Melbourne Cup Carnival 2015

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Tue 03 Nov 2015

The race that was advertised as the one that stops a nation, and always held on the first Tuesday of November, has actually been stopping two nations for many years and has become a world-class event in recent years. Run over the metric equivalent of two miles - 3200 metres, it was worth $A 6.2 million this year.

There were eleven international horses among the twenty four this year, but only one was bred in Australia, with the winner being bred over the Tasman in the Waikato area of New Zealand. NZ horses have had a marvellous record in the race over many decades, despite the recent invasion of horses from Europe, England and North America. Millionaire oil sheiks from the middle east have spent millions trying to breed winners of the big race.

But the race has been changed for ever when Michelle Payne, the first ever female winner was successful on outsider Prince of Penzance last Tuesday. Michelle made some interesting comments when interviewed after the race.about the chauvenistic attitude of other jockeys and trainers who maintained she shouldn't be allowed to ride in the great race. Michelle said they could all get stuffed, because she was now a winning jockey in the Melbourne Cup.

Michelle Payne is now a national celebrity and one of Australia's acclaimed sportswomen who has opened the door for other female jockeys in Australia. Since Linda Jones became the first female jockey to be successful in New Zealand, women have won every major race in that country.

The Melbourne Cup is as well known for its fashion, fillies and frivolity as well as the racing. As tens of thousands of racing fans mingle outside on the lawns, the lovely followers of fashion show off their fantastic hats as well.

Michelle comes from a well known racing family with its roots in racing and origins in New Zealand. Most of her siblings have been jockeys as well, but without her success. She is very appreciative of Prince of Penzance's trainer, Darren Weir for giving her the opportunity to ride his horses. when other trainers haven't. Her younger brother Stevie is the horse's strapper as well.

#courses
#fashion
#melbourne_cup
#outdoor
#sport
#november
!date 03/11/2015 -- 03/11/2015
%wnmelbourne