This year will be the most subdued time the ‘race that stops the nation’ has run since Sir John Kerr said “life is wonderful for all of us, especially winners of the Melbourne Cup,” influenced and inspired words . . . on paper.
The Spring Carnival isn’t about Caulfield, Moonee Valley and Flemington; those are for the city slickers and national media.
But the multi-million dollar race days are normally complemented by a flurry of country racing.
Although the horses are still leaving the gates, everything else that I love about country racing was cancelled this year.
In many cases, a small towns’ biggest sporting event is their annual cup meeting that coincides on a Saturday starting in September and running through to mid-November.
It forms what is the definition of the Spring Carnival.
I experienced true country racing firsthand while working in Finley. It doesn’t have a functioning racetrack, however Berrigan does.
The Berrigan Cup — that shares the day with Derby Day — is one of the biggest annual events in the southern Riverina.
It’s the pinnacle of country racing.
Something that is unique as a spectacle but kind of indistinguishable.
The lush green tracks bathe in sunshine prepared by dedicated men that have workman's hands, faded clothes and hunched backs.
The bar manned by volunteers serving cans of grog out of barrels filled with enough ice to sink the Titanic.
It might not quite have the sparkle of Melbourne's Spring Carnival, but the racing is thrilling.
Groups of family and friends arrive hours before the first race to snag the perfect spot on the grass in front of main straight – they’ve brought exotic picnics and the bubbles are flowing; not long until they complain about the punters standing in front of them when the action starts.
And trust me when I say, at every single country race meet there is always one group of people that set up their car boot picnic at the top of the straight; a minimum furlong away from the rest of the crowd.
The “corporate” marquees host a variety of people that exude temporary pretentiousness because they work at a business that’s a part sponsor of the event. You must practice how to look down on those in general admission and prepare to eat canapes typical of a 1980s Christmas party.
The betting ring has the bookies smirking with the thought they’ll be able to finish the home renos thanks to the $17 roughie winning race one.
That's why country racing is great, it doesn't take itself seriously.
The punters might dress up in their Sunday best but who doesn't love the opportunity to dress dapper . . . or maybe these days to get that perfect Instagram shot.
It's the gateway to summer. The crowd enjoys a social afternoon together, not worrying about Monday morning; the racing is secondary.
Country racing holds a special place in regional Australia; let's hope 2020 is the only year it was scratched.
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