Kiwis flock to TAB for Melbourne Cup

This year’s Melbourne Cup is proving to be a red-hot bet with turnover up on last year, according to current figures from the TAB.  

The Southern Hemisphere’s richest race celebrates its 150th running today and punters are getting into the Cup spirit with TAB turnover up 16% at midday compared to the same time last year.

TAB spokesman Michael Dore says the Melbourne Cup is a big day for the agency. “Last year, 10% of the adult population took a bet and we’ve undertaken a huge effort to make this year’s Cup bigger than ever.”

Last year’s Melbourne Cup generated a total turnover for the TAB of $7.91m for the Melbourne Cup race and a total turnover of $17.12m for all races on the day.

“At midday today turnover was $1.68m, however, the real money comes in the last hour before the race.  But it’s looking good and more people than ever before are looking to take a punt,” Dore says.

Betting for the TAB Spring Carnival and Melbourne Cup can be placed at any TAB store nationwide or online. Visit tab.co.nz <http://tab.co.nz> for the latest odds on the big race.