Looking for a fun way to choose your Melbourne Cup winner? From grandma’s jar toss to dream picks and lucky numbers, discover the quirky, time-honoured traditions Aussies use to back a winner on Cup Day.
It was always the same ritual at Grandma’s house each Melbourne Cup Day. She’d write the names of every horse on little scraps of paper, pop them into a jar, and then – with a twinkle in her eye – toss the contents of that jar across the backyard. The slip of paper that flew the furthest? That was her pick for the Cup.
Strange? Maybe. But believe it or not, it worked more often than you’d think. And in true Aussie fashion, the whole family got involved, cheering her on and laughing as paper names scattered across the lawn.
As any seasoned punter (or casual flutterer) will tell you, picking a Melbourne Cup winner isn’t an exact science. Sure, you can study the form guide, check the barrier draw, and compare weights – but half the fun is in the folklore of how people choose their favourites. For older Australians, especially, those quirky rituals are part of the Cup Day magic.
Grandma’s Jar Toss – Luck with a laugh
Grandma’s method was pure joy – no stats, no spreadsheets, just a dash of superstition and a sense of fun. It captured everything that makes the race that stops a nation so special: family, laughter, and hope.
If you’ve ever joined a family sweep, picked a horse because of its name, or relied on a lucky number, you’ll understand the spirit behind her ritual. Sometimes, the most memorable Cup wins come from the most unlikely methods.
Other odd and wonderful ways Aussies pick a Cup winner
It turns out Grandma wasn’t alone in her creative approach. Across Australia, punters – both serious and social – have their own strange and surprisingly successful ways to pick a winner.
1. The lucky name pick
Some people simply go for a horse with a name that speaks to them – maybe it reminds them of a loved one, a pet, or even their favourite song. Over the years, many winners have had names that “felt right” rather than looked good on paper.
2. The Birthday or Anniversary bet
Others go by numbers – the date, the barrier draw, or the horse’s saddlecloth number. “Number 7 because that’s our wedding anniversary,” or “Number 14 for Mum’s birthday” – and sometimes, it’s those sentimental picks that pay off.
3. The Dream method
Believe it or not, some swear by the horses that appear in their dreams. Racing folklore is filled with stories of punters who “saw” the winner the night before – and walked away richer for it.
4. The colour code
Then there are the fashion-forward bettors who pick based on the jockey’s silks – their favourite colour, footy team colours, or just what looks best on the day.
5. The Random Draw (or Jar Toss revival)
And of course, there’s Grandma’s timeless approach – pure chance! Whether you throw papers across the lawn, pull a name from a hat, or let the dog choose a slip, randomness can be surprisingly lucky.
For the more serious tipsters
If you prefer a mix of luck and logic, there’s no harm in glancing at the form guide before placing your bet. Look for:
Horses that have run well over 3200m (the Cup distance).
Proven stayers or past Cup placegetters.
Trainers and jockeys with strong track records at Flemington.
Even if you’re going by name or number, a quick check of the form might just give your quirky pick a competitive edge!
Why these traditions matter
For many over-60s, Cup Day isn’t just about betting – it’s about belonging. It’s the laughter in the lounge room, the sweepstakes at work, and the excitement of the “race that stops the nation.” These little rituals – tossing jars, picking names, trusting dreams – connect generations through stories and smiles.
So this Melbourne Cup, whether you’re studying the stats or scribbling horse names on bits of paper, do it your way. Take a leaf out of Grandma’s book: make it fun, make it yours, and enjoy the ride.
Because in the end, the real winner is anyone who still finds joy in the tradition. And if your paper flies the furthest – well, that’s just the cherry on top.
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