Melbourne Cup

Today is known as ‘Race Day’ in Australia, the running of the Melbourne Cup. Even though it’s only a holiday in the state of Victoria everyone around the country celebrates.  

You can’t miss it. First of all the women’s stores in mall starts promoting ‘race wear’ months in advance – fancy dresses, high heels and hats.  Then of course it’s all over the media. Charles and Camilla attended. But even in Adelaide I spotted women going to work in their finest fascinators!  I did a double take, you can imagine how funny that looks. 

At morning tea today the betting was on. Of course I just had to participate. My horse, Kelinni didn’t place but I had fun anyway.  Someone said to me in an embarassed tone, "we are such an advanced race" (pardon the pun). But I think it’s fun and heightens the appeal of this country.     

The list of jockeys and horses

The tea room