The 125th Annual Berrigan Show will take place on October 5, 2025, featuring a notable visit from the prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy. This iconic trophy, valued at $850,000 and crafted from solid Australian gold, is on an annual tour that spans from New York to Normanton. The visit is made possible through the support of the Berrigan & District Race Club.
Kylie Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria Racing Club, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is one of the most significant ways we can share the excitement and legacy of the Lexus Melbourne Cup with communities across Australia and beyond.” This visit presents a rare opportunity for attendees to see, hold, and take photographs with the trophy, which last graced Berrigan nearly two decades ago.
Celebration of Community and Tradition
The upcoming Berrigan Show promises a memorable experience, according to Lyndall Horne, Secretary of the Berrigan Show Society. The show will feature several racing-themed attractions in line with the cup’s visit. Highlights include hobby horse races, a spring racing hat parade, and Off-the-Track Equestrian classes showcasing retired racehorses. Additionally, there will be numerous Melbourne Cup-inspired competitions throughout the Pavilion.
With a sunny forecast for the day, the Berrigan Show is set to deliver a fun-filled event for families. Official proceedings will commence with an opening ceremony led by Cassandra Bush, the 2025 Young Woman of The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW, at 12:30 PM. This will be followed by the presentation of the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy.
In addition to traditional competitions, the show will feature a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can look forward to sideshow attractions, the return of the popular scarecrow decorating contest, the Hay Ho Animal Nursery, and free face painting provided by Cheeky Smiles Face Painting. Local musicians will perform, and there will be designated areas for children, including a Kids Zone and a Children’s Pet Parade.
Community Support and Engagement
Neville Dalgliesh, President of the Berrigan Show Society, acknowledged the hard work of the committee, community, and volunteers in organizing the event. “I would like to once again thank all our wonderful sponsors. Without their generous support, we would not be able to run our show,” he stated.
Entry fees for the Berrigan Show are set at $15 for adults, $5 for pensioners and children aged 10 to 16, while children under 10 can enter for free. Membership tickets can be purchased at the Berrigan Show Office until Friday at 5 PM. All attendees will receive a Lucky Gate Prize entry ticket, with the winner receiving a premium two-night stay at Kismet Riverside Lodge in Howlong.
For more information about the 125th Annual Berrigan Show, including the full event schedule, visit www.berriganshow.com/2025 or check their Facebook page.
As part of the broader 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, the trophy will visit 36 destinations, giving fans worldwide a chance to experience the allure of Australia’s most iconic horse race. Now in its 23rd year, the Tour has covered over one million kilometers and engaged with more than 2,200 community events, raising significant funds for local initiatives.
Introduced in 2019, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep involves 24 rural and regional towns, with representatives attending the live event at Flemington. The town associated with the winning horse’s barrier will receive a cash prize to support a charity of their choice, with Berrigan & District Race Club nominating Horse Aid for this year.
