In the state of Victoria, today is a public holiday so important and ingrained into the culture that even parliament is out of session during the half hour Melbourne cup race. The women have been dawning their large hats all week and the men have been dressed up as well. Of course, by the time I was out and about on Darby Day Saturday, a lot of those well-dressed people were a bit pissed (very drunk) and looking a little warmed over. You can catch many slouching over the steps at Flinders Street Station looking like a well dressed homeless person. Rough nights during race time.
Several of us headed down to the TAB to place a bet on the horses. My picts weren't that risky: Makybe Diva to win and Eye Popper to place. A whopping $4 placed on the line for the win. Makybe Diva came in first place for a remarkable and historical third year in a row. It was some big excitement in the state of Victoria today.
So, my first venture into horse racing and I came out a winner by about $10. I always have beginners luck in these things.
Sounds like lots of fun.