Australia Blog: Race that stops the Nation

November 03, 2003

Race that stops the Nation

First Tuesday of every November, Australia grinds to a halt to watch a little horse race called the Melbourne Cup. Victorians even get the day off work to watch it.

It's a day when blokes get pissed, chicks wear ridiculous hats to the race course and people who don't normally gamble will generally have a flutter. I remember as young as 5 years old Mum and Dad would give me $2 and tell me to pick a horse. They'd lay the bet for me and give me anything my ticket won (which was $20 once only). Offices around the country have sweeps and pools and mystery bets.

Think I'll head down to the TAB and have a go. I've no idea who the favourite is so it'll be amazing if I win anything, but it's all about having a go.

Posted by Chris on November 3, 2003 03:10 PM Brisbane Time
Category: Australiana, Festivals & Events, History, Sport

Comments

Well, I'm certainly havin' a flutter! Just put myself into the works sweeps [huge co - there'll end up being about 10 of them!], I've no idea which horses I've got yet, and just ducked down to the ol' TAB to put a dollar for a place on Bold Bard at 400-1 and described as 'no chance' [ha! But, with a name like that and his parents Poetic Prince and Independent Lady how could I resist?!], and a dollar each way on Piachay [cool name, blue with shamrock!] and Yakama [cool name]

It's in the name Ging

Btw, Chris, with 7 kids to worry about, my dad still managed to put 50 cents each way for each of us!

Posted by: Ging on November 4, 2003 09:13 AM