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From Melbourne with love

The Melbourne Cup was first held at Flemington Park in 1861 © PA Photos

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What did Chester win in 1877, and Arsenal in 1886? asked Paul Armstrong

I think you could also have added Russia in 1946! Because, before anyone spends too much time looking through old football books, the answer involves a horse or two.

Australia's most famous race, the Melbourne Cup, was first held at the Flemington Park racecourse in Melbourne in 1861. A horse called Chester won one of the early runnings in 1877, and Arsenal came home first in 1886.

Only four horses have won the race twice: Archer (the first two, in 1861-62), Peter Pan (1932 and 1934), Rain Lover (1968-69) and Think Big (1974-75). Makybe Diva went one better with a hat-trick of successes between 2003 and 2005.

The 2014 race will be held, as ever, on the first Tuesday in November.

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