Melbourne Cup 2010

Today I had my first experience with horse racing. Unfortunately not live, but on TV. One of our friends had invited us around to her house to watch the Melbourne Cup this morning. Nibbles, drinks and cheering on - for the 3-4 minutes the race took (...), then it was just nibbles and drinks!

Melbourne Cup is the biggest thing for Australians. It's Australia's major thoroughbred horse race, billed as 'The race that stops a nation'. The race is over a distance of 3,200 meters. It is the richest and most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races in the world. It's been held since 1858, on the first Tuesday in November every year.

People come from near and far to take part in the festivities surrounding Melbourne Cup, to me it reminded me of Ascot - with well-dressed guests and women with big hats!
The guests at our party were of course dressed to their nines as well!







Boys corner:



Then it was all happening - for about 3 1/2 minutes!! :) Very exciting!