The Melbourne Cup horse race is a big deal in Australia especially this year with a horse equine influenza affecting and quarantining many Aussie horses. Melbourne Cup Day is fixed for the first Tuesday in November. The race is recognized as one of the World 's greatest handicap horse races. The Melbourne Cup is billed as the “the race that stops the nation” (from working that is) – it’s a holiday in Victoria and the ACT, but not in New South Wales. However, even for those who at work they are not actually present – instead they are glued to the tv. As betting is legal down under, most everyone had at least a small bet riding on the outcome of the Melbourne Cup as I did. I won a small amount on Purple Moon who placed 2nd. However, the big winner this year was Efficient
Since I wasn’t in Melbourne, I went with Kelly S and Kane to the Kembla Grange Racecourse (near the ‘Gong) to see the local races and watch the Melbourne Cup on the tellie. Everyone was dressed up and the ladies all had on hats or fascinators – very posh. It was a long day of horses, betting, and drinks but definitely something I wanted to experience before I left Australia.
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