The race that stops a nation......

For over a month, I have noticed pubs and hotels advertising hospitality events, fashion shows, free food, package prices and really whatever comes to mind, all leading up to Tuesday 4th November and the annual "Race that stops a nation" - The Melbourne Cup (or should I call it the Emirates Melbourne Cup!)

The sweep stakes started and everybody was asking - "which horse are you backing?" In Victoria, it is a Public Holiday and an unofficial holiday everywhere else. Shops close early and offices shut down all in time for the race.

We watch the pre-race parades through Melbourne whilst the internal sales stats tell me that the Accor Hotels are raking in the money as the demand for rooms has soared (what recession?)

At Ibis Newcastle, a couple of regular guests have arrived early from Canberra in time to watch the race. They eagerly round up all the staff whilst buying a couple of bottles of Champagne for the occasion. We head into the bar where the commentators are eagerly announcing the start of the race. Being Channel 7 though we jump straight to an Ad break and get back just before the race begins. The excitement was building (well that is what I was told) and we spent a long 2 minutes watching a dozen or so horses chase round the track. I was waiting for the jumps as I thought it might add some excitement but no. That was it 2 minutes and it was all over.

Personally, I can live without it and I found the following day for more interesting. I had the TV's on again and was eagerly listening to the American election results. Maybe no champagne this time but this was one race where the results matter a lot more...