Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour: From Saratoga to Walgett

Returning to the bush, 2001 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Sheila Laxon reflected on the importance of inspiring the next generation. "It's great to be back with the grassroots of Australian racing.

You can aspire to do anything you want to do and if you've got the passion, just go with it and take every opportunity as it comes," Laxon said.

"I'm hoping the next generation will take some leadership from my story."

For Walgett, hosting the Cup was about bringing a piece of Australian sporting history to a community that proudly stages just one race meeting each year. Families, racegoers and first-time visitors gathered to experience the magic of the Cup up close.

Walgett Jockey Club President Cam Murray said the occasion meant far more than simply displaying the trophy. "We applied for the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour just to have the thrill of the Cup in our local area at our race day, to bring more people along to experience the Cup and all that it brings," Murray said.

One trophy. One community. Countless stories—continuing the journey towards Flemington.