It is a distinct possibility that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II may attend the 2011 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The Queen, a renowned lover of thoroughbred racing, was widely expected to be the guest of honour at the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup this year.
However, she was not on track to see the French-trained stayer Americain streak to victory.
Next year, the Queen is expected to be present at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth.
CHOGM is a biennial forum for government leaders from Commonwealth nations.
The Queen is yet to miss a CHOGM since they were first held in 1971, and Defence Minister Steven Smith says that she is likely to be in attendance.
The summit is to be held in Perth from October 28-30.
The 2011 Melbourne Cup is to be held two days later on November 1.
The Queen is believed to be keen to visit the Melbourne Cup at least once.
She is a keen follower of racing and is a prolific owner in England.
In 1997, her horse Arabian Story contested the Melbourne Cup – the grey finishing 6th to Might and Power.
While royal visits are not uncommon – Prince Charles and Princess Diana attended the 1985 Melbourne Cup, while the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson was present in 1990 – a visit by the monarch would represent another chapter in the great history of the Melbourne Cup.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
