The Melbourne Cup Is Coming

In less than a month and a half, Australia's biggest horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup, will have its 151st running since it all began in 1861.

So, on November 1, the first Tuesday in November, Australia will again come to a standstill at 3pm for the "race that stops a nation."

With prizemoney of A$6 million, the Melbourne Cup is one of the richest horse races in the world and attracts thoroughbred stayers not only from within Australia but also from other parts of the globe.

Twenty-four horses race for the Cup over a distance of 3200 metres at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse.

• Melbourne Cup: Biggest Event in Australian Racing
• Melbourne Cup 2011
• Melbourne Cup Day
• Flemington Racecourse
• Melbourne Cup Photo Gallery

Photo: Flemington Racecourse: Home of the Melbourne Cup © Tourism Victoria