The Victoria Racing Club is now accepting applications for destinations to play host to the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.

Communities across Australian and New Zealand have the opportunity to apply and be in the running to host the 2011 Melbourne Cup trophy in their town later in the year.

VRC’s Chief Executive, Mr Dale Monteith, told of the immense interest and support that has arisen for the Melbourne Cup tour since its inception in 2003.

“We continue to be overwhelmed by the warm welcome that the Tour receives in each destination. Sharing the unique experience seems to bring communities closer together, reinforcing the magic of the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy,” Mr Monteith said.

Mr Monteith highlighted the positive impact hosting this tour can have on a town, providing it with the opportunity to hold charity events and raise much needed funds.

“With Australia and New Zealand both facing challenges in the past year, we hope the Tour will provide affected communities a unique occasion to raise vital funds for local charities and organisations and assist in uplifting community spirit,” said Mr Monteith.

The 2011 Melbourne Cup tour will once again include a variety of community-based events, including cocktail parties, gala events, street parades and festivals.

The past eight Melbourne Cup Tours have travelled to more than 180 different communities and more than 227,000 kilometres in total.

The Emirates Melbourne Cup tour provides the people in each town or city with the opportunity to take part in a once in a lifetime experience that allows them to hold the actual Melbourne Cup trophy.

The successful applicants will be revealed in August and the tour will begin in October.