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The Guardian - AU
Sport
Luke Henriques-Gomes

Melbourne Cup 2018: Cross Counter wins, but tragedy mars race again – as it happened

Cross Counter ridden by jockey Kerrin McEvoy wins the 2018 Melbourne Cup.
Cross Counter ridden by jockey Kerrin McEvoy wins the 2018 Melbourne Cup. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

As I alluded to at the beginning of this blog, today is a day that stops the nation, but one that divides the nation too. I’m not sure what impact the death of The Cliffsofmoher will have on the way people feel about the Melbourne Cup, but the response to the four-year-old’s death is a sure reminder that the entire day does not sit comfortably with a large swathe of the population.

Anyway, with that I will leave you. Regardless of how you feel about these issues, I hope you enjoyed your day. We’ll see you next time.

Updated

Race ten winner: Cool Passion

The day’s final race has been run and won. Cool Passion (5) has won the HKJ Club Stakes ahead of Princess Posh (4) and Savatiano (12).

If you’d like to rewatch the race that stops the nation, you can below.

Also, I’m reminded tonight’s major TV news bulletins are about an hour away.

Updated

Race nine winner: Teleplay

Teleplay (17) gets over the line first in a photo finish in race nine, the day’s penultimate race. Teleplay finished ahead of Moonlover (11) and Holbien (16).

My colleague Mike Hytner has filed his report on the death of The Cliffsofmoher.

The running of the Melbourne Cup has again been marred after one of the 2018 entries in the race, The Cliffsofmoher, was euthanised at Flemington Racecourse – the sixth horse to suffer that fate since 2013.

The Irish stallion, trained by Aiden O’Brien for Lloyd Williams, pulled up inside the first 600m after suffering a fractured shoulder. He was unable to be saved and was put down at the track.

Read Mike’s full story below.

Updated

Racing Victoria has also responded to the news.

Jamie Stier, Racing Victoria’s manager of integrity services, said the horse had received immediate veterinary care on the track but it was unable to be saved owing to the nature of the injury.

The CliffsofMoher is assisted by a race steward
The CliffsofMoher is assisted by a race steward. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

“This was an unfortunate incident that happens infrequently, with Victoria having one of the best safety records in world racing,” Stier added.

“Our sympathies are extended to Coolmore and the Williams family, the owners of The Cliffsofmoher, jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O’Brien and his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”

Updated

He’s the latest in a long line of dead horses. The Cliffsofmoher was spotted looking very agitated moments before the start and has now been killed after fracturing his right shoulder in the Melbourne Cup. Before they’ve even finished maturing, these 500kg animals race at breakneck speeds while being whipped and pushed past their limits, supported on ankles as small as those of humans.

Horses on the first lap in race seven
Horses on the first lap in race seven. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Of course, horses die at lower-profile racing events all the time: During the last racing year 119 were pronounced dead on Australian tracks between August 2017 and July 2018 – that’s one animal every three days. They die of cardiac arrest, haemorrhaging, ruptured aortas, and broken necks, legs or pelvises, and that’s without mentioning the thousands of horses bred for the industry who don’t make the grade and are abandoned, neglected or sent to slaughter.

Considering Australians hate cruelty to animals, commemorating a day on which horses routinely die in the Melbourne Cup is fundamentally unAustralian. While public holidays give Aussies a break, horses are breaking legs.

Updated

Race eight winner: Kaonic

Kaonic (13) has won race eight, beating a fast-finishing Life Less Ordinary (3), with third place a photo finish.

Zac Purton riding Kaonic wins race eight
Zac Purton riding Kaonic wins race eight. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Updated

There are still three races to go. Race eight is about to get under way. By the look of the TV coverage at least, the brief moments of sunshine that emerged moments before the Cup have given way to more gloomy, grey clouds. Perhaps that’s fitting, given what has just happened.

Jockey Aiden O’Brien on The CliffsofMoher is assisted by a race steward after the horse was injured during race 7.
Jockey Aiden O’Brien on The CliffsofMoher is assisted by a race steward after the horse was injured during race 7. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Updated

Meanwhile, punters are still wrestling with their various betting apps.

