It all began in 1978, when Peter Liddell was moved to write a song after Arwon’s victory in that year’s Melbourne Cup. Two years later, a young Warren Smith began learning guitar, with Peter occasionally offering lessons. The pair started collaborating on the song during that time, but it remained unfinished. Peter was never quite satisfied with it and eventually passed the idea on to Warren, encouraging him to do something with it “one day.”

Sadly, Peter passed away in 2013. But when the world paused during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, Warren found himself thinking back to that unfinished song and to Peter’s words. He began reworking it from the ground up, updating the lyrics, reshaping the melody and giving it new life.

One of Warren’s first motivations was to share it with Peter’s mother, who was then in her early 90s. He recorded a home demo and played it for her and Peter’s family and their response was overwhelming. They were deeply touched that the song had been revived in Peter’s memory.

Encouraged by their reaction, Warren shared the song with Neil Wilson of the Victoria Racing Club, who was also moved by it. That moment sparked the realisation that this song could resonate far beyond one family; it had the power to touch a nation.

In April 2021, while on tour through the Top End of Australia, Warren performed the song live and it received a standing ovation. Among the crowd that night was former jockey and trainer Pat Trotter, who had finished second in the 1977 Melbourne Cup aboard Reckless, behind Gold and Black. Pat approached Warren afterward, praising the song as “the best horse racing song I’ve ever heard,” and urged him to release it for all Australians to hear even commenting that it should be played at the Cup itself.

Warren continued refining the lyrics, determined to make sure that every line meant something. His inspiration grew further while watching the film Ride Like a Girl, where a young Michelle Payne tells of her dreams of winning the Cup. That scene would help form the opening line of the song. Another lyric was born after seeing the movie The Cup, capturing Damien Oliver’s emotional victory as “Ollie’s bravest win.”

To visually complement the music, acclaimed equine artist Kristin Hardiman was commissioned to create the cover artwork; a painting that perfectly captures the passion, movement and spirit of the event.

In 2022, Warren produced the full track then titled “The Greatest Race Of All” and was invited to perform live on Studio 10’s Cup Eve broadcast from The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse. His interview and acoustic performance was a stirring tribute, and the song’s new 2025 release has seen it evolved into a rich, cinematic production that takes the listener from pre-dawn stables to the thunder of hooves down the final stretch.

“The Race That Stops A Nation” is not just a song; it’s a celebration of the Melbourne Cup’s place in Australian sporting history and a heartfelt tribute to friendship, persistence, and the dreams that span generations.

The Greatest Race of All. Written by Peter Liddell and Warren Smith © Copyright 2021

Lyrics
(Verse 1)
A lifetime dreaming, telltale weary eyes
When your days start at 3am, no wonder you’re tired
And all the trainer really knows, their champ’s a sure fire thing
They’ve beaten the handicapper, on all counts this time in

(Pre Chorus)
And there’s nothing more exciting, than to be there in the crowd
Feel the tension mounting high, before the gates fly open wide

(Chorus 1)
And in Melbourne, there’s a day for you and me
Some will see it from the car parks, others at home on TV
But no matter where you are, you’re sure to hear the call
Of the race that stops a nation, the greatest race of all

(Verse 2)
Now if you know the deeds of Phar Lap and of the heart that lay within
Then it’s a certainty that you’d recall Ollie’s bravest win
And Subby, Think Big, Might and Power, I’m sure they’d all agree
That it’s hard enough to win the one, but one mare’s notched up three!

(Pre Chorus)
And there’s nothing more exciting, than to be there in the crowd
Feel the tension mounting high, before the gates fly open wide

(Chorus 2)
In Australia, there’s a race that stops the land
You can view it at a party, at a pub or from the stands
But no matter where you are, you’re sure to hear the call
Of the race that stops a nation, the greatest race of all

INSTRUMENTAL

(Pre Chorus)
And there’s nothing more exciting, than to be there in the crowd
Feel the tension mounting high, as the gates fly open wide …….

(Outro Chorus)
And the pace is a cracker in this year’s Melbourne Cup
They’re strong they’re bread to fly all day, they’ll show you they’re tough
Now from Archer to the Diva, champions one and all

The Melbourne Cup, for all of us, the greatest race of all
(The race that stops a nation)

The Melbourne Cup, for all of us, the greatest race of all
(A worldwide celebration)

The Melbourne Cup, for all of us, the greatest race of all
(The whole country will stop!)

Yes the Melbourne Cup’s for all of us, the greatest race of all

Credits
Release date: 30th September 2025
Performed by Warren Smith
Written by Warren Smith / Peter Liddell
Copyright: Warren Smith 2021
Produced by Matt D’Arcy / Warren Smith
Engineered by Matt D’Arcy / Warren Smith
The following recorded in Tolmie, Australia –
Warren Smith: Lead Vocals / Guitars / Slide Guitars
Matt D’Arcy: Drums
Colin Livingston: Bass Guitar
The following recorded in Melbourne, Australia –
Scott Ryan: Main Backing Vocals
Jeff Sheppard: Piano
Greg Hunt: Violin
Paige Barnard: Backing Vocals
Rachie Rischin: Backing Vocals
The following recorded at Pegasus Studios Cairns, Australia –
Nigel Pegrum: Orchestral Arrangement
Simon McMenamin: Main Violins / Violas
Eddie Skiba: Backing Vocals
Jaclyn Barnard: Backing Vocals recorded in Kitzbuhel, Austria
Mixed in Tolmie, Australia by Matt D’Arcy
Mastered in Melbourne, Australia by Joe Carra at Crystal Mastering
Cover Art: Painting by Kristin Hardiman
Graphic Design by Knight Design

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