membership to Cup-winning jockeys and trainers continues this spirit of recognition. Membership at Flemington is a treasured connection, and opening it to those who have reached the race’s peak ensures their names and contributions will always be recognised.

Honorary members will receive specially designed cards that reflect the prestige of the Cup and the honour of membership. Their names will also be added to the Honour Boards, allowing racegoers to reflect on their achievements.

"We’re preparing a special representation of their memberships. There will be a membership badge that recognises that they’re an extra special member who has won the Melbourne Cup as a jockey or a trainer." said Wilson. 

“There will be a special presentation, which continues from last year when we displayed honour boards showing the winners from the very beginning of the first Melbourne Cup through to last year’s Melbourne Cup, when the words were actually inscribed on the day.”

Looking ahead, the VRC’s vision is to respect tradition while embracing innovation. From prizemoney initiatives to enriching the race day experience, the club continues to evolve whilst honouring the stories of the people and horses that define the Cup.

By introducing honorary membership along with the Honour Boards and the Cup-winning horse collar, the VRC ensures that each Cup victory is remembered and celebrated as part of living history – a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and an inspiration for the future.