VIDEO: ABC Bullion takes you behind the scenes to see how the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup 2016 was made.
The 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup has been made entirely from gold sourced, refined and crafted in Australia for the first time in its 150-year history.
The 2016 Melbourne Cup at the Lake Cowal gold mine, from where the precious metal originated. (Bland Shire Council)
One of the only trophies in the world still hand-spun from solid gold, the Emirates Melbourne Cup is produced by ABC Bullion. It contains 44 pieces that are hand spun over a 250-hour production process.
Using Aussie gold from Evolution Mining's Lake Cowal gold mine in New South Wales, the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy is 18-carat gold, 1.65kg, and valued at $175,000.
ABC Refinery Managing Director Phillip Cochineas said the team is proud to make history by producing the first Aussie gold Melbourne Cup.
“The Emirates Melbourne Cup is the most legendary and beloved trophy in Australian racing and an international icon. As an Australian company with a rich heritage in locally sourced and produced precious metals, we’re elated to partner with the VRC for this special event on the international racing calendar.
“It is a true international treasure that we are very proud to now hold within our production portfolio,” said Mr Cochineas.
Affectionately known as the “Loving Cup”, the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy’s three handles symbolise the relationship between the winning jockey, trainer and owner and its timber base is hand turned from Australian Black Wattle.