Bart Cummings has been remembered in a memorial service at Flemington, the racecourse where the legendary trainer won a record 12 Melbourne Cups.
It was a fitting tribute in Melbourne for the man known as the ‘Cups King’ for his unrivalled feats in Australia’s most famous race on the first Tuesday every November.
Cummings’ 12 Cup trophies have been displayed during the service in the mounting yard.
His son Anthony spoke on behalf of the family while racecaller Greg Miles and writer Les Carlyon delivered tributes to the trainer along with Rogan Josh’s Melbourne Cup winning jockey John Marshall and the horse’s owner Wendy Green.
“From an owners perspective, Bart Cummings was the man who delivers the dream,” Green said.
“For my family, in particular, it would importantly be on the first Tuesday in November when Rogan Josh would win the last Melbourne Cup for the 20th century, the 1999 Melbourne Cup.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony a video montage was played on the big screen and 268 green and gold balloons were released – representing Cummings’ famous green and gold colours and his 268 Group One wins.
The 87-year-old died at his Sydney home last Sunday week.
