On Monday night, history will be made as Parchment Party, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, becomes the first U.S.-trained horse to compete in the 164-year-old Melbourne Cup at Flemington. The prestigious Group 1 race, known as “the race that stops a nation,” offers a record US$6.5 million purse and attracts top stayers worldwide. Parchment Party earned his spot by winning the Belmont Gold Cup and faces the challenge of adapting from dirt tracks in the U.S. to Flemington’s grass circuit. Velazquez’s quick turnaround from riding at the Breeders’ Cup in California to Melbourne highlights the global scale of this event.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup features a strong international field, including contenders from Ireland, Britain, Japan, and Germany, with Australia’s Half Yours favored among locals. While Parchment Party is considered an outsider at $34 odds, his participation marks a significant moment for American involvement in the race, potentially inspiring future U.S. campaigns. Regardless of the outcome, the American duo’s presence links two of the world’s biggest racing stages and underscores the Melbourne Cup’s growing global prestige. Fans can watch live coverage on FanDuel TV and Sky Racing World platforms.
