The 1863 Melbourne Cup was a two-mile handicap horse race which took place on Friday, 20 November 1863.
Controversially, two-time defending winner Archer was not allowed to take his place in the race after his nomination arrived in Melbourne one day late.
The nomination arrived on a public holiday in Melbourne: Separation or Succession day to celebrate Victoria separating from New South Wales.
As a result, The Victoria Turf Club's offices were closed for the holiday and Archer's nomination was rejected for being "too late".
The resulting seven horse field is the lowest in the race's history.