On Sunday and Monday, August 31 and September 1, Donald will host the 2025 Lexus Cup during its five-month tour, beginning in New York, U.S.A., early this month.
On May 29, the Victoria Racing Club was thrilled to unveil 36 destinations for the Cup tour at a special Launch event held at Flemington Racecourse.
Representing Donald at the presentation was Daryl Warren, with his wife, Yan Li (pictured with the Cup).
“For anyone, that would be a special event,” said Daryl, “but when you come from China, and you’re still learning that you get a day off for a horse race, well…”
Yan Li says, “Thank you, Donald 2000.”
The People’s Cup is set to embark on an extraordinary journey from New York to Normanton in Outback Queensland, giving fans and communities across the world the rare opportunity to see the prestigious prize up close and feel the magic of Australia’s most iconic race.
Highlight
The 18-carat gold trophy, now worth a record $850,000, will be joined by some familiar faces on the road before returning home to Victoria in the weeks leading up to the 165th Lexus Melbourne Cup.
One of the highlights of the launch was a special performance by Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan, with fellow Cup winner Michelle Payne, OAM, making a grand entrance carrying the 2025 trophy.
This year, the Tour will visit a number of Australian towns that have recently experienced severe drought and flood events including the Wimmera town of Warracknabeal in Western Victoria, with the aim of uplifting community spirit.
The final route will see the Cup travel far and wide across Australia, including stops in Walcha in northern New South Wales, Toodyay in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region, and Winton, Queensland, for their annual Outback Festival.
In Victoria, this year’s itinerary will span a range of country towns across the state, from Donald in the west to Traralgon in the east. It will also include a visit to the resilient community of Gunbower, which has faced tough times in recent years, including the loss of its much-loved annual race meeting.
National Sweep
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep will return this year, featuring 24 rural and regional destinations on its itinerary. Each town will be allocated a barrier in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, giving them the chance to win $50,000 for a charity of their choice. Last year’s winner, Harden, donated the prize to the Harden Pony Club to upgrade its facilities, providing a better experience for budding equestrians.
VRC CEO Kylie Rogers was excited for the journey ahead of this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is one of the most significant ways we can share the excitement and legacy of the Lexus Melbourne Cup with communities across Australia and beyond,” Ms Rogers said.
“We’re also proud of how the Cup continues to reach and inspire the next generation – through visits to schools and engagement with young Australians, we’re ensuring the story and spirit of the Melbourne Cup lives on for years to come.
“Thank you to Lexus for its continued support of the Tour, its partnership plays a vital role in bringing the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup to so many people and places.”
Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas was proud to support this important community initiative.
“Lexus is again delighted to support such a significant cultural event that brings communities together throughout the country,” Mr Pappas said.
“Each year the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour fosters meaningful connections and creates lasting memories for thousands of Australians, in the same way Lexus creates amazing experiences for customers.”
This year’s tour will commence its journey on Thursday June 5, visiting New York for the Belmont Gold Cup which offers a coveted golden ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
• Hoofnote: Among other Victorian towns to be visited by the Cup will be Warrack-nabeal (August 30), and Bridgewater on Loddon (September 2).
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 3 June 2025.
