Melbourne gets very excited at racing season, sweepstakes are held in every business and social group across the city, not to mention the real bets placed in dimly lit T.A.B betting shops in local suburbs and in town. But that’s all child’s play. If you are in Melbourne when the flowers are blooming and race day comes around, you should probably go get yourself a nice hat or fancy cravat, and catch the train out to Flemington to join the fun.
However, as not all of us can afford to dine in the sponsored tents and watch the races from above with a waiter delivering your drinks -here are a few tip for you lads and ladies who are going to party on the grass. Lets make sure you get the most out of your race day experience, without being escorted out of the grounds with your champagne lunch repeated down your front.
1) Catch the train
This is best and easiest way to get there and back. The station delivers you right to the door and you just need to follow the crowd as you bottle neck into Flemington race course. Its the same deal for getting home, although everyone is looking like you’d expect after a day in the sun drinking alcohol and loosing all your money, which will prove for a highly entertaining ride home.
2) Get there early
You may not want to wake up a little earlier than usual to slap on some nice garb and head to the train station but it is totally worth the little extra effort to catch and early train and grab a good spot on the grass. It’s going to fill up quickly so mark your territory!
3) Bring a picnic
This is one of the best money saving ideas for the entire Spring Racing Carnival. There are of course food options within the race grounds but anyone who has ever paid to enter an event will tell you that these will be ridiculously overpriced. There’s nothing illegal about bringing in your own food, but your bags will most likely be checked upon entry. The security guards will be looking for alcohol (which is illegal to bring into the grounds) and glass, perhaps metal cutlery. So to be sure, pack your picnic well with pre prepared food, plastic containers and plates, plastic utensils and cups and one of the most important – a picnic rug.
4) Make a bet or two
You can’t go to the races and NOT bet on a horse. Live the excitement and visit the ‘bookie’ for a gamble. Start with a straight bet on a horse that you are drawn to and bet for a win, place, or show. Or move up to a combo straight across the board and back your horse to do all three! Good luck!
5) Don’t get completely plastered
So you enjoy a beverage in the sun. Who doesn’t!? However getting completely smashed at a day at the Melbourne Races may be a rite of passage for some travelers – the truth is that it’s not a pretty sight. The likelihood is that if you are not the one being carried home, then you are doing the carrying. Eliminate these options by being a responsible group of young people and hold your head high when you zig zag out of the grounds with your shoes in your hand and your tie loosened. Fun had by all and no embarrassing blow outs, fall outs, boob outs or shout outs.
6) Pick your day
…or days for the more committed of race goer
Girls’ Day Out
This day celebrates the beginning of spring and the racing season, it even has stalls of fashion, food and wine, some entertainment, and lots of champagne!
Turnbull Stakes Day
This race is the trophy ground for Melbourne Cup Carnival champions! And there is more than $1.75 million in prize money to be won, and then gambled away again in the coming days.
Victoria Derby Day
Traditionally for the ladies, it’s all about fashion and hats that tend to be just a little cray-cray. Myer Fashions On The Field holds a parade and competition where you can ‘ohh’ and ‘ahh’ your way into rubbing elbows with fashions racing elite.
Melbourne Cup Day
The big one, obviously, where 100,000 people will rock up to the race track to spend a bucket load of cash and see the fastest horse and rider win a solid gold trophy. A BIG deal.
Oaks Day
Ladies day… again so it would seem, but if the first of the race day’s was a girl’s day, Oaks Day will tend to be a bit more grown up, sophisticated if you will. More fashion, more parades and prizes, and a bunch of 3 year old fillies running around, and that’s just the horses.
Stakes Day
The Melbourne Cup Carnival conclusion! Today focuses more on the races, but don’t worry – there’s still another fashion parade to enjoy… or endure. Activities and live entertainment help cap off a big week of fast horses and spectator shenanigans.
And they’re off! For more information and tickets head to the Flemington website and have a great time.
