The `Cups King’ Bart Cummings won’t be forgotten at the first Melbourne Cup since his death with a race named in his honour and a special tribute before the main event.
The 2800m race three at Flemington on Tuesday has been renamed the JB Cummings AM Tribute Plate in honour of the legendary trainer of a record 12 Melbourne Cup winners.
The Victoria Racing Club has also planned a tribute before the 3pm running of Australia’s most famous race, which marks 50 years since Cummings won his first Cup.
VRC executive general manager Flemington, Mark Davies, said the club wanted to ensure it paid due respect to a champion of the racing industry and a legend of the Cup.
“Even though this will be the first Melbourne Cup in living memory without Bart Cummings, we certainly believe his presence will be felt on course with a fitting tribute to a legend of the Cup,” Mr Davies said.
Cummings’ son Anthony and grandson James, both trainers themselves, will be driven down the Flemington straight in a convertible.
James will carry the 2015 Melbourne Cup trophy and Anthony the 1965 Melbourne Cup won by Light Fingers, the first won by his father.
When they walk into the mounting yard they will pass through a 12-strong guard of honour featuring the racing colours of Cummings’ 12 winners.
There will also be a tribute placed beside the bronze statue of Cummings at the course.
Cummings died on August 30, aged 87.
