Victoria Derby
If it weren't for Victoria Derby Day, you wouldn't have known there were so many stylish, suave men in Melbourne. Honestly, what hole do they all crawl into en masse after this event? It's the day when men who believe a folded handkerchief is the epitome of urbanity, actually let their wives/ girlfriends go crazy telling them what to wear and how to walk. That was the day two years ago when I made my partner wear a shocker silk pink and blue neck-tie. Well, it did go well with his tousled blonde hair, and I thought he looked quite hunky - - a bit dorky, yet hunky. For the finishing touches I picked up a flower and that's when he fled out the front door. I'm not the kind to give up so easily and I chased him down, caught him at the corner and pinned it right on. This would have to be an instance of the little known side of a world renowned affair called the
Derby Day. As for us, we survived that incident and two years later we're still together.
Traditionally, Victoria Derby takes place the Saturday before the
Melbourne Cup Day. It all started way back in history in the year 1855, and is even today considered an exhibition of raw animal power, speed, and thrill that captivates, and holds you in thrall. This event is the first of a group of four that marks the culmination of a series of racing events which had been going on around the city for about fifty odd days. It is the first in the final group that takes place in the fabulous Flemington grounds. This would be followed by the actual Cup Day,
Oaks Day, and
Stakes Day. About nine group 1 races take place on this day and there is a dedicated audience that watch without blinking or letting go of their binoculars. Sharing the limelight with the thoroughbreds are the men in suits and hats participating in the Men's Fashion on the Field.
But for some of us it is the carnival atmosphere, the heady champagne, great food, wonderful company of friends, and the marvellous spring weather that does it. We do love those horses to death, but we don't speak horse; we do place bets, but are too lazy to do it officially; we do know who the jockeys are, but are more excited by the celebrities. And no we're not a bunch of losers, we're very happy and excited for whoever wins.
Past Victoria Derby winners include Efficient, Benicio, Plastered, Elvstroem, Helenus, Amalfi and Hit The Roof.
The Victoria Derby consists of nine Group 1 races take place at the fabulous Flemington grounds just three days before the Melbourne Cup Day : Aussiepunter
