This is a big event. It's an Australian horse race that
stops two nations, Australia and New Zealand, on the first Tuesday of November every year.
From my very first year at work I can remember sweepstakes going round and even
the most ardent of not-interested-in horse-racing types put in a few dollars
and got a horse to follow. It's a tradition.
We asked our close friends to join us and off we went for
five days in Melbourne, a fabulous city where we indulged in eating, drinking,
shopping and going to shows. Then on our last day we went to the Cup.
What a day. Thousands and thousands of people were there,
each and every one of them dressed to the nines. The women all wore hats or
fascinators. I had splashed out back home when I found a fascinator I fell in love with, and just had to have it. You know that feeling, right? Now I
want a wedding to go to so I can wear it again. thought about wearing to my
office but as I'm the only one ever in there that would probably make me
certifiable.
On the rare occasions I bet on a horse race I go by the
name of the horse or colour of the jockey's uniform, as does my girlfriend. The
guys were adamant from six months back they'd back number 12 no matter what
horse it was so it was agreed we'd all do the same. However on the morning of
the race I woke very early and as I lay waiting for everyone else the words
Number Five popped into my head. So, you guessed it, I backed No 5, knowing
absolutely nothing about the horse, not even its name. Apparently it was the
favourite. I was called a turncoat by the others for not backing No 12, which turned out to be an NZ horse. They got third. I won. Yippee. That went some way to paying for the three and
a half hour lunch we'd had the day before.
All in all, a great day out and another tick to the
bucket lists.
Have you had an amazing, one off day at a major event?
Where did you go?
Hi Sue - I almost made it to Ladies Day at Ascot 20 years ago but something came up at the last moment and I didn't go :-(
ReplyDeleteAlways regretted it.....
That would've been so much fun, Amy. Ascot is right up there, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAh, the Melbourne Cup… For many years I worked for an on-course totalisator board (and then the TAB when they bought it out). I still develop a nervous tic whenever I hear a horse race. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat said, Sue, I do understand the allure of a day out at a big event. The DH and I bought tickets for a hospitality package for a Premier League game (soccer) when we were in London one time. It cost a packet but worth every penny. :-)
LOL Michelle. I think our day at the Melbourne Cup had to be the most expensive day of our lives, (airfares, accommodation, etc included) but like you say, worth every cent.
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing Sue, and I love your fascinator and dress! The most recent one off day event I attended was the Wellington Sevens...boy, that was interesting!!! Let me tell you, no-one was dressed as nicely as they do at horses races.
ReplyDeleteNo, and I seem to remember your comments about crowd behaviour. It was so cool being all dressed up with everyone having gone to an effort.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you got to go and I too love that fasinator :) you know this is the first year of the Melbourne Cup that I can remember not having a bet or getting into a sweep I always end up working Melbournce cup day and trust me working in a club we are flat out but I am just about to cross something of my bucket list I am coming to visit New Zealand woohoo we sail on a two week cruise next Friday visiting both Islands and we are so excited the count down is on and as for another thing on the bucket list I resigned from my job of 24 years this week and I am retiring :) more time with the family and way more time to read
Have Fun
Helen
Go, Helen. two ticks. That's awesome. All the best in your retirement - which is another word for freedom. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your dress Sue. The only one off event I've attended was Wellington Sevens. It was definitely enjoyable, but you have to be comfortable with the fact that the Wellington Sevens is basically on big weekend long party to be able to enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteDid your husband and friends still call you a turncoat after your horse won?
No, Lyn, but funny how their third place win got mentioned more than my first place. I've heard the Sevens is a big party weekend.
DeleteLovely outfit - perfect for the cup! I've never been to the Melbourne Cup but I've been to Stakes Day three or four times, it's the last one of the spring carnival and it's a little quieter. I love the races - especially being able to frock up and wear a fantastic hat or fascinator :)
ReplyDeleteStefanie, getting dressed up was the best part of the day. My friend works in a shop in Christchurch and their race day was this week so she wore her outfit to work that day.
DeleteSue, you look fabulous for your outing. It sounds like you had a ball.
ReplyDeleteTrying to think of a big one off event - does a sleigh ride in the Alps on a perfect Boxing Day count? Blue skies, fresh powder snow, forests, vast expanses of white and bells on the sleigh. Fairy tale time.
Absolutely, Annie. It was special event for you. And a darn sight quieter than ours which isn't a bad thing. :)
ReplyDelete