The Great Race Chase: Where to Watch the Melbourne Cup (and Avoid FOMO)
The Melbourne Cup. The race that stops a nation (or at least makes it glue itself to the couch). It's a day filled with fashion faux pas (looking at you, fascinators that resemble angry birds), celebrity sightings (spot the one hiding behind a giant novelty prawn!), and of course, the heart-stopping race itself. But with all the excitement, one crucial question can throw a spanner in the works: where the heck can I watch the Melbourne Cup?!
Fear not, fellow race fans! This handy guide will have you cheering on your chosen nag (or the one with the silliest name) in no time.
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| What Tv Station Has The Melbourne Cup |
Channel Chasing: Your Melbourne Cup TV Broadcast Options
This year (2024), the Melbourne Cup will be galloping into your living room courtesy of Channel Nine. That's right, the folks at Nine have snagged the broadcast rights, so get ready for a day filled with all things Melbourne Cup, from pre-race analysis that would make Sherlock Holmes proud to interviews with jockeys who somehow manage to look glamorous in tiny silks.
But wait! There's more! If you're a die-hard racing fanatic who wants every single second of Cup Day action, you can also catch the race (and every other race on the day) on Sky Racing. Just remember, Sky Racing is a dedicated racing channel, so be prepared for in-depth discussions about a horse's pastern (it's an ankle for those not in the know) and enthusiastic debates about silks (those colourful outfits, not the smooth underthings).
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
In short:
- Melbourne Cup on free-to-air TV: Channel Nine
- Melbourne Cup AND every other race on Cup Day: Sky Racing (paid subscription)
Bonus Tip: Bookmark the Racing.com website. While it's not showing the live race itself this year, it's a great resource for race replays, news, and expert tips (so you can impress your mates with your knowledge of thoroughbred temperaments).
Still Stumped? Don't Sweat It! Here's Your Melbourne Cup Viewing FAQ
How to watch the Melbourne Cup if I don't have cable?
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
No worries! Channel Nine is a free-to-air channel, so you just need a regular TV antenna to catch the race.
How to watch the Melbourne Cup online?
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Head to the Channel Nine website or app (it's free to sign up) and stream the race live. Racing.com might also offer a live stream, but check their website for details.
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
How to impress my friends with my Melbourne Cup knowledge?
Drop a casual "Did you know the Melbourne Cup trophy is actually a solid gold cup worth over $100,000?" They'll be amazed (or slightly terrified by your racing trivia obsession).
How to avoid getting into an argument about which horse will win?
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
The best way? Don't pick a favourite! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the race. Unless someone says a horse named "Slowpoke" is a sure bet, then feel free to politely disagree.
How to make watching the Melbourne Cup even more fun?
Get some mates together, throw on a fascinator (the crazier the better!), and have a sweepstake. Winner gets bragging rights (and maybe some cash!).
So there you have it! Now you're all set to witness the Melbourne Cup in all its glory. Just remember, the most important thing is to have fun, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe even pick a winner (but don't cry if your chosen nag comes in last – it happens to the best of us).
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