Derby Day

We started the carnival in the best possible way. The "Carbine Club Lunch" where over the years it has become the place to be seen in racing circles. You catch up once a year with racing acquaintances, good food, a couple of drinks and generally an entertaining easy afternoon!

Over the years I’ve been privileged to have heard some of the best after dinner speakers, from the owner of the great "Sunday Silence" to Les Carlyon, Rupert McCall and best of all, Robert Sangster’s mate, Charles Benson; what a story he could tell.

This week we heard a man in a fairly high position, Vice-Chairman of the VRC. He proposed "The Toast to Racing"! He did an act that most magicians would be proud of. Yes, he put almost a thousand people to sleep in the one room. One patron who resisted looking him in the eye, clapped at the end of the well read four page address and everyone snapped out of their slumber. We then listened to Roy interview Bart for the umpteenth time and finally thank God for the golden boy Geoff Lane who actually knew how to speak. Very polished!

Well, Max and the Carbine Committee don’t be patronising just be entertaining.

Back at the track and somebody is doing it right with the crowd up by a massive fifteen percent. Having walked the track Wednesday, Thursday and Friday it didn’t surprise me that it was only just slow. If you saw the photos in "The Sun" of the muddy roads you would have thought the place was under water. I suppose no one wants to see a photo of a beautifully grassed course proper.

The punters were battered in the first couple. Anyone who saw "Inspire’s" last start would have been in shock to see it win, how does it happen?? Then the tongue-tie off St. Petersburg! Well it’s some excuse! "Brew", yes one for the punters and a great ride by C. Munce. It’s amazing he gets the sack from "Yammer" for a poor ride at the Valley then rides "Brew" like a master! "Super Sequel" and the bookies go back to two in front. Then "Lolita Star", another good ride and bookies go three up. Good money for "Hit The Roof" and another great ride G. Boss. Hasn’t David Hall taken a big step in the last year, great effort by a great bloke! "Oliver Twist" was one for the punters and another great ride. Finally the Cassidy Brothers gave the punters something to go home with!

Great racing. Well done VRC, keep up the good work. This is the best show on earth!!!!!

Happy Punting,

A.D & J.D

P.S. Don’t forget www.cyberhorse.net.au/adandjd this Tuesday it’s free!!!