The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will travel to Ireland and the UK in July to celebrate the internationalisation of Australia’s greatest race.

This year’s 158th edition of the Melbourne Cup will mark 25 years since Irish-trained stayer Vintage Crop produced a runaway victory for owner Sir Michael Smurfit, trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Michael Kinane.

While on tour, the trophy will pay a sentimental visit to the Irish National Stud, where Vintage Crop used to reside.

It will also visit the stables of Weld, where he will be joined by Kinane to reflect on the significance of their Cup win and how it changed their lives.

VRC chairman Amanda Elliott said she is thrilled that the $200,000 trophy is visiting the UK and Ireland.

“It is only fitting that the Melbourne Cup trophy travels to Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the internationalisation of the Cup and acknowledge the enormous contribution of the global racing community to our great race,” Mrs Elliott said.

“The appeal of our illustrious race stretches far beyond Flemington. As its custodians, the VRC is so proud to be sharing it with people across the world as part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.”

The trip will also pay homage to all international horses, jockeys, owners, breeders and trainers who have shaped on of racing's most cherished prizes.

The Tour will make a stop at the famed July Festival at Newmarket, where Mrs Elliott will present the 2016 and 2017 Melbourne Cup breeder’s trophy to connections of Almandin and Rekindling.

Upon its return from Ireland, the ‘People’s Cup’ will travel to destinations across Australia, New Zealand and for the first time, South Korea.

The four-month journey will conclude at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day on November 6.