AFTER receiving a record-breaking number of applications, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) announced Aberdeen and Scone would join racing history - by playing host to the iconic 18-carat gold Lexus Melbourne Cup in 2019.
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The Upper Hunter towns were revealed as "tour destinations" at a special launch event at Flemington Racecourse.
Aberdeen and Scone are just two of 38 other locations across the globe that will be part of the 17th annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
The VRC also officially declared the increase in prizemoney for the Lexus Melbourne Cup to $8 million, a record in the 158-year history of Australia's greatest race.
As well as engaging in a number of community activities while on tour in the Upper Hunter, the iconic trophy will visit Godolphin's Kelvinside Stud Farm.
Godolphin managing director Vin Cox said he was looking forward to welcoming the Cup when it visits on the horses' birthday, August 1.
"We are excited to celebrate the Cup's arrival with the community and reflect on the thrilling victory of Cross Counter in last year's Melbourne Cup," he stated.
"We encourage everyone in the Upper Hunter to come and visit Kelvinside to see the Cup."
This year's tour will also feature an exciting new element, with 24 rural and regional destinations across Australia to be allocated a barrier for the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Aberdeen and Scone will be included as a national sweep destination in the new initiative.
Barriers will be drawn at random throughout the tour.
And, the town which draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to be put towards a charity for a local community initiative.
VRC chairman Amanda Elliott joined Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Lizzie Blandthorn, Lexus ambassador Megan Gale, 2015 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne and three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver at the launch event.
In an exciting spectacle for guests, the 1919 Melbourne Cup made a grand entrance alongside the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy, with a century of Australia's greatest race between them.
This year holds special significance for Australia's most iconic trophy, with the VRC celebrating 100 years of the renowned three-handled design, first presented to the connections of Artilleryman in 1919.
As part of the Cup tour's overseas expedition, the trophy will attend the historic Ebor Festival at York Racecourse in the United Kingdom and preview some of the potential 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup contenders.
It'll also travel to Tokyo in Japan to cheer on Australia in the Rugby World Cup.
"Since the tour began in 2003, we have delighted in bringing communities together in the shared history and magic of the Melbourne Cup," Elliott said.
"This year is especially significant, with 2019 marking the 100th anniversary of the three-handled Melbourne Cup trophy design.
"To unite the original 1919 Melbourne Cup with the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup today was incredibly special.
"I thank the Myer family for sharing their 1919 trophy with us all.
"We are also delighted to introduce the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep.
"This exciting initiative will add to the Cup tour experience for communities across Australia."
Since its beginning, the tour has travelled more than 600,000 kilometres and visited in excess of 450 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations.
It has provided communities with an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the Melbourne Cup and hear the many stories connected with Australia's greatest horse race.
For further information about the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, visit melbournecuptour.com.au
