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The Race That Stops the Nation

Hello Everyone,

I see we are drawing close to the great event that see's the nation stop at 3pm to take in a group of elite horses battling for the cup. I find it incredible how the nation can be drawn together by this event. People who are not gamblers, horselovers or even fashion lovers are compelled to stop and watch the race or at very least ask, who won?

Between the weather, the activists and the government I find theres plenty of gambling in life and so am not compelled to throw money after someone elses horses. However there are some great events being organised around the country from little outback pubs hosting luncheons, calcuttas and other cup day novelties to gala events with enough 'bubbly' to make even the unlucky gamblers smile! Have a look in your region to see whats planned. In our region alot of the events planned with a Cup theme donate the proceeds to charity while providing a great day/ afternoon out.

So whether you place a bet or just have a cold one at the local watering hole, lets support this excellent tradition and enjoy Tuesday the 3rd of November at 3pm for the Emirates Melbourne Cup which is of course the race that stops the nation!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rashida Khan on October 29, 2009 at 11:14am

Hi Dale,

Gambling is only a part of Cup Day, I like the social bringing together of people for a few drinks and a catch up that race day offers. Im not a fashionable person (I dont think my hat qualifys for fashions of the field) I dont gamble on horses either however there is something magnetic about Cup day. Nowhere else in the world do people take such a simple event so seriously. Of course if we want to delve into the racing industry and the majority of horses it can be a dark tale but I prefer to look at the fund raising opportunities and the small business that benefits from such tradition and the unity it brings for a short few minutes every November.

Cup day means different things to different people and everyone is entitled to their views. In this heat though I personally will enjoy an opportunity to sit down at 3pm with a cool drink and watch the race (no bets). (in my work clothes, with my old bashed hat on the hook) lol

Permalink Reply by Clarie Chappell on October 29, 2009 at 12:46pm

I too don't care for gambling, have too many other far more important things to spend my money on, my own horses for example. Still have a bad taste in my mouth with the overall handing of the past EI epidemic which the racing faternity were given more support than the average horse owner.
At 3pm on Tuesday 3rd November I will be enjoying a relaxing ride on my stallion and he has no interest in the race also. Maybe the billions that is lost could be better used by those that are in need, eg hospitals and the homeless and the list goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Rashida Khan on October 29, 2009 at 1:19pm

Hi Clarie,

I too spend my money on my horses (hence no fancy dress and betting etc) Unfortunatly the racing fraternity have a multi million dollar advantage over the local horse owner re EI. Again it comes down to the amazing physical weakness in the average racehorse and the limited training etc to compete in a fastpaced (no pun intended) market.

Anyway our local businesses use Cup day to raise money for cancer research and such as its a time when they can get most of the neighbourhood together so I think thats positive. Calcuttas on the horses and luncheons, ball tickets etc all goes to a nominated charity.

Life is what you make it.
Happy riding!! (I take thats your stallion in your profile pic)

cheers
Rashida

Permalink Reply by Sue Manton on October 29, 2009 at 5:59pm

Hi Rashida

I run a Palliative Care Service (Little Haven) providing 24 hour in the home nursing care to terminally patients within a 60 km radius of Gympie. We're a NFP and all our services including equipment, bereavement support, complimentary therapies and respite volunteer carers are completely Free. With minimal government funding we have a $280 000 + fundraising budget to meet every year.

The Melbourne Cup day Luncheon and Camel races is one of our Premium fundraising events in the calendar. Fully supported by the local turf club about 7 years ago (after Qld Racing downsized our horse meets here) we introduced camel racing which is a great fun day. Local businesses sponsor a camel and race off against each other. With a ticketed luncheon for 300 and about 18 catered marquees the day attracts about 2000 people. All together a great community event for a great community service and exactly what regional Australians do to keep their spirits and services up. I agree life is what you make it!

Permalink Reply by Sue Manton on October 29, 2009 at 11:05pm

Hi Cate

I'll put you in a race next year :-) We're always looking for jockeys. There you go you can have an Agmates party !

Permalink Reply by Rashida Khan on October 30, 2009 at 8:14am

Hi Sue,
That looks like a great event!!! If I get down your way near cup time id volunteer to race a camel!!! Ive ridden a bull (mine, not a contract roughstock one, but he still landed me on my ear after 6 seconds counting time in the air) LOL, ive ridden plenty of horses but never a camel. My old man is afgan and loves camels hes got a natural touch with them (no comment from me on why, or matching temperament ;-p) anyway that sounds like a fantastic event. Good luck fundraising!!!

cheers
Rashida

Permalink Reply by Rashida Khan on November 3, 2009 at 4:34pm

It seems that master trainer Bart Cummings was cut short of another Cup victory, as Shocking powered home taking jockey Corey Brown to his first Cup victory!!! I did stop for a break at 1:30pm (3pm Melbourne) and enjoy a cool drink. The final result was as follows

MELBOURNE CUP FINISHING ORDER

1. SHOCKING
2. Crime Scene
3. Mourilyan
4. Master O'Reilly
5. Harris Tweed
6. Alcopop
7. Viewed
8. C'est La Guerre
9. Kibbutz
10. Newport
11. Daffodil
12. Munsef
13. Gallions Reach
14. Leica Ding
15. Ista Kareem
16. Allez Wonder
17. Capecover
18. Basaltico
19. Zavite
20. Spin Around
21. Roman Emperor
22. Fiumicino
23. Warringah

So whether you backed a horse in the cup or a camel at Gympie or like me just took a moment off to have a cool drink, I hope Cup day was a good one!

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