So you’re all dressed up in your Spring Racing finery and you’re off! Time to brush up on your speaking points. You definitely want to seem knowledgeable but not quite akin to a colourful racing identity. Some thoughts on what to say when you’re wearing the best hat of your life …
• The Queen reaffirmed this week to Bart Cummings that she does not bet on the races.
Speaking points: Is this a good or bad thing? Would you want to see a bookie “by royal appointment” or would it unbearably lower the tone?
• The Directors of the Melbourne Cup retain the absolute discretion to pick which horses race but generally limit the field to the safety limit of 24, balloting horses based on a number of factors including prize money earned in the previous two years, wins or placings in lead-up races and allocated handicap weight.
Speaking points: Did you know winners of some races are automatically exempt from the ballot and go straight through to the Melbourne Cup? For example, winners of the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and San Juan Capistrano Handicap.
• At the first Melbourne Cup, only 17 horses ran; Archer was the winner and first prize was a gold watch and £170.
Speaking points: Why are gold watches not as prevalent as they used to be?
• A new Melbourne Cup trophy is painstakingly created each year and is given to the winning owner for keeps. There’s also a second cup on hand in case there’s a dead heat.
Speaking points: There has actually never been a dead heat for first in the Melbourne Cup. Aren’t those organisers cautious! The photo finish camera was first used in the 1948 Melbourne Cup when Rimfire was found to have beaten Dark Marne. Scandal, though—many attendees believed the result should have been reversed, and it was later discovered that the alignment of the camera was out.
• There are female jockeys who ride in the Cup—the first was Maree Lynden (1987) on Argonaut Style—but it has never been won by a horse with a female jockey.
Speaking points: Do female jockeys more obsess about their weight even more than male ones do? It sounds like a tough job.
• There have been a number of female owners who’ve won, starting with Mrs E.A. Widdis in 1915 with Patrobas.
Speaking points: Should you be using your middle initial more, especially around racing folk but also, in everyday life?
• Bart Cummings has trained more winners of the Melbourne Cup than any other trainer, with 12 horses across the finish line.
Speaking points: I’m totally backing Precedence or Illio (his horses likely to be in this year’s race)!
• The Melbourne Cup is a three-handled loving cup which is a vessel for shared drinks, traditionally used at weddings and banquets.
Speaking points: use this point suggestively towards the end of the day with a wink, e.g. “Did you know that the Melbourne Cup is a loving cup? Do you know what that means?”
• No horse has ever won from Barrier 18.
Speaking points: Ask ominously who’s in Barrier 18 as the race approaches.
• There have been more winning jockeys wearing the colour blue than any other colour.
Speaking points: A good remark to make on approach to a potential suitor wearing blue. Perhaps today’s their day to be a winner. Am I wrong?
Remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You are a fascinating creature of mystery and intrigue. You are eating small interesting pieces of food and sipping champagne or a delightful Australian sparkling—what’s not to like?
Image: photostock
Published on 28 October 2011 by Esmerelda Clark