It’s the fourth Wednesday of October, not a cloud in the sky and the countdown is almost over. Suited men and finely clothed women press themselves to the fence, eyes focused straight ahead. Those at home drop what they’re doing and listen out for the call. The gates open and the race begins.
For locals, the Geelong cup is easily a highlight of every year, along with the Geelong Show and numerous others. This year is no exception and if you enjoy the thrill of the races, be sure to pen down October 22 at the Geelong Racecourse into your diary.
While the draw card is the temptation to win big as the stallions, fillies and mares tumble over the finish line, another spectacle worth being audience to is the Fashions On the Field. Each year the competition sees hundreds of entrants strut their stuff on the catwalk. Months of preparation have been spent traipsing through boutique clothing stores, or slaving away at a sewing machine, all for the title of best dressed.
Having the fanciest get up on the day not only means your peers have recognised you look fine, you’ll also win a few prizes too. For those who consider themselves skilled in the art of coordinating shoes and lippy, it’s worth the short walk on stage.
Of course the experience wouldn’t be complete without a cold beer to cool your nerves and hot salty chips to fill your stomach. The Geelong Cup has both and more, with numerous bars and food vendors around the venue there’s plenty for a quick snack between races or something a bit more substantial. There’s even sugary treats to purge away your losses through fatty, yet delicious, foods.
But let’s face it, while it’s nice to look at well dressed punters and eat tasty snack, it’s much nicer to see your winning horse trample down the competition and lead the pack lengths in front. The open handicap takes place over 2,400 metres, and whoever comes out the champion can see you sharing a prize pool of $300,000.
For those wanting to back it up and double, maybe even triple, their winnings, the Cox Plate Day is held the day after the Geelong Races. The day features a $3 million Cox Plate as well as six other races that are bound to go down a treat.
For something that started over 100 years ago (back in 1873) and is still going strong, it’s worth getting along to the day, if not for a bet then why not a glass of champers and a rest on the freshly mowed lawn?
When&Where: Geelong Racecourse – October 22