1. The first Melbourne Cup took place in 1861. The winning jockey’s name was John Cutts, who came through with the first place position riding his horse, Archer. John Cutts and Archer then backed up in 1862 for another win and so became the first multiple winners of the great race.
2. No horse has ever won the Melbourne Cup from barrier 18. Since 1924 no one has ever been successful in the Melbourne Cup from barrier 18. No one is quite sure why and the mystery remains. Surely, one day the jinx must be broken!
3. New South Wales are the biggest punters. The average bet by punters in New South Wales is $1200. That is a stunning 22 per cent above the national average.
