I am really not into horse racing but when am I ever going to be in Melbourne on the day of the Melbourne Cup again? It’s a national holiday in Victoria so I bought a ticket and a hat ($7.99 in the 2 for $5 store – not sure why it was 7.99?)
Anyway, race day arrived and it was bucketing down with thunder and lightning. Roads, rails and creeks were flooded. I made it there in one piece armed with my hat, raincoat and umbrella. The whole event is huge and I mean huge! It’s the richest price pool in the world. People were really dressed up – both men and women. I was glad I made an effort although I hadn’t brought any heels with me so went with my white Converse. That turned out to be a really good idea as the race course was very very wet. 98% of the women wore hats – fanciers mostly – and their dresses were totally over the top – imagine Newcastle girls going out on the toon. Some of them might as well have been naked with what they wore but the crowd was very young and I think that’s great as horse racing seems to be mostly older people in the UK – but then what do I know.
The weather cleared up for the race itself and it was really hot and sunny. I was surprised how close I managed to get to the racecourse – basically right up against the low fence quite close to the finish. I bet on 3 horses – Yucatan, Best Solution and Youngstar. I didn’t win anything as the prize was taken by an outsider which nonetheless was owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the legendary owner of the Godolphin Stables. The minute the race was over the heavens opened again and as I didn’t win anything I decided to head home. It was a fun day and I’m really glad I went.
Anna's Travels 