Permanent Exhibition

The Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame encompasses the greatest treasures from Australia’s racing history ever to be displayed. Racing is a sport of tremendous cultural and social significance, and its history parallels the story of Australia. Champions captures the spirit of the great thoroughbreds, and celebrates a sport that has become a part of our folklore.

Racing Treasures
Champions is home to Phar Lap’s saddle and bridle; Tulloch’s heart; an 1872 Melbourne Cup dress; Bart Cummings’ prized 11 trainer’s Melbourne Cups, and a rich collection of early racing footage, fashion, art and silverwork.

Inside a Racehorse
The Thoroughbred horse has evolved over millennia to run fast. What makes one racehorse a champion above all the others?

A highlight of the Museum is Carbine’s skeleton, winner of the 1890 Melbourne Cup. A magnificent animation appears to bring this great champion back to life, while giving a unique inside view into the anatomy of a champion. See how the heart of a thoroughbred beats, and come to understand how they reach speeds of 65 kilometres per hour, with 8 metre strides.

Behind the Scenes
Animated with superb colour, sound and movement, Champions gives a glimpse into the lives of jockeys, trainers, strappers, vets, judges and all the other ‘horse mad’ professionals on a racetrack. Learn what it takes to be a great jockey, or a great trainer, see what happens at early morning trackwork, and listen to the personal stories of the legends of racing.