The Race That Stops A Nation

Today is Melbourne Cup Day - a Victorian public holiday devoted to horse racing. Many people put on their best attire, complete with the matching hats, and head out to Flemington Racecourse to spend the day placing their bets and celebrating their wins (or losses).

We had a beautifully sunny day to take part in the festivities and, although we didn't have proper hats, we still managed to get a bit dressy for the occasion. In the spirit of the event we also tested our luck at the betting tables. Josh's first bet of the day sent us home with a couple extra dollars as Volcado took first in his race. Unfortunately we didn't have as much luck on the Melbourne Cup Race, but we had fun cheering on our horses nonetheless (Bluetigeroo and Zipping). Efficient pulled through for the win...we should have known ;)

It was really amazing to see the horses going so fast so close by - the sound of their hooves on the track was such a gentle throbbing that their speed as they passed was a surprise. We had a great vantage point to watch both the races and the people, and with the champagne flowing sometimes the people were just as entertaining as the horses!