Lexus Melbourne Cup captivates Darwin community during Top End visit

From school classrooms to community gatherings, the iconic three-handled Cup sparked curiosity, excitement and wonder as locals experienced the trophy up close, many for the very first time. For students, holding the $1 million Cup transformed a famous race they watch each November into a memory they will carry for years to come.

Boss, who famously guided Makybe Diva to three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories, said seeing the reaction of young people remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

"To see the joy that it brings people, there's no trophy that does that. When you show them the Melbourne Cup, they light up. It's incredible. That three-handled Cup has never lost its pulling power and, if anything, it's even more relevant today," Boss said.

The visit highlighted the enduring connection between the Lexus Melbourne Cup and communities across Australia, with Darwin embracing the opportunity to celebrate the race's rich history and traditions. As the countdown to this year's Melbourne Cup continues, those who met the famous trophy can now say they experienced a piece of Australian sporting history firsthand—creating memories that will make the first Tuesday in November even more meaningful.