This is a really special horse race. It has been run since 1861 and this year had a massive field of 25 horses running on a track that is 3200m long (almost 2 miles), making it one of the longest races in the world! For comparison to the biggest races in the North America for the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is 1.25 miles, the Preakness is 1.125 miles and Belmont is 1.5 miles. Many horses just aren't cut out for such a long race. With so many horses on the field there is a lot of strategy that goes in to where to let the horse make it's move. Too soon and he could peter out, too late and he could lose his chance. This year was the closest finish in history. It was a photo finish that took two reviews by committees and marshalls before they could agree on the winner: by a quarter of a nose, Dunaden! In the photo below Dunaden is the nose at the top.
Dunaden by a nose (from a Channel 7 screen grab on smh.com.au)
This was a great result as JB had Dunaden in the office sweeps and won $58!
It is also a massive fashion event, with an on-field fashion show held during the day of the race for both men and women. The men dress in their best suits and women have frocks of varying lengths and colours, but the major focus is on the hat. Even people who are not at the race will get dressed up in their racing finest. JT had a break for the race but JB had an afternoon party at work and did her best Canadian interpretation of racing day fashion. It must have worked, she was the winner of the fashion show!
JB ready for the race (we really could have picked a better place to pose than the kitchen)
The all important hat
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