Emirates Melbourne Cup to visit Barwon Park
Barwon Park Mansion in Winchelsea will throw open its doors on Sunday 14 October 2012 to welcome the Melbourne Cup as it tours around the country.
The Cup will be on display at the National Trust property along with memorabilia from the early days of racing as part of the national Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.
The 42 room mansion was built in 1871 and renowned thoroughbreds of the era ‘Bessy Bedlam’, ‘Latitat’ and ‘Boiardo’ were raised in Barwon Park’s stables, which are still standing today and will be open to visitors at the event.
Barwon Park Manager Trudi Toyne said attracting the Cup Tour was great recognition for the property and an exciting opportunity for the local community.
“Thomas Austin of Barwon Park was known as the Father of the Turf and was a founding member of the Victorian Racing Club,” Ms Toyne said. “He was on the Committee which decided that the 1st August would be the birthday of all horses and in times of depression, Thomas and his brother James would enter a whole field of horses in a race just so a race could be held.
“There will be a whole host of activities on the day of the Cup visit including a re-enactment of the 1863 Melbourne Cup which was won by ‘Banker’, a horse bred by Thomas Austin, as well as many other fun, family events.”
A background to Barwon Park
Built in 1871 for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin, Barwon Park Mansion is a majestic 42 room bluestone mansion and stables set in a sweeping rural landscape.
Barwon Park is one of the grandest homesteads in the Western District. The Mansion is largely in its original condition, with many outstanding architectural features including the novel cast iron veranda, a monumental entrance hall and magnificent central staircase.
It is open to the public every Wednesday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
