Happy Day before Melbourne Cup day to you all. The above photo is an accurate representation of the remains of a day out racing at Flemington. Champagne, prawns and strawberries. Chicken sandwiches and very sore feet.
The top photo epitomises the elegance and style one would hope to see at any horse race worth its salt.
How I love the Spring Racing Carnival. Coming from a family who has owned and bred racehorses, it has been a big part of my life for many years. Through years of baking heat, and flooding muddy rain, I have trooped out to Flemington to at least one day, whether it be the Cup or Derby Day or the Oaks.
But first, a teeny peek into the history books.
The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861, a long time ago for any Australian event, bearing in mind that Melbourne itself was really only established in around 1833.The idea for the Melbourne Cup was to create great handicap race, which is run over a distance of 3200 m (2 miles). The race needs stayers, not sprinters, horses who have been around for while, not flighty little colts. Many thought that being run on a handicap basis (weights based on weight of horse and jockey, not set weights) would encourage mediocrity. As it happened, this was not the case.
In the 1880s Melbourne Cup attendances regularly reached 100,000.
Melbourne Cup 1889
During the stock market crash of the 1890s (the first big one) almost one third of the Melbourne workforce lost their jobs. The gold was running out, and people needed something to believe in and hope for. And in the time honoured style of the Romans, bread and circuses have often filled that need.
This is Carbine - one of the best racehorses in Australian history. He was originally owned by Donald Wallace, a founding partner of the Broken Hill Mining Company (now BHP) but was sold in England when he fell on hard times. Carbine won the Cup in 1890.
A carnival atmosphere has always prevailed. In the 1800s shooting galleries, picnics and tent parties were held. Today, not much has changed.
But really, for many people it is all about the clothes. How often does one get to wear a hat and carry a neat little bag? One year I took my grandmothers beige lizard skin Kelly style bag to the races and I did not look a jot out of place.
Here are some ladies on the steps of the grandstand in the 1960s. Check out the turban, the top hat, the little cloche hats and the sensible shoes.
Here is a vibrant photo of some English models at the race in the 1960s.
Like all public events there must be a controversial moment which is endlessly discussed. For the Melbourne Cup it was Jean Shrimpton's attendance in 1965 in (gasp) no gloves (oh no) a short dress and (goodness gracious) no hat.
Here is a Japanese model daring to wear a jumpsuit in the early 1970s. You can see the disapproving looks in the background.
Of course, there are many many criticisms levelled at race wear today. Many women no longer wear hats, but fascinators or flowers. Along with that look comes very short dresses, spaghetti straps, lots of chiffon (or the cheaper flammable equivalent). I say let them wear what they want, as long as they feel pretty who cares? My personal preference is for something more covered up. I looked around for some recent photos of what I would consider stylish racewear. I have to say it was not easy, perhaps due to the absurd preponderance of celebrities who sometimes focus more on attention seeking than style. In any event this is what I liked:
This is Derby Day 2008 where black and white is traditionally worn. The lady on the right is Erica Baxter, married to James Packer.
This is Jennifer Hawkins. She can pull off a short dress without looking too nightclubby. 
This is Miranda Kerr, I love the freshness of this look.
So, to all, have a happy Day either at the races, or at least a little Champagne for the winning horse.
So, to all, have a happy Day either at the races, or at least a little Champagne for the winning horse.
0 Yorumlar