The piece took over 250 hours to complete, showcasing the dedication and skill of artisans
ABC Bullion, the leading name in precious metals, unveiled the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy, ready for the ‘race that stops the nation’ on November 5. This year’s trophy was crafted from pure Australian ABC Bullion gold, rendered into 18-carat gold, which was sourced entirely from Evolution Mining’s Mount Rawdon mine in Queensland.
W.J. Sanders, ABC Bullion’s sister company with over a century of expertise in gold and silver craftsmanship, meticulously handcrafted the trophy in its Marrickville workshop in Sydney. The piece took over 250 hours to complete, showcasing the dedication and skill of artisans who continue to use time-honoured techniques to create this iconic piece each year.
Since 2016, ABC Bullion has been the sole authorised supplier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophies, crafted by the artisans at W.J. Sanders under the exacting standards set by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC). The trophy’s base, turned from Western Australian jarrah, further enhances its local provenance. Both ABC Bullion and W.J. Sanders are Pallion companies.
Darren May, General Manager at W.J. Sanders, expressed pride in the team’s work: “The Melbourne Cup truly embodies the essence of Australian craftsmanship,” he said. “In a world dominated by mass production, it’s a privilege for our skilled artisans in Sydney to create this iconic symbol of international sport using time-honoured techniques. Each step in its creation is a testament to the dedication, precision and passion that our team pours into making this trophy a lasting symbol of excellence and heritage.”
Over generations, the Melbourne Cup has become known as the ‘Loving Cup’, with its tri-handle design symbolising the unity between the winning jockey, trainer and owner. It’s also called the ‘People’s Cup’ for its engagement in hundreds of community events across Australia, New Zealand and beyond in the lead-up to race day.
