Every year, the Melbourne Cup tours the country before the race that stops the nation in November, and dozens of lucky Nowra residents were dazzled by the $200,000 trophy on Thursday.
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Made of 18 carat gold and jarrah wood, the most sought-after prize in horse racing toured Shoalhaven City Turf Club for a breakfast event before heading to Terara Public School and Clelland Lodge nursing home.
“We’ve had a great time today at the Nowra racecourse,” Emirates Melbourne Cup tour ambassador Joe Agresta said.
“I can’t believe how passionate Nowra is about their racehorses, it’s great to be here and I put it down as my favourite spot.”
Agresta knows only too well the joy the Melbourne Cup brings. He worked as a trackwork rider for legendary trainer Bart Cummings and was associated with five of his 12 winners.
“As far as the Melbourne Cup is concerned I think it’s the biggest event in Australia,” he said.
“I’m not biased, I love football, racing, Rugby, I love everything, but there’s only one thing that stops the whole of Australia and that’s the Melbourne Cup. Now it’s starting to stop the whole world.
“For 34 years I rode trackwork for Bart and it was an honour and a pleasure. To be honest, I didn’t realise what I was achieving at the time, now I look back and I’m very proud.”