The last time the Melbourne Cup saw off the threat of a pandemic

The race that stops a nation has, crucially, never been stopped in its tracks.

With an iconic spot on the calendar that has historical links to the 1870s, the 159-year-old Melbourne Cup has prevailed through two World Wars and seen off at least one other public health crisis. In the aftermath of World War I and not long after the Spanish flu had been beaten off, a then "record crowd" descended on Flemington for the running of the 1919 race.

This year's famous 3200-metre handicap race at Flemington – officially to be run with the backdrop of COVID-19 hovering over the city and without crowds – represents new territory for Melbourne and the Victoria Racing Club.

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Article written by: Scott Spits