The Melbourne Cup: A Celebration of...Horses (Mostly) and a Couple of Wonder Women!
Ah, the Melbourne Cup. A day filled with fascinators that defy the laws of physics, enough champagne corks to launch a small rocket, and a race that stops the nation. But amidst the frenzy of fashion and fillies (the four-legged kind, that is), there's a question that's been puzzling punters for years: how many girls have actually won the Melbourne Cup?
Well, hold your fascinators, because the answer might surprise you. Buckle up, because we're about to gallop into the history books!
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| How Many Girls Have Won The Melbourne Cup |
It's a Sausage Race (Mostly)
Let's be honest, the Melbourne Cup is a male-dominated affair. Traditionally, the jockeys are fellas, and the horses themselves are, well, horses (no gender bias there!). Out of the entire 163-year history of the race, only a puny sixteen females have ever crossed the finish line first. That's right, folks, you could count them on your fingers and toes with a couple of fingers left over for a spot of celebratory shrimp on the barbie.
Where are the Wonder Women?
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Fear not, fellow history buffs! While the numbers might seem like a jockey's nightmare, there have been a glorious two who have shattered the glass ceiling and shown the boys a thing or two about winning.
The Pioneer: Michelle Payne - In 2015, Michelle Payne, a champion jockey with nerves of steel and a heart of gold, rode Prince of Penzance to victory. This win was a monumental moment for female jockeys everywhere, proving that skill and determination know no gender.
Verry Elleegant Makes History (Again!) - Fast forward to 2021, and Verry Elleegant, a champion mare with a name that says it all, took the crown with James McDonald in the saddle. This win showed that girls (and mares!) can not only compete, but they can conquer the Cup!
It's a Changing Race (Slowly)
The number of female jockeys is on the rise, so who knows? Maybe the next Melbourne Cup will be a nail-biting finish between a whole pack of talented women. Now that would be a race for the history books!
But wait, there's more! Here are some fun facts to impress your mates at your next Melbourne Cup barbie:
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
- Did a horse win the Melbourne Cup in a dress? - Sadly, no. While horses come in all shapes and sizes, none have been spotted rocking a fascinator...yet.
- Can my dog win the Melbourne Cup? - As much as we love our furry friends, the Cup is for thoroughbred horses only. Maybe there's a Dachshund Derby somewhere out there for your pup?
FAQ: Melbourne Cup and the Ladies
How to be the best-dressed at the Melbourne Cup?
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Confidence is key! But seriously, a fabulous fascinator and a killer outfit never hurt.
How to pick the winning horse?
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
That's the million-dollar question! A good tip is to do your research, but sometimes a little luck goes a long way.
How to impress your mates with Melbourne Cup knowledge?
Drop this fact: Michelle Payne's win is considered one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
How to get to the Melbourne Cup?
Plan ahead! Flemington Racecourse can get pretty crowded. Public transport is your best bet.
How to celebrate a Melbourne Cup win?
Responsibly, of course! But a celebratory drink (or two) with friends is never a bad idea.
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