Originally run at a distance of 1+1⁄2 miles, in 1972 it was changed to 2,400 metres to conform to the metric system.

Fireworks accomplished the feat, winning back-to-back runnings in November 1867 and again in 1868 after a change of the race date to New Year's Day.

Gai Waterhouse became the first woman to train a winner when Nothin' Leica Dane won the 1995 running.

[4] Time record: (at current 2,500 metres distance) Most wins by a jockey: Most wins by a trainer: While the major focus of AAMI Victoria Derby Day is the racing (since it is the only race day in Australia where each and every race has Group Status), in recent years the annual Fashions on the Field held on the fourth and last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrations have shared the limelight.

[6] Traditionally black and white are worn on this day by women and morning dress by men.