Who was credited with forming the idea for the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup, famously known as "the race that stops a nation," has its origins attributed to Frederick Standish. He played a pivotal role in establishing the race by proposing the concept in the 1850s. Standish, who was a prominent figure within the racing community in early Australia, envisioned a race that would attract significant public interest and participation.

His initiative led to the inaugural Melbourne Cup being held in 1861, and since then, it has grown into one of Australia's most prestigious horse racing events, celebrated for its rich history and cultural significance. This connection to Standish is fundamental in understanding how the Melbourne Cup became established as a cornerstone of Australian horse racing and social tradition.