Flemington Racecourse

Excitement ahead of the Melbourne Cup has been dampened by lingering anger over floods that destroyed hundreds of homes but, due to a controversial flood ...

The Victoria Racing Club last week announced it felt a “responsibility” to use Melbourne Cup carnival as a fundraising platform for flood victims and spearheaded a money raising effort with a $500,000 donation. Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons earlier congratulated his predecessor and the Victorian Racing Committee for investing in the flood wall which he said prevented “the 100 year flood event from impacting the Melbourne Cup carnival”. A legion of angry Australians feel this year’s Melbourne Cup is a “kick in the face” for those who, until two weeks ago, occupied nearby homes.