For the fourth consecutive year, Evolution Mining and ABC Bullion have partnered to craft one of the world’s most iconic gold horse racing trophies, right here in Australia.
ABC Bullion, part of the Pallion Group, is the official manufacturer of the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup in a prestigious five-year contract with the Victorian Racing Club (VRC). Since ABC Bullion first commenced production of the icon, the trophy has been produced using gold from Evolution that has been mined, refined, and crafted wholly in Australia for the first time in its 150-year history.
Pallion Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Cochineas said the company is proud to hold such an international treasure within their production portfolio.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the most legendary and beloved trophy in Australian racing and an international icon. As an Australian company with a rich heritage in locally sourced and produced precious metals, we’re elated to partner with the VRC for this special event on the international racing calendar,” he said.
Valued at over $200,000, the 18-carat gold trophy contains no fewer than 44 pieces that are hand spun over a 250-hour production process. The Cup's timber base is then hand turned from Australian Jarrah.
This year’s trophy is especially significant as it symbolises the 100-year anniversary of the ‘Loving Cup’ design, with each of the Cup’s three handles representing the owner, trainer, and jockey respectively.
This year, the gold came from Evolution Mining’s Mt Carlton operation located 150 km south of Townsville in North Queensland.
Evolution Mining Mt Carlton Operation General Manager Anton Kruger thanked the entire team for their hard work and dedication into producing the gold for the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
“This is truly an achievement each and every one of us can be proud of!” he said.
Since 2003, each year’s Melbourne Cup has traditionally made an annual tour across Australia and around the globe, giving members of the public the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the glistening Cup firsthand.
Commencing 11 June, the 2019 tour saw the Cup visit 39 destinations in the lead up to the Lexus Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse in November. The Cup travelled across six countries - New Zealand, the UK, China, Japan, Singapore and 32 destinations throughout Australia.
Evolution Mining worked alongside the VRC to bring the People’s Cup to the Townsville, Burdekin and Whitsunday regions during its international tour, including the surrounding communities of Gumlu, Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen and the Mt Carlton operation.
This year, the VRC’s new national sweep for regional towns will also give the Bowen, Ayr and Townsville communities an opportunity to earn $50,000 to put towards a local charity, if they’re lucky enough to draw the barrier for the winning horse.