Today was Melbourne Cup Day, watched by millions all over the world. Victorians even have a public holiday to celebrate. This year was a little different due to Covid, but still went ahead to a fairly empty racecourse at Flemington.

• 

• 

The first race was held in 1861 and ran over two miles. It is one of the world’s richest turf races. The first Tuesday of November is the day the race is held. The prize money is approximately $8,000,000. It’s not all fun and games though as over the years seven horses have had to be euthanised after the race. The latest one, Anthony Van Dyck, was just today.
Makbye Diva, featured, is the horse with the most wins and the photo shows her enjoying retirement.

This is the race that stops the nation. Almost every cafe, restaurant, pub and bar will be hosting an event. It is a day when everyone, especially the ladies dress up to the nines. Champagne starts flowing as early as 11 am and goes on well into the afternoon, all for a four minute race. My neighbour kindly hosted this event at her house today and invited the ladies from the neighbourhood. I caught up with old acquaintances and also met many more new ones. There were $5 and $2 sweepstakes for fun, of which I didn’t win anything.

Everyone brought something for the table and ice bucket! Plenty to go round

A few images I found from years gone by

🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