Melbourne Cup Paper Sweep Sheets & Templates Explained
What People Mean by a “Sweep Sheet”
When people search for a “sweep sheet” or “printable sweep template”, they’re usually looking for a simple paper layout with horse names and blank spaces to write down participants. It’s the traditional way most pubs, clubs and workplaces have always run a sweep — pen, paper and a clipboard.
If you're still working out the full sweep process from start to finish, the How to Run a Sweep guide covers the entire setup before you get to the template stage.
Last Updated on October 11, 2025
What a Traditional Sweep Sheet Looks Like
A basic sweep sheet normally includes:
All 24 Melbourne Cup horses listed or in a grid
A blank space next to each horse for names
A note of the entry price and prize split
Optional notes area for scratchings or redraws
Some organisers download a printable template, others just write it out or stick a list behind the bar. You’ll also want to write the prize split agreement at the top — common formats are covered in the Prize Payouts guide.
Common Issues with Paper Templates
Paper works, but it often leads to:
Messy handwriting or crossed-out names
Payment confusion — someone always says “I already paid”
Rushing before the race starts, leading to mistakes
Lost or damaged sheets, especially in busy venues
This is why more organisers are looking for cleaner alternatives — even if they still like the classic feel of a paper sweep. A lot of confusion comes from scratched horses and unclear rules — these are explained more clearly in the Sweep Rules guide.
Running a Sweep Without a Template (Still Works Fine)
You don’t actually need a designed template to run a sweep. Many organisers just use:
A clipboard list with name > horse manually written
A whiteboard or butcher’s paper behind the bar
A printed spreadsheet with manual updates
Clarity matters more than layout — as long as names and horses are visible, it’s a working sweep.
Why Some Organisers Move Away from Paper
The paper sheet becomes the only record of who drew what. If it’s unclear or goes missing, the sweep falls apart quickly.
That’s why some venues now use digital sweep tools to handle the draw and record names automatically — but traditional paper sweeps still work perfectly fine when kept organised.
Paper sweeps are part of the tradition — they just need a bit of structure to avoid Cup Day chaos.
Sweep Rules & Legality
Running a Melbourne Cup sweep is legal in every Australian state, provided:
All entry money is returned as prizes
You don’t charge commissions or “house cuts”
Entries are random (no picking horses)
It’s run socially — not as a commercial betting operation
See our full sweep rules guide for details by state (VIC, NSW, QLD, etc.).
Watch How It Works
FAQs
Do I need a printable sweep sheet to run a Melbourne Cup sweep?
No — you can run a sweep using any clear list or sheet where you can record names and horse allocations. A printed template just makes it neater, but it isn’t required as long as everything is written down clearly.
What should be included on a sweep sheet?
A basic sweep sheet only needs three things: a list of all 24 Melbourne Cup horses, a space to write participant names next to each horse, and a note of the entry price and prize split. Anything beyond that is optional.
Can I make my own sweep template instead of downloading one?
Yes — many organisers just draw a quick grid or list on paper, a whiteboard or even a spreadsheet. A template simply saves time, but it’s not essential if your list is clear and visible.
What happens if I lose the sweep sheet?
If the sheet goes missing or gets damaged, there’s no way to verify who drew which horse. That’s why some organisers take a photo of the sheet once it's filled, or use a digital method that tracks names automatically.
Is a digital sweep better than using paper templates?
Traditional paper sweeps work fine when organised clearly. Digital sweeps simply remove the need to manually track names and payout splits. Some organisers stick with paper for tradition, while others switch to digital for convenience — it depends on the style of event you’re running.
This guide is part of our Melbourne Cup Sweep knowledge base, covering setup, rules, prize payouts, templates and digital sweep tools.