2025 Melbourne Cup Eve Reception

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this House stands – the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people – and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

As you arrived here tonight, you would’ve crossed Melbourne’s famous running track known as The Tan.

Many people – even locals who use it regularly – mistakenly believe it takes its name from the Royal Botanic Gardens, which it encircles.

However, the truth is that The Tan’s nickname originates from the tanbark that used to cover the path in years past.

Before it was the home of Run Clubs, it was originally a track for horse riding.

Every day, Melburnians – including many Governors – could be seen cantering around The Tan in their best riding wear.

However, by 1960, an article in The Age decried that something was missing, writing that:

“The horses have disappeared from the Tan… A distinctive feature of the city scene since the horse and carriage days has vanished — perhaps for ever.

We imagine it will be only a matter of time before the tan track — already being used by motorists at weekends — be equipped with parking meters.”

The reporter put it down to the ‘soaring cost’ of keeping horses in the city – as well as noting a lack of riding skills among younger generations.

The horses have now well and truly disappeared, but the track’s name is still a nod to those days when they were a core part of our city’s identity, and when riding was second nature to many.

Though the riding schools have since relocated, and the stables here at Government House are now empty, Victoria is still home to a passionate and skilled equine industry – you just have to venture a bit further out.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Hirsh Park thoroughbred training facility in the Macedon Ranges.

In meeting with those who care for the horses, it was clear why Victoria maintains such a strong racing industry.

When you have access to depth of expertise and determination as we have here, you become good at what you care about.

When you do it consistently over many years, you create strong communities and organisations.

And with that comes reputations that extend across borders, creating opportunities for many others.

That’s what Victoria has in the Melbourne Cup.

The race that stops a nation has transcended the sport itself, and is an annual cultural marker for Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.

The sustained efforts of those at the heart of the industry have created benefits for all of us – including those who come from abroad to experience its magic.

The story in The Age shows us that, in spite of The Cup’s huge audiences today, there are now very few among us who are familiar with the fundamentals of riding.

I suspect not many in this room would be comfortable saddling up a thoroughbred and taking it for a canter around The Tan.

But you don’t have to know your way around barriers, bridles and blinkers in order to enjoy the adjacent benefits that come with the longstanding success of this event.

That means the hospitality, the entertainment, the fashion – everything that makes it so unique and memorable.

And while I confess not to be an expert myself, you may be aware that, at this event, it is tradition for the Governor to give their tip for the race.

This year, I’m putting my all hopes in Half Yours – Victorian bred and trained, and with a female jockey – I’m not half in, but all in!

Thank you to everyone who makes this racing carnival possible, and best wishes for all those taking part – in whatever capacity you’re involved.

I now invite Minister Carbines to address us.