The remark so many make after a day at Flemington is that after spending all day at the Races, placing several bets, swilling the GDP of a developing nation in champagne, and retiring home they didn’t see even a single horse. Pretentious? Somewhat? A reality? Yes. With the line-up of marquees in the Birdcage each [...]

You will see plenty of advice on what to wear to the Melbourne Cup, some even on this website but here we present the top 5 things to avoid at the Melbourne Cup, both in dress and attitude: 1. Do not wear clothing which has any hint of visible underwear. Gosh it sounds so simple [...]

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 [...]

As a person of the world, you must have wangled your way into being in Melbourne for the Spring Racing Carnival. Oh I know, New York has its charms in November and London is still above freezing but seriously, people, Melbourne has the richest two-mile handicap in the world. Stop it, I don’t even know [...]

I remember the first time I ever visited London’s Soho after hours—almost ten years ago—on a Friday night I was horrified to discover four-sided urinals plonked right in the middle of Berwick Street. Admittedly, the area is known for its bars and nightclubs, largely frequented by men only, however, it just seemed so uncivilised to [...]