The Cup

For anyone who doesn’t live in Australia, let me tell you that the first Tuesday in November is the day of the race that stops a nation. Regardless of the weather, thousands of people flock to tracks and TABs across the country, and to any other venues providing coverage of the Melbourne Cup. On this day, all eyes are on the pretty fillies and their handsome competitors, each groomed to look their best before they initially parade around for show. The spirit of challenge and anticipation is in the air as the participants all compete for the spoils that the day has to offer. And then of course there are the horses.

I actually think that the horses are more of an excuse than a reason to let loose on Cup day but why not? Everyone who’s anyone, is decked out in their Sunday best and I personally feel that not enough males realise they show to great advantage whilst in a suit. Women in turn wear dresses and shed androgenous garb eagerly in favour of looking more feminine. My fellow sisters also go to great lengths to prove that millinery as an art is not dead and at least more often than not, they are successful. This day is a day about beauty, wealth and winning and what could be more attractive than that?

Unlike New Years, which seems a holiday associated at least in part with couples, or the family oriented celebrations held over Christmas and Easter, Cup day happens to be perfect for singles. The alcohol flows both frequently and early enough to provide ample opportunity for picking out a winner. You can also show yourself off to the best advantage (there is no such thing as being over-dressed), for the adage of ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ definitely epitomises the general attitude surrounding the Cup. If there is any disadvantage it is only that there may be a little too much competition going on.

Occasionally crammed into confined spaces, the atmosphere everywhere is frenetic and bursting with noise and colour. If you’re actually out at the track there is Fashions In The Field and other means of exhibitionism and wherever you may be, there will always be crowds around the bar and the bookies. There is the air of desperation that surrounds those over-anxious for good news and the carefree who-dares-wins philosophy that sees normally cautious people throw all hesitation to the wind. Whether you bet a bank note or a bank balance, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye and many live purely in the moment.

Unfortunately for some, the final outcome of the day is not always everything they’d hoped for. The ‘sure thing’ and the ‘safe bet’ are often not what they seem and taking a gamble does not always pay off. On the other hand, it is entirely possible that you might come up a winner. For myself I’d have to say that I am still unsuccessful in the love stakes but hey, I did win a few bucks.