With a number of past winners of the prestigious race participating, the traditional "Parade of Champions" through the heart of Melbourne took place on Monday.

Past winners who participated include Arwon, who won the 1978 running and is the oldest living winner at 28; Brew, last year's winner who is currently being trained as a police horse; and Subzero, the '92 winner and now the clerk of the course mount at Melbourne city meetings.

Humans that were part of the festivities included Hall of Fame inductees J. B. "Bart" Cummings, who won the race 11 times, and former jockeys Roy Higgins and Arthur "Scobie" Breasley. Legendary jockey Lester Piggott, celebrating his 66th birthday, also participated.

In another ceremony, the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association awarded trainer George Hanlon with the Victoria Racing Club Living Legend Award. Hanlon has trained three Melbourne Cup winners and several other prominent race winners.

The Archer Award, named in honor of the winner of the first two Melbourne Cups, was presented to David and Helen Hains for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the Thoroughbred industry.—Delamere Usher