While we’re in a reflective mood, can I just point you to a feature story Calla wrote recently. Calla went to the sale yards in Echuca, where ex-horse races meet their fate. It’s a heartbreaking tale, beautifully told. Read it here.

Also, here’s another one from the archives. In 2011 Chris Cook spoke to senior vets to explain why a broken leg usually always means the end for a horse. Read that piece here.

And here’s a photo of The Cliffsofmoher from earlier in the day.

Updated

Horse dies in Melbourne Cup: The Cliffsofmoher euthanised

The Cliffsofmoher has been euthanised, Bruce McAvaney says on air. He adds: “It looked shocking ... we are all so sad for that,” before throwing to an ad break.

Horses are guided away from CliffsOfMoher who broke down in the first lap race 7.
Horses are guided away from CliffsOfMoher who broke down in the first lap race 7. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Updated

As the Cup presentation begins, Joseph O’Brien, the son of The Cliffsofmoher’s trainer Aidan, has told the Herald Sun that the horse is being treated by vets but it doesn’t “look good”.

The Cliffsofmoher is seen after trackwork at Werribee Racecourse in Werribee, Melbourne, Thursday, October 18, 2018.
The Cliffsofmoher is seen after trackwork at Werribee Racecourse in Werribee, Melbourne, Thursday, October 18, 2018. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

I will also note that there is a bit of frustration from those watching online there has been little mention of The Cliffsofmoher’s situation post-race on the TV broadcast.

On the podium, Cross Counter’s trainer, Charlie Appleby, says: “It’s a day I will never forget.” He also thanks and congratulated the horse’s owner, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, who runs the Godolphin stable.

Updated

There’s a special alchemy that happens the minute race seven is over.

It’s the Melbourne Cup, the high point of the spring racing calendar,
the reason behind this whole palaver, and the minute it’s over
everything turns to shit.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy riding Cross Counter wins race 7.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy riding Cross Counter wins race 7. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Drunken patrons who were focused on the day’s biggest bets fall to
pieces. Shoes that had been taken off because it’s hard to jump on
grass in heels become lost. The lawn, churned up and littered with
plastic alcohol glasses, suddenly empties of people, leaving only
carnage behind.

People walking in the mud.
People walking in the mud. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

If you are the type of person who only follows the Melbourne Cup to
see pictures of people falling into bins so you can feel smug about
not falling into a bin: your fun is just about to begin.

Updated

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the moment, but as you might have heard if were watching the race, No 2 – The Cliffsofmoher – was injured as the field went past the first post. We’ll keep you updated when more news comes to hand.

Updated

The winner, Cross Counter, is trained by Brit Charlie Appleby. Appleby has come close to a Melbourne Cup win over the past few years. The Cup was only Cross Counter’s eight race and fifth start. It is jockey Kerrin McEvoy’s third Melbourne Cup win.

Here’s our race report:

Cross Counter stormed home to win the 2018 Melbourne Cup at a sodden Flemington Racecourse to give Kerrin McEvoy a third triumph in the race that stops a nation.

With 11 of the 24 entries trained in northern hemisphere, the 158th running of the Cup was billed as the most internationally influenced yet and Cross Counter’s victory served to reinforce the rising global stature of this race.

Updated

Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy is elated. “What a thrill,” he says, before letting out an enormous holler!

Updated

Melbourne Cup winner: Cross Counter

Cross Counter (23) has won the 2018 Melbourne Cup, beating Marmelo (9) and A Prince of Arran (17).

A quick update on the odds before the race gets under way. Yucatan has taken favouritism, moving in to $6, with Magic Circle at $7 and Cross Counter at $10.

The crowd watching on.
The crowd watching on. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

A little about the favourite, a five-year-old Irish stallion, Yucatan. Its owner, Lloyd Williams, is chasing his seventh Cup win, while its renowned Irish trainer, Aidan O’Brien, is looking to break his Cup drought.

Updated

With the sun shining down on Flemington and the track improving by the minute, it’s time to get nostalgic as we wait for the main race. Remember, a whole two hours ago, when the rain was causing havoc. It caused moments like this.

