Melbourne Cup a beacon among the clouds as VRC officially launches its four ... - Herald Sun

Former Miss Universe Australia model Rachel Finch holds this year's Emirates Melbourne Cup with 2007 winner Efficient. Picture: David Caird Source: HeraldSun

THE Melbourne Cup has officially been launched on a wet and miserable morning at Flemington.

Former Miss Universe Australia and new mum Rachael Finch delivered the actual Cup on horseback, before several trainers spoke about what it was like to win the race that stops a nation.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh, who will start Super Cool next Tuesday, said his four-year-old was going better than his 2009 Cup winner Shocking at the same stage of his preparation.

"Shocking had to win the Lexus to frank his form, he hadn't won all spring, but he'd been around the mark, similar to this horse (Super Cool)," Kavanagh said.

Mike Moroney, who saddles up Irish St Leger winner Voleuse De Coeurs, said winning the Cup was "life changing" for a trainer.

Luca and Francesca Cumani at the VRC Spring Carnival launch. Picture: Karon Regina

"To have a runner is great, but what every trainer dreams of when they get their licence - and when they sign on that dotted line for their licence - is to win the Melbourne Cup," Moroney said.

"The feeling is great on the day, we had a lot of friends have shares in (2000 winner) Brew, and it was the last Fosters Melbourne Cup won by a horse called Brew. It was a great story."

Gai Waterhouse, trainer of the Cup favourite Fiorente, was also in attendance, as was jockey Craig Williams, British-based Italian Luca Cumani, and Cox Plate-winning apprentice Chad Schofield, who will have a better idea if he gets a Cup ride after the weekend's final qualifiers.

A chilly 13 degrees and rain didn't stop a giant Melbourne Cup banner being flown in the air by a passing helicopter. Myer models stood under umbrellas and cuddled to stay warm.

1995 Melbourne Cup winner Doriemus, who resides at Living Legends these days, finds himself back in the parading enclosure at Flemington during the launch. Picture: David Caird

The launch took place just after Racing Victoria handicapper Greg Carpenter gave the Bart Cummings-trained Precedence a one kilo penalty, elevating the horse to 29th in the order of entry - and giving the Cups King some hope of having a runner in the race.