Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup

Snippet by © Paul Dodson 2012

In Australia it's known as the race that stops a nation. In Victoria it's got its own public holiday. In Melbourne it's an institution, the culmination of the Spring Carnival and a darned good excuse to don your Sunday best, drink Champagne for breakfast and attempt to still be standing when the first horse crosses the finish line just before 3.30pm.

We're talking the Melbourne Cup, the biggest horse race on the Australian calendar held on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Since 1861 when a horse called Archer walked 850 kilometres from Nowra to Flemington to compete in and win the very first Melbourne Cup, the race has captured the imagination of all Australians.

For those who don't make it to Flemington for the big day, the 3,200 metre race is watched almost religiously by Australians from the tip of Queensland to the toe of Tasmania. Sweepstakes ensure interest for even those who have no knowledge of horse racing.

For those at the course a carnival atmosphere is guaranteed whatever the weather. High fashion is the norm but anything goes. A full quota of bookies will be hand so you can test your punting skills. Champagne is the drink of choice - especially in the Flemington car park for breakfast - but Australians have been known to down the odd beer or three at this event too.

So if you ever find yourself down under come early November make a point of heading for Melbourne for one of the truly great spectacles in sport and one hell of a party to boot.

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