Back at the track now, the horses are currently being paraded in front of the crowds. Our correspondent, Calla Wahlquist, has noted that there is already drunk singing in the grandstands.

The race is thirty minutes away. Bruce is starting to get excited. Today will be his final Melbourne Cup call. “The sun is out,” he says. “The crowd has come out. The jockeys have been presented. The Cup has arrived.”

The crowd watch Jockey Andrew Adkins ride Heartlet to victory.
The crowd watch Jockey Andrew Adkins ride Heartlet to victory. Photograph: Simon Bullard/AAP

Punters, meanwhile, are starting to freak out. Various betting apps are still down.

Updated

Sam Smith has just wrapped up his performance. He played two songs, including his mega-hit Stay With Me, backed by a few gospel singers. Reviews from where I’m sitting included contributions such as “boring” and “why isn’t he wearing a tie?”.

Sam Smith performs.
Sam Smith performs. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Here’s a flavour of the online reaction.

Updated

With an hour to go until the Cup is run, things are starting to get messy.

Not muddy-messy; the rain has cleared away and both the track and the grounds have recovered remarkably well. But the wine has been flowing freely and, well, you’ve seen enough Melbourne Cup coverage to know where this will end up.

Racegoers pose for a photograph.
Racegoers pose for a photograph. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

Leaning heavily into the generous application of social lubricant is a group of friends who have now styled themselves as the Dirty Birds.

Says Brooke Kirkhan, the showgirl in pale blue: “Well, we were the Classy Birds, but now that these [shakes champagne flute] have arrived we are the Dirty Birds.”

That pronouncement sparked a chorus of “Dirty birds! Dirty birds!”

The group has been here since 11am, after 45 minutes stuck on the train when the tracks flooded; this conversation took place about 1.30pm.

And on we go.

Updated

I said I wouldn’t be harping on about the betting too much. But I’ll make an exception here. There are some pretty furious punters venting online right now. The reason? The Ladbrokes and Sportsbet apps are currently down! Yes, really. On. Cup. Day. (The race is about 50 minutes away.)

I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little bit amused, but no doubt it’s frustrating for people looking for a last-minute flutter. There are already calls for compensation.

Updated

Race six winner: Pohutukawa

As Bruce notes, “the countdown is well and truly on now.” Pohutukawa (13) takes the Jim Beam Black Stakes (yes, it really is all drinking and gambling here, isn’t it?), followed by Madam Rouge (10) and Into the Abyss (9).

For those who want to know, a Pohutukawa is a pretty stunning type of tree from New Zealand.

Anyway, there’s about one hour to wait until race seven, the Melbourne Cup. Before that, British singer Sam Smith is going to perform. He’s backing Sound Check – for the name, obviously.

Updated

The former foreign minister Julie Bishop is at the Melbourne Cup with her partner, David Panton.

Updated

Heavy rain has caused flooding, building damage and fallen trees across parts of Victoria, where the State Emergency Service is responding to hundreds of calls for help and thousands of properties are without power.

More than 370 calls have been made to the SES in the 24 hours to 12.30pm on Tuesday, with 283 requests still outstanding. The majority are for flooding and building damage.

About 4,300 Victorians are without power due to lightning strikes, the energy companies’ websites reveal.

Updated

Bear with me for another serious message: Victoria’s police commissioner, Graham Ashton, has said Melbourne Cup day is often one of the force’s biggest nights for domestic violence incidents.

Race five winner: Legend of Condor

Brett Prebble riding Legend of Condor winning Race 5.
Brett Prebble riding Legend of Condor winning Race 5. Photograph: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

We’re getting closer to the Cup, though it’s still more than 90 minutes away. Legend of Condor (3) takes out race five, followed by Feared Eyes (10) and Heaven’s Deal (2).

Updated

Channel Seven has interviewed Tab’s managing director. He tells us excitedly that there will be 15 million bets placed today. That’s about 4,000 bets a second, apparently. Cause for celebration, apparently.

The field round the bend in race 4.
The field round the bend in race 4. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

You should also know that Australians lost about $3.3bn gambling on the races in 2016-17. There was a 15% increase on the amount lost on sports betting in those 12 months, with racing losses up 7%.

The Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day. The number is 1800 858 858.

Updated

There is some weather good news on the horizon, according to Channel Seven’s Jane Bunn. On the TV they’re talking about some show called “That’s Racing’, but all I can focus on are the three red hats on the desk plugging the program that say “Make Racing Greaterer”.

Meanwhile, Calla has been seeking out more stories from the folks on the lawns.

Updated

Race four winner: Shaaroh

We’re edging towards Race Seven, also known as the one that stops the nation. Shaaroh (10), ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, absolutely smashed race four, leaving Steel Prince (12) and Azuro (11) and the rest of the field in its wake. McEvoy is also riding one of the Cup favourites, Cross Counter.

A general view is seen of the new members stand race 4.
A general view is seen of the new members stand race 4. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Updated

Flemington’s exclusive Birdcage enclosure has become a refuge for A-listers as flash flooding hits the city ahead of the running of the Melbourne Cup. Rain has deluged the entrance to the invitation-only area, with organisers creating a bridge out of pallets for celebrities to cross. Many, however, have ditched their designer heels and braved the elements.

Racegoers make their way into the Birdcage.
Racegoers make their way into the Birdcage. Photograph: Dave Crosling/EPA

About 17.5mm of rain has already fallen in Melbourne since 7am on Tuesday, and up to 10mm is still on its way. Many media opportunities have been cancelled or moved indoors, while some celebrities scheduled to arrive haven’t shown. Myer ambassadors Rachael Finch and Elyse Knowles say they’re thankful to have deluxe shelter in the form of the Fashions on the Field enclosure.

Rachael Finch poses.
Rachael Finch poses. Photograph: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

“I’m pretty lucky I get to spend the day in here,” Finch, in a spaghetti-strap, full-skirted Elliatt dress, told AAP. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the beautiful outfits at Fashions on the Field because no matter the weather, ladies put so much of an effort into their looks.”

Knowles, in bright yellow pants and a white and yellow floral shirt by Acler, didn’t consider an outfit change despite the downpour. “I’m bringing the sunshine today in my bright yellow pants, and some positivity too,” she said.

Grammy-winning singer Sam Smith, however, will have to face the elements when he performs two of his hits before the Melbourne Cup starts at 3pm. He will be joined by US soul great Dionne Warwick in the Victoria Racing Club marquee.

Elyse Knowles poses.
Elyse Knowles poses. Photograph: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

Also jetting in for the festivities are Australian expats Lara Worthington and Nathalie Kelley. Worthington – or Bingle as she is better known – is a guest of Bumble, with the marquee to host a range of businesswomen from the fashion, beauty and media industries.

English singer-songwriter Sam Smith poses.
English singer-songwriter Sam Smith poses. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Kelley, who has appeared in hit US TV shows including Body of Proof, Unreal, The Vampire Diaries and the 2017 remake of Dynasty, will party in the Mumm champagne marquee, likely alongside Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.

Federal Liberal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop and partner David Panton in the Birdcage.
Federal Liberal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop and partner David Panton in the Birdcage. Photograph: Dave Crosling/AAP

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is expected to attend as a guest of Lexus. It is the billionaire’s first return to the Cup since she was photographed taking a tumble down the stairs of the Emirates marquee in 2016.

Gina Rinehart arrives in the Birdcage Marquees.
Gina Rinehart arrives in the Birdcage Marquees. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

In the Tabcorp marquee, guests will get a sneak peek into the production of Ride Like A Girl, the film based on story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Payne, her brother Stevie, director Rachel Griffiths and producer Richard Keddie are all on the guest list.

Updated

Just to remind you, it’s been raining a lot. Those who are saying #nuptothecup – that’s the official anti-cup hashtag – are taking it as an omen. The main race has never cancelled due to wet weather. Could today be the first time?

Anyone hoping (or fearing) the eccentric billionaire Marwan Koukash will stay true to his word and give Flemington “the most colourful presentation that it’s ever had before” – by stripping down to his g-string in the event his horse, Magic Circle, wins –may like to note that the last time he talked the talk he was unable to walk the walk.

