Stop horsing around. We’ve got a race to get to
Turnbull Stakes Day: Saturday, October 4; Caulfield Guineas Day: Saturday, October 11; Cranbourne Cup Day: Sunday, October 12; Thousand Guineas Day: Wednesday, October 15; Caulfield Cup Day: Saturday, October 18; Seymour Cup Day: Sunday, October 19; Geelong Cup Day: Wednesday, October 22; Moonee Valley – WS Cox Plate Day: Saturday, October 25; Bendigo Cup Day: Wednesday, October 29; Victoria Derby Day: Saturday, November 1; Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, November 4; Crown Oaks Day: Tuesday, November 6; Emirates Stakes Day: Saturday, November 8; Sandown Classic Day: Saturday, November 15; and Ballarat Cup Day: Saturday, November 22.
The race that stops a nation
If horse racing is the ‘Sport of Kings’ then the jewel in the crown is the Melbourne Cup. The first Melbourne Cup was held at the height of the Victorian gold rush in 1861. Some 4000 were in attendance that day, watching Archer take out the inaugural event for the grand prize of 710 gold sovereigns (710 pounds) and a gold-beaten watch. Archer would take out honours again in 1862. A touch over 30 years later, the great Mark Twain visited Australia, remaking about his Melbourne Cup experience, “Nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival for people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation. The Cup astonishes me.”
The Melbourne Cup is the grandest of horse racing events in Australia, equivalent to any of the great races from around the world. The Kentucky Derby has been a tradition since 1875 and is commonly referred to as “The fastest two minutes in sports”. The Royal Ascot in England is a week-long group of races and has been a part of British tradition since 1711. One would also have to mention the Dubai World Cup, if only for its prize. Held annually since 1996, the relative newcomer has a purse of $10 million.
Given the powerful nature of these animals and the passion horse racing holds for those closest to it, it is little wonder that horse racing has been immortalised in film. In 2013, film critic Jim Schembri listed his ‘Top 10 Horse Racing Films’ for 3AW. Unsurprisingly 1983’s Phar Lap topped the list. More than a racehorse, Phar Lap became a symbol of depression-era resilience and hope. The 2003 film Seabiscuit, a similar story but from an American standpoint, also featured. One of the most identifiable names on the list was National Velvet, the 1944 Elizabeth Taylor vehicle about a young woman (Taylor) who has to disguise herself as a boy in order to ride in the Grand National steeplechase.
First past the post
Whatever your views on gambling, betting is a huge part of the races. The internet is littered with those giving you (or selling you, more probably) “fail-safe” betting systems. Most race-goers, however, love the thrill of a casual punt. A win, yep, that is great, but for many it is secondary to the thrill. The cheering, the racing hearts, the elation, the disappointment – all connected to a bet slip. At the time of writing, The Offer and Japan’s Admire Rakti and Bande were the favourites. Gamble responsibly.
Easy does it
All races offer packages, if that is your thing. It can make things a little easier. You have your own area (generally with a great view), and food and drink is provided. For Forte readers, information about local packages can be found here: Geelong (grc.com.au/geelong-cup), Bendigo (via countryracing.com.au) and Ballarat (via countryracing.com.au). General admission is also available, of course.
And the winner is
Fashion is a huge part of racing as well. However, as what I know about fashion couldn’t fill a one-page book, your best bet is to look online for some tips. Racingfashion.com.au is a good place to start. Better yet, and a little closer to home, make sure you read the fine work of our own Jessica Alves in this issue of Forte.
