Some very lucky Australians and visitors from
overseas will actually get to be trackside at Flemington Racecourse to watch
the annual running of the Melbourne Cup. As the track only caters to a little
over 100,000 spectators, we obviously can’t all fit inside, and many of us are
simply too far away for a trip to Flemington to even be a possibility.
So if you’re one of the unfortunates who can’t
make it to Flemington to watch the race live, what other options do you have to
fully embrace and enjoy one of the country’s most popular and iconic sporting
events?
Experience
the Excitement of the Day At Your Local Race Track
Most major and regional racecourses host their
own race days and trackside parties on Melbourne Cup day. It’s the next best
thing to being able to experience the excitement of being trackside at
Flemington. You’ll be witnessing live horse races and be able to take a punt on
the local races, as well as all races on the card at Flemington Racecourse.
A day at the local races also gives men and
women the opportunity to dress up for the occasion as if they were in
Melbourne. The champagne and beer will be flowing freely, and no doubt your
local race organisers will ensure there’s plenty of great food on offer as
well.
Just make sure you plan to take the day off work
in advance so you’re not disappointed and can actually make it to the track
without having to fake illness and call in sick. How many bosses are really
going to believe you’re truly ill on Melbourne Cup day anyway?
Is
There a Party At Work?
Even if you have to work in the morning, many
Australian businesses and companies close down for the afternoon on Cup day,
and the majority of workplaces will hold some form of Melbourne Cup party; either at work or at a selected venue.
If you currently have a job, chances are you
won’t be partying alone come the first Tuesday afternoon in November.
If you have a really good boss, then likely all
the expenses will be on them, so you not only get the afternoon off work, but
you also get to eat and drink for free as an added bonus.
Many workplaces also hold sweepstakes, where
everyone chips in some money and gets to draw a horse or two from a barrel or a
hat. Office sweepstakes can be a lot of fun, and having a horse you’re backing
makes watching the race that much more exciting.
Spend
the Day At the Pub
There won’t be many pubs in Australia that
aren’t holding a Melbourne Cup function, so even if you’re at a loss for
something to do, you know you can also meander on down to your local and there
will be things happening.
Enjoy lunch and a few beers before the big race.
Place a few bets on the preceding races while working out your best betting
options for the main event.
Your local pub will have TVs positioned all
around the bar area, and likely a huge screen TV as well. Watch the race as it
happens live and soak up the excitement generated within the room.
When the race is done and dusted, the party will
carry on well into the evening.
Host
Or Attend a Private Party On Cup Day
Chances are you know someone who is hosting a
Melbourne Cup party, but if not, you can always organise your own event at your
place.
It doesn’t have to cost much. Just instruct
everyone to bring some food and snacks and something to drink and you’re away.
So long as you have a decent TV to watch the
race on, you’re good to go. Later on, you could all head out to party the night
away at a bar or night club.
The
Takeaway
There are plenty of
options for people to enjoy the big day without having to be in Melbourne or at
Flemington Racecourse. This post has covered just a few ideas, but no doubt
there are more options. Wherever you are on Melbourne Cup day, just enjoy the
moment, as it only comes around once a year.