High stakes as Call of the Card returns

High drama and even higher stakes will be the order of the day when the Call of the Card presented by Ladbrokes returns to the Palladium at Crown Melbourne on Monday, 3 November, 24 hours out from the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington. 

For more than 65 years the theatre created by the Call of the Card has set the scene for the main act the following day, as bookmakers battle to offer the best odds for each and every runner lining up in Australia’s most famous race, which for the first time this year will offer $10 million in prizemoney. 

The popular luncheon, which was launched in 1958 and hosted successfully for decades thereafter by the Victoria Club, is being delivered for the first time by Racing Victoria who are excited to continue the great tradition.

The Call of the Card will be hosted by Seven Horse Racing presenter Jason Richardson and feature interviews with former winners of the Melbourne Cup and connections of some of this year’s key contenders.

The ‘call’ is the centrepiece though of traditional build-up to the Cup with four leading bookmakers all willing to put their reputations on the line by pitting their wits against the professional and casual punters in the audience. 

The bookies came out on top last year when Knight’s Choice caused a Melbourne Cup boilover, although Jimmy Bet owner James Filgate incurred a $200,000 loss when he offered odds of $301 on the Queensland galloper at the Call of the Card. 

This year RealBookie’s Chris Lester, who is Chairman of the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association, will be joined by Betlocal’s Lyndon Cleary, SwiftBet’s Natalie Hinkley and high-profile bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse, whose wife Gai is the co-trainer of the current Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius. 

The quartet will compete with another to take the ‘call’ by putting up their best price for each runner, with audience members then invited to place bets (minimum $400) with that bookmaker via the bid spotters.

Professional punter Kingsley Bartholomew has made it his mission to place a bet at the event which would net him a $1 million windfall, whilst Gai and Robbie Waterhouse’s son Tom has wagered similarly high stakes in previous years. 

All guests will have the chance to place a bet – either to win or for a dollar value – with the four bookies until the conclusion of the event.

Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “The Call of the Card is a Melbourne Cup Week institution. We are delighted to take a lead role in delivering this year’s event at Crown and do so with the valued support of presenting partner Ladbrokes.

“The iconic event makes for great theatre on Melbourne Cup eve and is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the pre-race atmosphere and drama of the race that stops a nation.

“It’s a fantastic social event where you’ll hear from key players and get the early mail from some of Australia’s biggest punters. It’s well worth making the Call of the Card part of your Cup Week celebrations.”

With a three-course lunch paired with premium beverages and the chance to have a photo with the famous Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy, the Call of the Card offers a unique opportunity to soak up the atmosphere ahead of the great race. Pre-lunch drinks start at 11.30am with the luncheon set to run from 12pm to 4pm.

Individual tickets are priced at $330 (inclusive of GST & booking fees). 

For more information or to book your place, visit www.callofthecard.com