Melbourne Cup Celebration on ‘The Hill’
All Australia welcomes the celebration of the Melbourne Cup.
Traditionally it’s held on a hot spring day at a venue bedecked by thousands of fragrant roses and populated by beautifully dressed people attracting others with their short skirts and pheromones.
They share their joy with lots of bubbly drinks, lots of laughs, a few bets — all with a few horses in the background.
This year the weather was not so kind.
The crowd gathered in the carpark at The Hill known as Bellbrae or Burchy’s Paddock for a post-cup picnic in wild and windy weather that mad the Fashions on the Field clothing somewhat inadequate for the night.
To keep everybody warm the host had organised a bonfire: a four-metre-high pile of five pallets, seven pianos and a collection of industrial and agricultural refuse.
The main menu supplied by the caterers (Chicken in a Van) was twice-cooked and pulled chicken. With an assortment of salads the crowd enjoyed their bubbly and beer and watched the barbecued rabbits run from the fire between races.
The stewards threatened to cancel the event when they discovered a rabbit burrow on the track.
After some phone calls from Bet-365 and Crown Bet the program was confirmed as arranged by a few bonus bets.
The tragedy of the evening was when one of the runners Debutant had to be put down during the second race.
It seems she lost her footing at the turn and fell heavily against another runner and then the turf injuring herself and her jockey.
The program was held up while the unfortunate demise of the filly was finalised.
The visiting internationals from Freshwater Creek CFA were impressed by the extent of the celebrations.
They have experience at all the major racecourses in the world — especially those that catch fire during the events. They promised to enter some of their horses in next year’s Spring Carnival if they are able to circumvent the legal problems of quarantining their horses from the MFB.
The Club is indebted to the owners and trainers for the evening. Mr B. Burch and Associates were the most successful owners and Messrs J. White and T Stubna were the most successful trainers on the day.
Special mention is due to the shortest jockey Mr J. Spiteri looking gorgeous in his silks. Congratulations and Thank You all from the Committee and Members of the Racing Club.
Handicapper Mr D. Webb is also thankful to the people who provided the emergency lighting required due to the ecliptic setting of the sun.