I know that we just posted yesterday, but I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about one of the many unique Australian traditions we have encountered thus far, The Melbourne Cup. On the first Tuesday of November, Australia effectively stops everything to enjoy a day of fancy hats and expensive cocktails and nation-wide gambling that accompanies the thoroughbred racing at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. People who have never placed a bet in their life take the chance to pick a winner based on the color of the jockey's uniform or the horse's nationality or the position of the lunar calendar. It is quite simply a spectacular occasion of frivolity.
The race itself is 3,200 meters, and this year's winner in a photo finish was a 40-1 favorite called Viewed. It was a great race and a fun day, and it is certainly a justifiable excuse to take the day off.
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