Race that stops a nation

[33dollars]

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's major Thoroughbred horse race. Billed as The race that stops a nation, it is a race for three-year-olds and over, over a distance of 3,200 meters. It is the richest and most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races in the world. The event is held at around ten to 3 pm on the first Tuesday in November by the Victoria Racing Club, on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. The race has been held since 1861 so this makes it the 150th race. This was at work yesterday .
I had a each way bet for 2 units each way & picked up $45 winnings on Americain ridden by Gérald Mossé in a time of 3.26.87

 

[Orol]

What do the employers say? Or do they watch the race also?

Peter

 

[odklizec]

I remember similar madness during the Winter Olympics in Nagano when Czech played the final match against Russia. The life practically stopped during that game.

Sadly, I don't know anything about the horse races. But it seems to be extremely popular in Australia? Good reportage-style shot!

 

[Wiener]

Phil,
If you had posted this as a 'what are they watching' tease, I would never have guessed a sporting event...although now that I look more closely, there are a few open-mouthed silent shouts coming from the audience!
With real money at stake, I am surprised that you had the self-control pause and to take this photograph!
Andy

 

[lensman]

Phil,

Good photo......what photo accessory will you be buying with your winnings :lol:

David

 

[rui fernandes]

Very interesting, both the photo and the story behind!

That's the power of sports, hey? Here in Portugal we the same happening, but with a ball game... the strange thing is that sometimes the fact that a politician doesn't cancel a meeting during a match (like it happed during the last Mundial in South Africa) also becomes news ;-)

 

[33dollars]

Peter, Most people in Australia have a bet on the race because the newspapers print a sweepstakes page.
Most employers are in the sweep too. Workers are only away from work for about 4 minutes.

Paval, Thanks. Maybe I should try more reporter style shots.

Andy, It's just a horse race. I watched it latter that night on the news. Plus I was never going to get a shot this easy again.

David, Petrol.

Rui, Sport is one of those thing that makes people stop & look. Especialy when this was the 150th running of the race.

From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_Cup