2 Geckos Travelling Australia: Tues, 4th Nov, 2014 Melbourne Cup

Up early with the alarm for breakfast so we can spend time getting ready for the Cup. Did some “selfie” photos.

All dressed and waiting in the foyer for our Limo. Got a photo with the “Cup”.

Then more with the Limo.

A glass of wine to get us going and off we went for a drive around Melbourne to see the sights.

Down to the wharf where cruise ships bringing people to the Melbourne Cup are docked beside the Spirit of Tasmania that we will be travelling on at the end of November and the Carnival Spirit that we cruised on last year.

Arrived at the main gate at Flemington.

Lovely roses everywhere and so many lovely clothes and suits.

So crowded though.

Found our seats in the Lawn Grandstand, directly opposite the Finish Line, great spot. Forgot to bring Kim & Brenda’s phone number but will see if I can find them later.

Wendy & I went for a wander past the Lawn section – how will they see anything – interesting table!!

We found something to eat and a frozen cocktail – very refreshing as it is quite hot. So hard to get around with all these people and we aren’t going to put a bet on as there is such huge line ups – should have done that yesterday!!

Good view over the track back to Melbourne City and the Finish Line.

More great suits and the Swan Lady was being interviewed by Channel 7.

We were sitting up on that grandstand just under where the overhang is.

After each race workers went out and put the turf back into the holes left by the hooves.

Had two big TV screens to watch so I took photos that appeared on them, like the aerial shot from the helicopter above us.

Lots of people in the middle of the track so they had to cross the track between races – don’t know why they haven’t put in an overpass!!

Gai Waterhouse handed back the Melbourne Cup.

A special song was sung by a young lass and a choir– very nice.

We all stood for the National Anthem sung by the young lass again.

The horses for the Cup were brought out into the Mounting area.

No. 14 was too excited and was led out – his jockey hopped on him out on the track and off they went.

I would have backed an Irish horse, No. 9 – Royal Diamond because his jockey was Steven Arnold – family name so that would be a good pick. Also was going for No. 22 Lucia Valentina as the owner of Rogan Josh said that would be good pick.

The horses headed down to go into the barriers.

Everyone in their seats ready. Security was on hand to make sure no one was standing blocking someone’s view etc.

Don’t know how many people are here – its amazing.

They are ready to race.

They are off.

Videoed the race for a bit, No. 9 was doing ok. Big screens help to watch the race.

Nearing the end.

Got the winner No. 5 Protectionist from Germany going across the finish line in first.

The horses cooling down near the finish line. Noticed the favourite No. 1 came in last - hope he isn't hurt.

The couple beside me – came on the P&O – chose a Mystery Bet trifecta and they won.

Everyone headed off to collect their money – Sandra had got a bet on with a bookie and she got 3^rd so we headed to the bookies to collect her winnings. Made $4 profit!!

Headed to the train station to wait in line to head back to Flinders Street Station.

The sky decided to drop a few drops of rain on us while we waited so the girls got to open their umbrellas.

Crammed on so we had to stand on the train back to Flinders Street Station.

Back to the Promenade and coffee at the Lindt Coffee Shop, then a rest and out again for dinner.

Heard on the news that No. 1 Admire Rakti the favourite for the Cup had died. We had seen him come in last and thought he had hurt his leg – poor thing. Then another horse had kicked out when someone waved a flag when he was coming in from the race and shattered his leg so he had to be put down. So sad.

Changed clothes and shoes and walked back into town. More art!!