Owner of Magic Circle, Marwan Koukash, shows his g-string during the Melbourne Cup parade in Melbourne.
Owner of Magic Circle, Marwan Koukash, shows his g-string during the Melbourne Cup parade in Melbourne. Photograph: Stefan Postles/AAP

He settled for a lap of the winner’s enclosure in May, and at the time blamed his retention of modesty on tight security. At Flemington, worryingly, he’s more bullish about his chances. “I have more experience now to evade security,” he said. “It’s going to happen. They aren’t going to stop me.

“I will – and no one here is going to stop me, even with the threat of a ban for life – I’m going to strip down to my g-string, keep my tie and my shoes, and I will get up and receive the trophy.”

Updated

Our intrepid reporter Calla Wahlquist has been braving the rain to chat with some punters.

Just to return to the PM’s pick – Youngstar. Sydney-based co-owners Arthur and Charlotte lost their daughter Olivia in a riding accident in March 2016. The 17-year-old was a rising equestrian star and so the horse is named after her.

“We did want to run with something with star in it,” Arthur Inglis told the Herald Sun of of the name. “We used to live in Young Street in Newmarket. Youngstar was also bred in Young. The dam was Starspangled.”

Youngstar is an outside chance at $14 and is carrying the hopes of Australian racing on its shoulders, according to some observers. Good luck to jockey Craig Williams and to the Inglis family on what is sure to be an emotional day.

Updated

Race three winner: Fifty Stars

Fifty Stars (10) has taken out race three, followed by Manuel (2) and Haunted (13).

Ben Allen rides #10 Fifty Stars.
Ben Allen rides #10 Fifty Stars. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images


Here’s what that looked like at track level.


Updated

It’s just ticked past midday on Melbourne Cup day. So let’s take a look at the favourites for the main race. I won’t be giving you rolling updates of the betting odds – you probably came here to escape that – but here’s a quick glance.

Racegoers watching Race 2.
Racegoers watching Race 2. Photograph: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Magic Circle (17) and Yucatan (23) are now equal favourites, paying $7 for the win. Cross Counter is paying $9, with Best Solution (no.6, $12) and Muntahaa (no.13, $13) rounding at the top five.

Just so you know, I’ve drawn Yucatan in our office sweep; you know who I’ll be backing. (We’ve still got a few horses left: numbers 6, 14, 21 and 2.)

And if you had wondered who the prime minister is backing (no, me neither), he’s told us on Twitter.

Updated

Race two winner: One More Try

Linda Meech has steered One More Try to victory in race two, with Seductive Miss and Miss Siska in second and third place.

One More Try ridden by Linda Meech wins race 2.
One More Try ridden by Linda Meech wins race 2. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Meech is asked about the weather and the track. Would they be racing if it wasn’t Cup day?

“I sort of thought it was safe enough, but it is very, very heavy,” she says.

Updated

While we’re waiting for race two to get under way, it’s time for some light entertainment. For the uninitiated, I present to you, horse racing Alan Partridge-style.

Updated

There are murmurings – in this office, anyway – about what the rain means for today’s schedule. Here’s an initial answer to that question.

A general view is seen of the empty seats.
A general view is seen of the empty seats. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

The rain is expected to subside in about an hour, according to the bureau. It’s not just impacting punters at Flemington.

Updated

This rain is good, hey?

There are little fleets of race day attendants shrouded in white hooded disposable raincoats, an image that I’m not going to read into because it’s not their fault, poor ducks.

Others are wearing the sturdy clear raincoats handed out by the Victorian Racing Commission, which are rather more stylish and less likely to invoke racist imagery. The VRC is even handing out the fancy coats to punters. Among them Jen and Lance Randford, from Perth, and their friend Danielle.

A racegoer is seen as heavy rain falls.
A racegoer is seen as heavy rain falls. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Says Jen:

“We weren’t sure we were allowed to bring umbrellas, because in Perth that would not be allowed.”

Of course, in Perth, rain would not be an issue.

Racegoers arrive in the rain.
Racegoers arrive in the rain. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

I asked if they were having fun.

Lance says yes.

“The service is so good that I feel amazing. It’s pouring down with rain and you go, ‘oh god, what are we going to do, we didn’t bring umbrellas’. But then someone has handed us something that would probably cost $75, for free!... And this looks good even though it’s pink, so I am absolutely loving it.”

