Derby Day 2009

Let me preface this post by saying that everyone should, nay must, make an attempt to attend a day of the Spring Carnival in Melbourne.

So, yesterday (saturday) Riley and I were privileged enough to go to Derby Day, which is the first day of a week of horse racing events. I was extremely excited going into the race, but I truly had no idea what exactly to expect.

The event completely exceeded all expectations.

We took it easy friday night in order to wake up nice and early saturday morning. Nervous excitement had kept me awake for nearly an hour before Riley's blackberry alarm signaled that the time to start "getting ready" had finally arrived.

The event is extremely formal so we dressed in our Sunday's best, which amounted to brown shoes with a black belt and gray suit. Oh well, NO WORRIES, MATE! Another issue had to do with the hair.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that, for some reason, I absolutely refuse to put gel in my hair. Its probably because I've been against it so long that I can't change now without looking like a major hypocrite. I was easily the only male at the event not rocking all sorts of product. The main reason it has become a concern is that Melbourne is notoriously windy. Oh well, maybe I'll just chop it off.

Back to the races.

So we got all dolled up and walked 5 minutes to the train station near our house. When we arrived at the platform, we saw some men in suits and ladies in full on racing gear (beautiful dresses and cranium accessories), so we knew we were in the right spot. That feeling was quickly confirmed.

By the end of the train ride, the cars were JAM PACKED with shocked tourists and formally dressed Melbournites ready to get down to business, and get down they did.

We used our special passes to get into the "carpark" area known as the Nursery. Basically, it is a glorified tailgating arena. Each separate party has a designated number and we had to find #239. Each of the parties had an umbrella or tent, loads of quality wine, beer, and champagne, and catered food. Once we arrived at our carpark, we were greeted by friendly faces. We have quickly earned the nickname Yanky Doodle or some variation of yank. I just respond with CRAIKEY! OYY! or Kangaroo Jack or something. All in good fun.

We arrived at our carpark at approximately 11 am and were greeted with French Champagne and a photocopied sheet of betting tips. Riley and I arent exactly growing money on trees, so we decided to bet very sparingly. We both bet on the big race of the day. I bet both ways (win or place) on Rockferry and Riley did the same with Gathering. We both lost. Still kind of bitter.

The rest of the day was spent alternating beer and water because it is a hell of a marathon and it must have been mid-80s and I was wearing a dark gray suit. I could have taken the jacket off, but after helping to carry some cases of nutrient water (their vitamin water knock-off) I promptly sweat through my light blue dress shirt.

Both Riley and I stayed in control, but there were plenty that must have forgotten to drink some water. For instance, at one point I was using the restroom and just as I was leaving some dude stumbled inside, vomited everywhere, stumbled outside, tripped over himself, faceplanted, and passed out. In a freshly tailored suit. Priceless.

The most interesting part of the day, however, was the women. My neck is still sore from jerking my head around because EVERY SINGLE FEMALE looked stunning, regardless of their regular appearance. A 250 lb ogre could look amazing at this place. Not to say that most werent naturally attractive, but I was absolutely in awe. The cranium accessories were the most eye-catching. They would wear what seemed to be a mixture of flowers, a veil, and an indian head dress. Crazy.

At 7:30 pm, the races were over and we were kicked out of the nursery. Luckily we were able to avoid the trains because our party had hired a party bus to take us to the after party. I just used 3 different forms of party in one sentence. Count it, literally.

The party bus was a blast, as expected. It took us on a tour of Melbourne complete with plenty of drinks and loud music. Eventually, we arrived at our friend Georgie's residence. It was a gorgeous house in a lincoln park-esque neighborhood called South Yarra.

We were herded into the backyard where the DJ, a really really cool "bloke" that we had talked to earlier that day, was already spinning phat jams. The party really took off until it started to rain and he had to move his equipment inside. Fortunately, the parade continued through the rain and a great time was had by all.

Yesterday was absolutely the best day I have had in Melbourne. Riley took some photos and a video that I will try to post soon. My video camera is not charging for some reason so I cant upload what I have taken, but I will get that fixed ASAP. If you ever have an opportunity, you MUST attempt to spend a day at the races, I know that come Tuesday, I am going to really miss being there considering it goes all week!

Cheers!

Oh, and if you feel like sending me thousands of dollars or a chipotle burrito, my address is as follows:

490 Dandenong Rd (aboriginal name, kinda sweet)
Caulfield North, VIC, AUS 3161