Race Day Saturday 23 April

Race Day  Randwick, Saturday 23 April

G'day,

Our horse-inclined friends should take notice.  We took a cab to the Royal Randwick track, and were met by our host, Geoff G.  He owns a horse that was to be in the first race.  This is big time, one of two prominent race venues in Australia, and Schweppes Day is a biggie.  Everyone dressed in suits/zippy dresses (this will get edited), and hats for many of the women (and, Jim, sorta pimpy NJ hats for some of the younger men (also prime for editing).  We were ushered into the owners’ area, placed bets (prudently betting for Red Tracer, our host’s horse) and sat back to watch the grass track, in-the-rain first race.  Excellent result, and our host, his wife and their immediates were ebullient with the win.  Then we were in the winners’ circle, the winners’ room, hands shaken by many who must have thought we were somehow winners too (vs. some visitors from Kzoo, Mich.)  Lots of champagne, pictures, lots of non ML beer, Mimi aglow in her red dress.  All lovely.

Our host’s wife kept feeding us race tips and we did pretty well (I define as breaking even) through the day’s seven races.  Lots of fun with all those in our party, some of whom we will see either tomorrow at a barby; or during the ANZAC Day march, beer stops and a dinner later that day.  I’m told that my path will cross some familiar names from Vietnam, a subject of some marvelling in reminiscing so far.  

Jockey and trainer

Mounting up for the race

The crowd waits for the races to commence

There they are, Red Tracer and Jockey

,

A (very well-known) trainer whose horse did not win
although she may have other horses in other races.

Crossing the finish line

Dismounting after the victory

Owners and jockey

Goeff and Mary, proud owners and winners

The press getting lots of photos of the winner

Geoff's friend Rick giving speech after win

In the winner's room (that's Geoff)

More Moet et Chandon...oh my...

Receiving the winner's album (See below)

Photos from the winner's album presented to the owners...

Met the jockey before the race... one of the best in Australia (as is the trainer)

Small filly.... Red Tracer.... she is so sweet. She loved the crowds.

Love my bag....  Owners are in middle

Love the hats

the trainer (who was on the news as another horse he was training won the BIg race)

Betting going on while Denny looks...
ummm...intrigued!

Beautiful venue

All day...sigh....

Oh, the dresses and the hats! Lovely.

Just a whole different stratosphere...