WE all know the significance of 1874 in Fiji. But did you know that it’s also the year when the Melbourne Cup was moved to the first Tuesday in November and has remained a holiday in the state of Victoria in Australia ever since?
As the time inches closer to the big moment, the excitement’s building not just across Australia, but right here in Fiji for one of the world’s most beloved sporting spectacles.
It’s that one magical day when work takes a back seat and friends gather for champagne breakfast while BBQs blaze all across the country. Some turn up in outrageous outfits and hats that defy gravity.
Others spend a small fortune crafting couture creations worthy of Flemington’s famous catwalk while they strut their stuff in offices, homes and backyards across many countries!
But when the clock strikes three and 24 magnificent thoroughbreds thunder down the straight, millions of hearts, from the grandstands of Melbourne to lounge rooms and backyards around the world, will skip a beat.
I’ve stood at that finishing post on Cup Day at Flemington. There’s nothing quite like it! The roar of a hundred thousand eager fans screaming their lungs out, the earth trembling beneath the thunder of hooves and the electric crackle in the atmosphere makes your heart race and your hair stand in salute to this iconic event. It’s pure, spine-tingling sensation only the Melbourne Cup can deliver.
A carnival of colour, sound and sheer magic
Cup Week transforms Melbourne into a kaleidoscope of colour – dazzling fashions, fabulous music and a festive frenzy of excitement everywhere.
And speaking of music, our youngest son, one of Melbourne’s top DJs, has been given the rare privilege of performing in the exclusive Lexus Marquee in the Birdcage, entertaining celebrities from around the globe with a bird’s-eye view of the race that stops a nation. And the outfits people wear to celebrate are just an ocean of fabulous finery and colours that capture the heartbeat of the Spring Racing Carnival.
For the rest of us mere mortals, Cup Day means office sweeps, family tipping pools, laughter and a few cheeky bets. Whether you’re in it for glory, giggles or just the thrill of a flutter, it’s the one day we all become racing experts, if only for a few glorious minutes.
What’s in a name
Here’s a cheeky thought: could a horse’s name actually influence its chances of winning?
Every year, the Melbourne Cup field serves up names that spark curiosity, superstition and smiles. Some punters swear by the magic of a lucky name; others insist it’s all about breeding, form and a trainer’s touch.
This year’s field reads like a glittering global dictionary of dreams and daring – every name with a story, every horse with a destiny:
Al Riffa – the French-trained favourite’s name translates to “The Lucky Dip” or “The Lottery.”
Buckaroo — the cowboy of the turf is hoping to lasso that gleaming trophy and ride off into the sunset.
Arapaho — meaning “Blue Sky Men.” Perhaps this year he’ll rise above the rest and soar into the blue bliss of racing history.
Vauban – named after a master military French engineer, plotting another campaign to conquer the Cup that’s eluded him.
Parchment Party – America’s brave contender, fresh from a gritty win in the Belmont Gold Cup on a rain-soaked track that looked more like a rice paddy. This horse has heart and grit that could spoil the party for the rest of the mob.
Presage Nocturne – in French, “presage” means omen and “nocturne” whispers of the night. Could it be a sign of a twilight triumph to come?
The crystal ball
Every horse carries a story. Every story fuels a dream. And every dream reminds us why the Melbourne Cup captures hearts not just in Australia, but across the world and right here in Fiji too.
So, who do I fancy?
Parchment Party – the first American-trained competitor with a terrific record on a soggy track. If the heavens open, he’s my top pick with his excellent form, light weight and world class Hall of Fame jockey, John Velazquez.
Flatten The Curve is a seasoned French-German stayer with genuine 3200m stamina. Beaten by Parchment Party in the Belmont Gold Cup he could turn the tables with a bold run on Flemington’s exquisite turf. And there’s something about him that really appeals.
Presage Nocturne – that glorious grey with French flair. A credible Caulfield Cup fourth and primed for a dazzling finish.
Valiant King – his Caulfield Cup run from the outside barrier 16 was a scorcher.
He finished a gallant third and looked like he was just changing gears and warming up for a longer trip. Has the distance in his legs having run 13th in last year’s cup.
Al Riffa – classy Irish St Leger winner with enormous staying power and the brilliant Mark Zahra aboard. Big weight could be his only concern especially during the final stages of the race.
Torranzino – despite the Italian-sounding name, this Kiwi’s Geelong Cup win was impressive. Lightly weighted, he’s loaded with potential and full of fight and could be a bold choice. I like him a lot!
Onesmoothoperator – “Smoothie’s” Moonee Valley Cup win from behind was an absolute stunner for this tough 8 years old campaigner who ran 12th in last year’s race. The last 8 years old horse to win the Cup was Twilight Payment in 2020.
Half Yours – the Caulfield Cup champ hasn’t yet stretched to 3200m. But with Jamie Melham on fire, don’t dismiss this homegrown hero. Definitely a favourite with the ladies.
And keep an eye on Royal Supremacy, who could wear the crown of racing royalty. And the quiet Japanese achiever Chevalier Rose is a proven 3600m stayer. She could be the surprise package and gallop into Cup history or even run a top four.
Whether you’re backing the favourite, chasing a long shot, or just enjoying the spectacle with a glass of bubbly and a plate of prawns, remember in the Melbourne Cup, anything can happen… and usually does!
So, good luck, happy punting and may Lady Luck shine on your horse to be the gallant galloper first past the post!
n COLIN DEOKI lives in Melbourne, Australia and is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed in this article are his and not necessarily of this newspaper.
