Oh, is that what it’s all about? Don’t forget to spot the horses.. Source: Getty Images
RACE goer Luke Dennehy has learnt all the tricks of the business after having grace Flemington’s hallowed turf for more than a decade.
Check out his essential tips spring racing tips for all your Melbourne Cup Carnival fun.
Revellers party on the race track into the evening. Source: News Corp Australia
1. DON’T HAVE A BIG NIGHT BEFORE ALL THE FUN BEGINS
THE real danger is the Friday before Derby Day and Monday before Cup Day.
Melbourne is full of Sydneysiders and the vibe around the city is electric.
Sometimes you just can’t help but get sucked into having one drink with friends at any of the bars around town or race eve parties, then two, three, four ... and the rest is history.
Moet & Chandon Melbourne Cup After Party Source: News Corp Australia
So the trick is, avoid the long lunches and the after-work drinks that happen, it’s better to just stay home.
From experience, a big night on race eve can make the whole week of racing more of a chore than a delight.
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This is advice is very relevant to visiting Sydney celebrities — have one drink and then go back to your hotel room and order service.
Shari-Lea Hitchcock carves up the dance floor with Woman's Day writer Phil Koch on Derby Eve in Melbourne Source: News Limited
2. PLAN YOUR TRANSPORT TO THE TRACK
IT can be great fun getting the train home from Flemington after race day, but you have to be in the right frame of mind.
The boys head home in a cab taxi after a big day at the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Source: News Limited
You have to be prepared to wait in massive crowds and be carried to the platform in a crush of people.
One friend I know lost her Prada shoe as we were in the crush leading to the train station at Flemington. It didn’t matter — we awarded the other Prada shoe on a platter later that night to the punter we felt was “best on ground” for the day.
Seriously though, put some thought into transport. Getting to the track is generally fine, but if you are tired and over it, getting home can be tough.
People crowd the station platforms as they wait for trains at AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Flemington. Source: News Corp Australia
Leave before the last race starts is one solution that could save you pain.
The same goes to getting there: leave half an hour earlier then you normally would.
Don’t rely on the cabs at Flemington, you could be waiting for hours.
It’s worth even exploring getting together with a group of mates and getting a driver to pick you up. With four people in a car. it is economically viable and a weight off your shoulders knowing you have a ride home.
There is also a secret bus that goes from Flemington to Southern Cross station, usually $10 or $15 a ride — worth checking out.
People crowd the station platforms as they wait for trains at AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Flemington. Source: News Corp Australia
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3. DON’T LIMIT YOUR RACING EXPERIENCE TO ONE PLACE OR TRACK
THERE is so much talk about the Birdcage at Flemington, but to be honest, sometimes the real fun happens at other parts of the track.
If you can’t get into the Birdcage, it doesn’t matter.
Whether it’s setting up in general admission early with a bottle of champagne, some cheese and a blanket, or an old trestle table in the member’s car park, there are so many options at Flemington to explore.
Punters enjoy a beer in the "nursery" area of Flemington. Source: News Limited
For example, some of the best times I’ve ever had are in the famous nursery car park.
It can be like a nightclub at times - we used to call our day in the nursery on Derby Day our Christmas Day.
The nursery is where you might spot an AFL footballer who would rather party undercover and not in the glare of the spotlight.
4. HAVE A DECENT MEAL BEFORE YOU GO TO THE RACES AND SAY YES TO FINGER FOOD OR ANY FOOD WHEN OFFERED
THIS tip might seem a bit silly, but you will find when the drinks keep flowing on track, where ever you are you can simply forget to eat.
Hamish and Andy fool around with the Melbourne Cup in the Emirates Marquee at the Melbourne Cup Source: News Limited
So two things. Have a big breakfast and a snack before you head out. Secondly, when you see food pass you by in a marquee, with friends on the lawn or in one of the car parks — take it.
It’s better to be well fed while you drink, that is obvious. Try and have a sneaky bucket of chips at some stage during the day, it will help.
Birdcage at Melbourne Cup Source: News Corp Australia
5. DRESS COMFORTABLY
FOR me one of the best thing about the races is that everyone gets dressed up.
It doesn’t matter where you are on track, people make an effort.
But year after year late in the afternoon the lawns of Flemington can be quite a sight — ladies with their 10-inch heels in their hands, limping around with a glass of champagne in hand.
Revellers party on the race track Source: News Corp Australia
The trick is, remember you have to be in those heels all day, the higher doesn’t mean the better. Also look at the weather, it can be very unpredictable, but at least you can be prepared.
For the guys, stay away from the novelty outfits and looks.
It might sound like a good idea to paint your face blue and dress as a smurf in a suit at the start of the day, but 10 hours later the novelty will have well and truly worn off.
Shane Hudson in "drag" strolls through Flemington racecourse car park Source: News Corp Australia
6. YOU WILL MOST LIKELY WANT TO HEAD OUT AFTER THE RACES — PLAN AHEAD
MELBOURNE is so busy during Cup Week, some restaurants you might head to during any normal week with ease might be booked out.
There is a simple solution — book ahead.
Sometimes something basic is better after a long day at the races, I would recommend a pub meal — a parma or a steak. The perfect way to end a long day rather then queuing for the latest hip restaurant around town.
Chicken Parma Source: News Corp Australia
7. WHERE TO SPOT A CELEBRITY POST RACES
BECAUSE they are all up for a big week celebrities head out after the races.
Paris Hilton arrives at 'Boutique' in South Yarra. Source: News Limited
Crown is obviously a popular choice for star spotting — any of the top restaurants at Crown such as Rockpool, Nobu, Silks and bars The Waiting Room and Club 23 are all packed.
The Prince complex in St Kilda, The Emerson in Prahran, Boutique in Prahran, Eve in Southbank, Baroq House in the City and old favourite The Motel in South Melbourne will all be packed full of familiar faces.
Mark De Rango, Yolanda Vendy and Liam Hemsworth at Eve Nightclub post races Source: Supplied
8. FINALLY .... MAKE SURE YOU SEE A HORSE
So many years you always here people say “we had a great day... but we didn’t see a horse.” It’s easy to see why — sometimes you just have so much fun drinking and socialising away you forget why you are on track in the first place. So to make the day better, take the time away from the champagne and have a look at least one race — Flemington and the horse look suburb.
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Originally published as Keep yourself nice at the races
