As part of the Cup’s first overseas journey for 2024, it also visited Tokyo Racecourse for the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen meeting on Sunday and caught up with 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup winning jockey James McDonald.
In only his second visit to Japan, Mr McDonald extended his uncatchable lead in the world’s best jockey rankings winning his 98th Group 1 aboard Cox Plate champion Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen.
“It was very, very special, there are no words for it, he (Romantic Warrier) keeps delivering every time,” Mr McDonald said.
“To win such a prestigious race away from home is so special. The reception we received after the race was something that only one particular race in Australia (Lexus Melbourne Cup) can match.”
This year's Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will visit Mr McDonald’s hometown of Cambridge in New Zealand.
“I remember when I was at Cambridge Highschool when the Cup arrived...it means so much to everyone and it builds the greatest hype around that great race.”
The tour also visited one of Japan’s most renowned racing regions in Hokkaido which included visits to Northern Farm, Shadai Farm and Okada Stud.
This year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will see the iconic trophy travel to 39 destinations, with the final route spanning six countries including Australia, Japan, USA, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland.
Since its inaugural journey in 2003, the tour has travelled over one million kilometres, visiting more than 640 destinations to unite communities and provide a once-in-life-time opportunity to get up close and experience the magic of the People’s Cup. This includes visiting 482 schools, 401 hospitals and aged care facilities, participating in over 2100 community events and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fundraising initiatives.