Porirua will again hear the thunder of hooves and the thrill of the turf this Tuesday, as the Melbourne Cup brings its high-stakes drama to screens across the country, including at the Porirua Club, where locals can soak up the action with good company and a cold drink.
Dubbed “the race that stops two nations,” the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most prestigious horse race, held over 3,200 metres at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. But for many Kiwis, it’s also a story of underdogs, big dreams, and a chestnut gelding named Kiwi.
In 1983, Kiwi, trained by Waverley sheep farmer Snow Lupton, stunned the world with a last-to-first charge that is still remembered as one of the most electrifying finishes in Cup history. Ridden by 20-year-old Jim Cassidy, Kiwi started at the back of the 24-horse field and didn’t make his move until the final stretch. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he stormed past the pack to win the Melbourne Cup by just over a length.
Lupton, who famously used Kiwi to round up sheep as part of his training, had already taken the Wellington Cup earlier that year. But it was the victory at Flemington that cemented the horse’s status as a New Zealand icon.
This year marks 42 years since Kiwi’s unforgettable win, and the Porirua Club is one of the best places in the region to relive the excitement. With big screens in the main lounge, punters and fans can follow every moment of the action from 11:30 am through to 5:00 pm.
Although tickets for the Club’s grazing table have now closed, the doors remain open for all who want to join in. Calcutta tickets will be available at the bar, sweepstakes are on offer, and the venue promises a welcoming atmosphere for long-time racegoers and casual spectators alike.
Whether you’re placing a bet, cheering on a favourite, or simply enjoying a uniquely Kiwi tradition, Melbourne Cup Day at the Porirua Club is a chance to celebrate a race that continues to capture hearts on both sides of the Tasman.
The Melbourne Cup begins at 3:00 pm New Zealand time. For more details, visit the Porirua Club at 1 Lodge Place.