Off to the Races!

With spring in Victoria comes inconsistent weather, floral dresses in shop windows that no one can wear without leggings and jumpers, and a plethora of horse races. That's right, it's racing season in Australia!

Being the Australian adventurers that we are, Will and I made our way to the Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday for a day of horse racing. The races in Victoria are huge events and are the height of fashion, gambling and champagne consumption. The Caulfield Cup is one of the biggest racing days of the season, perhaps second only to Melbourne Cup Day, which falls on the first Tuesday in November and is a public holiday in Victoria. That's right, the entire state gets the day off on behalf of a congregation of really fast four-legged animals.


As I mentioned, racing is all about the fashion. So before you ask what that giant thing in my hair is, let me introduce you to the concept of "the Fascinator." What the Terminator is to termination, the Fascinator is to fascination. Actually it's simply a hair accessory, like a scaled back version of a hat. Everyone wears them. I swear.

Up close and personal with the Fascinator

Requisite animal cruelty picture

Proof of the Fascinator's vast influence - even the Cup Girl wears them!

The races themselves were a good time as well, although they may have taken a back seat to the people watching. Our friends got there early and staked out a really good spot right next to the course. We had an amazing view of the final stretch, the better to see our horses lose.

Absolute Joy - I picked her because she shares my middle name, but she was unable to return my $5 investment.

Lining up for the start of the big race

And down the stretch they come!

The worst part of the day was possibly the weather. It started off cold and rainy, then warmed up for a few minutes, then got cold and rainy again, then warmed up and ... well, you get the picture. Even though we were chilly half the time, Will still managed to acquire quite the rosy shade of burned. Only in Melbourne can you freeze and fry at the same time.

Our first racing experience proved to be a success, despite our $10 gambling loss. Although we get the day off for the Melbourne Cup, we may forgo the races in favor of a more subdued viewing experience. I'm not sure the Fascinator is ready for another go just yet.