Derby Day 2011
If it weren’t for Victoria Derby Day, you wouldn’t have known there were so many 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.
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 it is the carnival atmosphere, the heady champagne, great food, wonderful company of friends, and the marvelous spring weather that does it. They love those horses to death, but don’t speak horse; they do place bets, but are too lazy to find good odds and usually just pick a number they fancy; and they do know who most of the jockeys are, but are more excited by the celebrities. And they’re happy and excited for whoever wins.
Popular winners from the past include Phar Lap (1929), Elvstroem (2003), Efficient( 2006) and the fastest ever around the track was Star Of The Realm in 1991.