At Rally, we’re always being fascinated by the narratives that numbers can weave. With the Melbourne Cup about to be run, we spent the morning of the big day exploring historic winners and seeing what we could uncover about this storied race. The result? An interactive dashboard that offers a window into the last 35 years of Melbourne Cup triumphs.

Here's what the data trotted out:

• Echoes of a Champion: Makybe Diva stands alone as the only repeat winner in recent history—a testament to the rarity of consistent supremacy in this challenging sport.
• The Steady Geldings: Among the 33 unique victors, geldings lead the pack with 15 wins. It's a notable trend for those looking at the lineage of potential champions.
• Prime Conditions: Approximately half of the races were run under 'Good' track conditions, including today's—a factor that could sway the odds for keen bettors.
• Lucky Numbers?: While barriers 6 and 15 may seem due for a win, history favours barriers 11, 14, and 21, with each claiming victory four times.
• Heavier Jockeys, Winning Rides: There's been a slight uptick in the weight of winning jockeys recently, as it shifts above the 35-year average. In fact, last year’s winner was the heaviest of all.
• Australian Horses and Track Bias: While good track conditions seem favourable, Australian horses have clinched the majority of their wins under varying conditions. Only 10 of their 21 wins are on tracks rated as good.

The dashboard is more than a mere presentation; it's an exploration that invites you to interact, discover, and engage with the Melbourne Cup's rich history. And as for Rally? We’re searching for that elusive Australian gelding, not the favourite, with a jockey weighing in at 53.6kgs, ideally drawn at barrier 3 or 9. We’ll take an Irish one to though. Three of their four wins came on tracks rated good.

So, whether you're a racing aficionado or a data enthusiast, we encourage you to delve into the dashboard and uncover your insights. Who knows, you might just find the winning formula for the next Melbourne Cup.

Feel free to explore the interactive Melbourne Cup Winners Dashboard.