The first he first Melbourne Cup was run in the year of 1861 at Flemington Racecourse.

On Melbourne Cup Day 2004 ( 1861) the first "Oxley Downs Cup" was run. This was filmed as part of the Outback House series. The participants of the show raced around the homestead three times and in a tight finish Peter Gordon won the race.

On the 12th of November 2005 (1862) the challenge was again made and in a grudge match with only two horses ridden by Peter Gordon and Bernie Kennedy, Bernie became the winner of the second Oxley Downs Cup.

Trophies have now been made and this year we have the 1863 Oxley Downs Cup. At the conclusion of the open day on the 11th of November 2006 the participants will once again  take up the challenge