The Brisbane Race Club have announced that Australian racings greatest sporting treasure will be on show to the public next week and you can view for free.

Living up to its’ status as the “People’s Cup”, the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour will arrive at Doomben Racecourse on Wednesday, September 28 so that the people of Brisbane can experience the magic of the iconic trophy first hand.

The 2011 Melbourne Cup trophy is worth $175,000, made of 34 pieces of 18 carat gold, which are hand beaten over 200 hours, and is the most identifiable sporting trophy anywhere in the world.

During the Cup’s Brisbane stopover, the public will have the opportunity to be photographed with the trophy between 2pm and 2:30pm.

Racegoers will also have the opportunity to meet champion jockey, John Marshall, who partnered with the legendary Bart Cummings stable for many race wins, including a memorable victory in the 1999 Melbourne Cup aboard Rogan Josh.

Marshall won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Beau Zam in 1988 in front of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and has since declared the win as one of his favourite racing moments.

Celebrating the essence of ‘being Australian’, the Tour highlights the contribution the Melbourne Cup has made to the nation’s social, sporting and racing culture and will continue its journey around Australasia before returning home to Flemington in November for the 151st running of the ‘race that stops a nation’™.

Public wishing to take part in this unique opportunity can also experience real horsepower action with a full racing programme at Doomben and remember entry to the race day is free.