The first Tuesday in November is etched in the mind of Melbournians the world over. At 3pm, a horserace stops people in their tracks – be they at the track, at the office, in cars, boats or trains. It seems quite the phenomenon to those not from Melbourne – that a horserace can bring a town to a standstill – but to us, it’s just the first Tuesday in November.

This Cup Day I was again headed to the track, dressed in a yellow Satch dress with shoes by Nine West, fascinator by Kitte Accessories, vintage bag and an Oroton wrap. The weatherman was again predicting showers, totally raining on our parade (no pun intended).

Instead of being upstairs in the VIP marquee this Tuesday, I was stationed at the bottom of the stairs, exposed to the elements but yielding the power of THE LIST. I have to confess, you don’t know power until you have the power to say who gets in and who doesn’t. It was FABULOUS.

My security guard – who strangely spent more time holding my umbrella than guarding anything – was a hoot to stand with all day, as opposed to the upstairs security guard who proposed to me on Saturday (FYI, I politely declined).

The day was up and down weather wise – the sun was out and it was warm, then it would drench us with rain, making my feet turn purple. If I could have moved my fingers, I would have taken a photo. I let some people in – others got turned away. And then it was knock off time and the only thing on my list was getting a drink.

Come 3pm, we were in the Myer Fashions on the Field Maquee, watching the race on the plasma screen on the back wall, while behind us, 24 horses went thundering by.  I didn’t pick any winners but the group I was with got the trifecta, so there were smiles all round.

One more day left on my Spring Racing Calender, Crown Oaks tomorrow promises slightly better weather. Fingers crossed!

Image One: Yep, that’s the ACTUAL cup. Cool.
Image Two: And then it rained…
Image Three: Design Award finalists.