It’s the race that stops the nation. But for today’s woke generation, the Melbourne Cup has become the race that divides the nation.

As someone on the cusp of being part of Gen X and a Millennial, I have mixed feelings about the Cup – and horseracing in general, for that matter.

I have mixed feelings about the Cup.Credit:Getty Images

I also have an emotional connection with the Spring Racing Carnival because it was a huge passion of my late father’s. One of my old man’s favourite hobbies was his weekly punt at the TAB, so naturally the Cup was the highlight of his calendar.

He’s been gone almost 20 years, so the Cup brings back fond memories of Dad in his element. When I think of the Cup, I picture the family gathering around the TV to cheer on whichever horses Dad backed, while he yelled at the telly like a madman.

It didn’t matter the outcome of the race, it would usually end with Dad shouting, on his knees or rolling on the lounge room floor. His fanatical reaction was always a comical sight to behold. Even picturing him now, as I write this column, brings a huge smile to my face.

As a child, I found taking an interest in Dad’s world was a fun way to bond with him. I would study the silly horse names and the colours of the jockeys’ silks, and have Dad put a few dollars on a horse I liked the name of.

He taught me about odds, trifectas and that taking a punt on a Bart Cummings-trained thoroughbred usually paid off. I even made a few bucks as a youngster in 1997 by having him back Might and Power, purely because I was a fan of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Growing up, Cup Day was a fun excuse to get together with the extended family for a barbecue and a sweep and a day off school or work.

Over the years, I’ve also enjoyed dressing up and attending regional race days in Geelong and Kyneton. I have always admired the fashions on the field, especially the artistry of the millinery.

But now when the Spring Racing Carnival rolls around, I feel divided.

When the Spring Racing Carnival rolls around, I feel divided.Credit:Mark Evans

On the one hand, it reminds me of my dear Dad and his passion for a punt – and his silly overreactions.

Cup week is also a massive boon for Victoria’s economy, reaping a record $447.6 million in gross economic benefit to the state in 2018. This includes millions of dollars in spending in hospitality, tourism, beauty and retail industries to support the influx of attendees and visitors.

Right now, a Cup boost could be the lifeline those heavily impacted Melbourne businesses need after being closed for much of the past 18 months.

But I’ve also become more aware of the dark side of racing – that scratchings don’t just mean you might get a refund on your sweep money.

Sir Dragonet was euthanised after breaking down during a track gallop.Credit:Getty

It was heartbreaking to learn of Cox Plate champion Sir Dragonet being injured and euthanised after training a few weeks ago. The tragedy followed last year’s Melbourne Cup fatality, where Irish stallion Anthony Van Dyck was euthanised after pulling out of the race. The English Derby winner was the seventh horse to break down during the Melbourne Cup since 2013.

One can only imagine how many more casualties the sport claims once the spotlight moves away from the Spring Racing Carnival.

It’s also woeful to see the human carnage at the end of raceday. Passed-out patrons and women peeing behind marquees is not a great look for such a prominent event.

So, on Tuesday I’ll be having some friends over for a barbecue, but we’ll be saying “nup to the Cup” by playing board games instead of placing bets and watching the race.

I’m still on the fence about how I feel about our city’s iconic holiday, but I value the tremendous effect the Cup has always had in bringing the nation together.

After more than a year of being locked away from our families, friends and colleagues, after violent protests and debates over vaccination mandates, Melbourne could really do with some unity.

Mel Buttigieg is a freelance writer.

Most Viewed in National

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article