16 APRIL 2008
The National Museum of Australia has acquired one of Australian horse racing's treasures, the 1934 Melbourne Cup won by the great chestnut champion Peter Pan.
Peter Pan was one of only five horses to have won the Melbourne Cup twice and had a record of 22 wins from 38 starts. He was often ridden by Jim Pike who raced Phar Lap to victory in the 1930 Melbourne Cup.
'The 1934 Melbourne Cup tells an important story in the history of racing in Australia', said Mathew Trinca, General Manager, Collections and Content at the National Museum of Australia.
'We are delighted to have acquired the Melbourne Cup, it is an important addition to the National Museum's growing collection of our nation's sporting treasures,' said Mr Trinca.
The 1934 Melbourne Cup is scheduled to go on display next to the huge heart of the great Phar Lap, the most popular object in the National Museum of Australia's collection.
The 1934 Melbourne Cup will be acquired by the National Museum of Australia at 9.30am, Thursday 17 April.
WHAT: Melbourne Cup acquired by National Museum
WHEN: 9.30am Thursday April 17, 2008
WHERE: National Museum of Australia
For interviews, images and more information please contact Dennis Grant on 02 6208 5351, 0409 916 481; Caroline Vero on 02 6208 5338, 0438 620 710 or media@nma.gov.au