The Mane Attraction

In the Southern Hemisphere spring is in the air and that can only mean one thing in Australia – horse racing. No, not watching a tiny TV in a dusty betting office surrounded by desperate men in singlets with names like Bruce and Wayne. I’m talking about the glamour, the fashion, the Champagne. Apparently horses are involved but it’s really about getting dressed up – ladies, pretty and demure dresses, killer heels and outrageous headwear are all essential and for gents it’s all about a sharp suit, scuff-free shoes and perhaps even a trilby. Racewear ideas fill the pages of Aussie magazines and Sunday papers and get massive coverage on television breakfast shows. It’s all about seeing and being seen and celebs make an appearance at the biggest meets, quaffing the free Champers and looking fabulous for the paps.


Unfortunately, the four big days of the spring racing calendar – Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Stakes Day – are all held in and around the city that inspired Crowded House to write ‘Four Seasons In One Day’. The weather in Melbourne is notoriously unpredictable, much like the UK really, although I do believe they do manage rather more sunshine in between the rain, hail and brisk winds. Derby Day was held yesterday and watching some of the highlights (the hottest marquees, most fabulous dresses, biggest names – again, I think horses were a part of it somewhere but who really cares about that?) was like watching an English event. It absolutely hammered it down with rain. It was torrential and lasted all day. I did feel sorry for the poor girls in their lovely dresses, hair immaculate, skyscraper heels, tottering about in the downpour, trying not to get wet. The forecast is not great for the rest of the week either, which doesn’t bode well for the other meets. It was 32°C with beautiful sunshine at Derby Day last year – this year it was 17°C with torrential rain. I feel right at home.