Katelyn Mallyon may be retired from a life in the saddle, but she'll always feel a part of the Melbourne Cup.
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Mallyon, a former jockey, rode in the race that stops a nation in 2016, finishing in 19th spot with the Lloyd Williams-owned Assign.
While she "only beat a few horses home" that day, it's a moment she will never forget and a moment racing fans - as well as trainers, owners and jockeys - can only dream of.
But passionate racegoers and sports fans in Dubbo got the chance to get a little closer earlier this week, when the most famous trophy in racing stopped by as part of the 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup tour.
On show at Lexus of Dubbo, fans got to hold the Melbourne Cup and be photographed with it, while also having the chance to chat to someone who has been part of the great race.
"It's the one race everyone in the whole wide world knows," Mallyon said.
"For me, it's been amazing to be part of it and while I didn't win it, it felt like I did because to get a ride in the cup is so hard. And to ride for one of the most influential people in Australia in Lloyd Williams ... it's just amazing.
"I was very lucky. I only beat a few horses home but the build-up to it was magnificnt. It was like no other."
Mallyon is a former Group 1 winning jockey who retired earlier in the year. She remains part of the sport, however, due to her role as a Racing Victoria ambassador.
That saw her become part of the tour, which also stopped in at Dunedoo earlier this week.
There, hometown hero and the world's leading jockey, Hugh Bowman, delighted school students and fans of all ages by making a guest appearace.
While Mallyon's time in the saddle is done, getting to share it now with others is a real highlight.
"I still feel a part of it even thought I've retired now," she said.
"I feel lucky to have had the experience to ride in the race and not only be par tof the race, but the build-up is almost the best part.
"The Cup Parade is exhilliarating and to be riding with the best stayers from all over the world is unbeliavble."
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour started in England this year, kicking things off in London on July 10.
As well as England, it toured Ireland and New Zealand before making its way to Melbourne.
From there it stopped in at the annual Louth Picnics in early August, went on to the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
It continues through New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria in the coming weeks before arriving back in Melbourne in early November for Melbourne Cup Day on Noevmber 6.
Bowman will again have a ride, potentially on the English stayer Marmelo again.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
