Start getting warmed up for the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup with a luncheon at the Grafton Regional Gallery on Sunday September 8. Tickets for the fun event are $50 and are limited so be quick to book.

The star attraction is the 18 carot gold Lexus Melbourne Cup which is being toured by the Victorian Racing Club to 39 destinations across six countries – Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, China and United Kingdom.

The three handled Loving Cup design was conceived by master jeweller, James Steeth, of Drummonds the Jewellers, Melbourne, in 1919, and has been the design ever since.

In an exciting announcement the original 1919 Melbourne Cup will also join the $200,000 Lexus Melbourne Cup at the luncheon.

Grafton is home to Yulgilbar Station, a property formerly owned by the 1919 Melbourne Cup winning owner Sir Samuel Hordern. The property is now under the ownership of his granddaughter Sarah and her husband Baillieu Myer AC, who are custodians of the 1919 trophy.

Guests will have the chance to hold both iconic Cups at the luncheon. The Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy is made by ABC Bullion from gold sourced for the first time from Mt Carlton in Queensland.

A representative from the Victorian Racing Club and soon to be announced Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassador will be the guest speakers and other special guests will include well known racing identities of the Clarence Valley.

This fundraising celebration is presented by The Gallery Foundation in partnership with the Victorian Racing Club. Catering is by Erin Brown of Vines at 139, Grafton. Book in at Eventbrite. A pay bar will be offering light refreshments, fine regional wines and Coopers beers.

The Gallery Foundation committed $100,000 towards the upcoming refurbishment of and additions to the Grafton Regional Gallery, so it is very busy fundraising at the moment. The 1919 Melbourne Cup Luncheon is third event the Foundation, a group of volunteers, has presented this year. The next event is the Bendigo Bank Gate to Plate on Sunday 29 September.