The Melbourne Cup: How Many Handles Does This Cup Actually Need?
The Melbourne Cup, Australia's "race that stops a nation" (or at least makes everyone take a lunch break in front of the telly), is famous for a few things: fancy hats, champagne showers (hopefully not for the poor horse!), and of course, the coveted trophy. But have you ever stopped to wonder, amidst the thrill of the race, just how many handles this cup actually needs?
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| How Many Handles On The Melbourne Cup |
From Humble Beginnings to Handle Havoc
Believe it or not, the Melbourne Cup trophy wasn't always the majestic three-handled wonder we know today. In the early days, things were a bit...well, all over the place. We're talking gold watches, cash prizes, and even a trophy that some folks thought looked suspiciously like a greyhound (oof, design fail).
Then came 1876, when things got interesting. The first Aussie-made trophy emerged, sporting a cool two handles. But the handle count wasn't to stay stagnant for long. There were silver horses added to the base at one point, and even a giant trophy featuring a "Victory" figure handing a wreath to a jockey (because, you know, winners deserve both victory and headwear).
The Rise of the Three-Handled Triumph
Finally, in 1919, the Melbourne Cup trophy we know and love today arrived. Designed by James Steeth, this "loving cup" with its three gold handles struck a chord. It was elegant, it was impressive, and most importantly, it had the perfect number of handles for celebratory victory chugs (though, perhaps not the most practical for actual drinking).
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And so, the three-handled Melbourne Cup trophy became a symbol of racing glory. It's a trophy that's been hoisted by legends, a trophy that's witnessed countless emotional victories. Who needs two handles when you can have three? It's the Melbourne Cup, darling, go big or go home (with three handles)!
Melbourne Cup Handle FAQs:
How to hold the Melbourne Cup with three handles?
Carefully! It's a valuable trophy, not a beer stein. We recommend a two-handed approach, with one hand supporting the base and the other for stability.
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How many people can drink from the Melbourne Cup at once?
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Technically, with three handles, we could have a three-way chugging competition. But seeing as it's a trophy, we probably wouldn't recommend using it for beverages at all.
How much is a Melbourne Cup trophy worth?
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
There's no official price tag, but considering its prestige and history, it's safe to say it's worth a pretty penny (or a million bucks, who knows?).
How many Melbourne Cup trophies have there been?
A bunch! Since the race started in 1861, there have been different trophies awarded over the years. The current three-handled design has been in use since 1919.
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How to win the Melbourne Cup?
Well, that's a whole other story! You'll need a champion racehorse, a skilled jockey, and a whole lot of luck. But hey, if you manage it, you get to hoist that glorious three-handled cup!
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