Nov 6: Melbourne Cup Day in Perth

Being Victorian-bred, I can't let Melbourne Cup Day go by without a visit to a racetrack -- the Ascot Races were as good as any to get to today.

Last time I went to the Ascot Races was on New Year's Day 2006. It was an absolute scorcher, we weren't allowed outside the marquee with our drinks, and we didn't even get to glimpse the track all day. Imagine that -- going to the Races and not setting eyes on one single horse? Good to see our priorities were in order.

Made up for it today but standing trackside and even managing a few bets. Gav picked his horses by choosing a random number, and I picked my horses by their names (omen, resonation, syllables etc). If my horse matched his number we would bet on it. It worked - we won on number 7: Glastonbury Tor! (Well, we won enough to pay for two kebabs for breakfast at least)...

Today I am thankful we have a lifestyle that lets us "down tools" to enjoy a mid-week day at the races.