Armidale Cup Day

A day at the Armidale Races

Today was the Armidale Race Day and I went for the first time with some coworkers. This year was a half-day Public Holiday due to a successful campaign by the Armidale Jockey Club, but because we had a half day off due to the races I felt a bit obligated to go. It was a neat experience, and I'm glad I went. It felt like a very Aussie thing to do.. the most Australian experience of recent memory.

The first race: Mr Grumpy coming in first place.
Mr Grumpy came in my personal 1st place of best horse names.

Sponsored by Macca's

 Having never been to a race day before, everything about it was new to me. The horses for the next race were first brought out and walked around for quite a long time to allow the spectators to observe and make their bets. After a certain amount of time the jockeys would come out and ride the horses in the walking circle. Eventually the horses would make their way to the field for the race. It was neat to see the horses up close: some were very agitated, one kept trying to bite the horse that was leading it.

Heading out to the track.

I enjoyed taking photos of the horses and the races, because it was so green. If we were in the middle of a typical hot and dry spell the atmosphere of the day would have been quite different!

I didn't stay for the main event of the day, Armidale Cup, as it was the last race of the day, but I'm sure I will hear all about it tomorrow. Surely a good time was had by all! (Or at least, those whose bets paid off.)

Colorful dahlias along the track added to the festive atmosphere

Crossing the finish line.