2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Comes to Jingellic
The Jingellic Hub Committee is delighted to announce that Jingellic has been selected as a destination for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
A record 125 communities from Australia and overseas applied to host the Tour, with only 37 destinations selected—including just seven in New South Wales. Jingellic is also one of only 24 rural and regional communities participating in the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep.
It is an extraordinary honour for a community as small as Jingellic to host one of Australia’s most recognised sporting trophies. The visit provides a rare opportunity for local families and residents of the wider Upper Murray to share in a nationally significant event without travelling to a major centre.
You, your family and friends are warmly invited to join us for a special community BBQ lunch and afternoon of activities at the Jingellic Hub.
Event details
Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Time: From 12 noon
Venue: Jingellic Hub, 3211 River Road, Jingellic NSW
Dress: Smart casual or race wear—entirely optional
RSVP: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
What to expect
This special family day will include:
A community BBQ lunch.
The official arrival and display of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
An opportunity to meet Tour Ambassador Sheila Laxon.
An informal question-and-answer session with Sheila.
Official welcomes and presentations.
Opportunities to be photographed with the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Time to enjoy the company of friends, neighbours and visitors from across our region.
Everyone is welcome—bring your family, friends and camera and help us give the Lexus
Melbourne Cup Tour a wonderful Jingellic welcome.
Meet Tour Ambassador Sheila Laxon
Sheila Laxon is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most accomplished thoroughbred trainers. In 2001, she made history as the first woman officially recognised as training a Melbourne Cup winner when her champion mare Ethereal completed the prestigious Caulfield–Melbourne Cup double.
Twenty-three years later, Sheila achieved her second Melbourne Cup victory when Knight’s Choice, trained in partnership with John Symons, won the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Sheila is a true trailblazer in Australian racing, and the Jingellic community is honoured to welcome her as our 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassador.
Supporting the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre.
The Walwa Bush Nursing Centre is the nominated local charity associated with Jingellic’s participation in the National Sweep. The Centre will also receive the profits from catering at the Jingellic Hub event.
The National Sweep is a Victoria Racing Club charity initiative involving 24 selected rural and regional communities. Each participating community is allocated one of the 24 barriers in the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The horse starting from Jingellic’s allocated barrier will represent our community. If that horse finishes first, second or third, the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre will receive:
First place: $25,000
Second place: $15,000
Third place: $10,000
This creates an exciting opportunity to raise the profile of the Centre and potentially secure a significant contribution towards the essential health and community services it provides throughout our district.
RSVP and bookings
Bookings are essential to help us plan catering and accommodate dietary or accessibility requirements.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, 23 September 20 -
https://www.trybooking.com/DPFLL
When booking, please provide the names of everyone attending and advise us of any dietary or accessibility requirements.
A special community achievement
We acknowledge the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour team and the Jingellic Hub Committee members and volunteers whose considerable work is bringing this special event together.
We look forward to welcoming you to this memorable occasion at the heart of Jingellic.
