1873 Melbourne Cup

The 1873 Melbourne Cup was a two-mile handicap horse race which took place on Thursday, 6 November 1873.

This year was the thirteenth running of the Melbourne Cup. Don Juan's victory was a controversial one. Immediately following the race Don Juan's victory was called into question and a protest was lodged. The Sydney Mail reported on 22 November that the protest claimed the horse was a year older than his stated four years of age. There were also rumours that Don Juan was substituted for a better horse. The protest was dismissed and the rumours were never proven. Don Juan won by three and a half lengths in a new record time of 3:36.0.

This is the list of placegetters for the 1873 Melbourne Cup.