Updated

The track has been downgraded to a “heavy 8”. And here’s the scene at the station that adjoins the racecourse. God knows what it’s going to look like at the end of the day.

Meanwhile, in Queensland health experts have been warning of a heatwave.

Updated

Who is faster? A Cup-winning horse or a 100-metre sprinter/almost signed A-League footballer? Our data guru, Nick Evershed, has the answer to a question you may not have considered until you read this post.

Check out Nick’s interactive here.

Updated

I’m not sure if I mentioned that it’s raining? We’re being reminded every few minutes on the TV. “It doesn’t feel like summer right now, but it is, I promise you,” Bruce McAvaney tells us. Well, technically it’s spring, but I take your point, Bruce.

Racegoers are seen as heavy rain falls.

We’ll have some pics of people getting soaked for you shortly – I know you’ve been waiting for them.

Racegoers are seen arriving.

Updated

Race one winner: Bella Rosa

It’s the Bumble Stakes – normally I wouldn’t mention the sponsor, but yes, that’s the dating app we’re talking about.

A general view is seen in race 1.
A general view is seen in race 1. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Bella Rosa got to the line first, followed by Lankan Star and Champagne Boom.

Winning jockey Mark Zahra tells Channel Seven: “Geez, it’s wet ... Couldn’t see much.”

Updated

“Whipping horses to make them run faster is just cruel. One racehorse dies every 3 days in Australia and 119 racehorses have died in the last racing year alone.”

Dr Mehreen Faruqi.
Dr Mehreen Faruqi. Photograph: Mike Bowers for the Guardian

Updated

I mentioned earlier that Alana Schetzer would be joining our coverage. Alana is unwell and won’t be able to make it down to the track. Get well soon, Alana!

Let’s look at the race itself. As Calla has shamed me for my lack of racing knowledge, we’d better turn to the experts. It looks like today is going to be all about those “overseas raiders” we always hear about at this time of year.

As Greg Wood writes:

The overseas challenge also includes the first five names in the betting, and some – perhaps many – Australian fans have already given up this year’s Cup as lost.

Read Greg’s entire piece here.

Michael Hutak has also looked at the growing international flavour to the race, but also notes:

While “community attitudes” to horse racing are polarising in the social media era, Cup Day, a public holiday in Victoria since 1873, still signals party time in Australia, an end of year imperative to down tools, gather in groups, overindulge, and “get on the punt” in the best antipodean tradition.

Michael’s story is here.

Updated

It is muggy. Dedicated racing lovers might be more interested in a track report than the general ambient temperature at Flemington (good, according to Melbournetrackreport.com) but I have to warn proper serious racing lovers that I may not be the reporter you’re looking for.

My expertise with racehorses is mostly how to feed an old one with no teeth (Mitavite gumnuts and lucerne chaff, left to soak for a bit. Not #sponcon) and my esteemed colleague Luke didn’t know what a clearing sale was so I wouldn’t trust him with anything vaguely rural.

Sorry Luke.

State finalists in the Fashion on the Field contest.
State finalists in the Fashion on the Field contest. Photograph: Dave Crosling/EPA

But! I will bring you fashions on the field, views of which horses would be nice to take home, and coverage of any animal welfare issues that arise.

Don’t worry, though. Alana Schetzer is here to cover the racing itself — she knows what she’s talking about.

You can follow her on twitter @Schetzer and me @Callapilla. Send tips to Alana and photos of retired race horses or any other ponies to me.

Updated

It's Cup Day – and it's Melbourne. So it's raining.

Well, here we are again. The Race that Stops the Nation, The Race that Divides the Nation, or, in my case, the Race that means I didn’t have to pay for parking in the CBD today.

My name is Luke Henriques-Gomes and I’ll be with you for the next few hours. There’s sure to be plenty of colour and movement: people in crazy outfits, an eccentric British billionaire in a g-string (enough said, the better), probably a protest, or too. Oh, and the race itself, of course.

Racegoers arrive during Melbourne Cup Day.
Racegoers arrive during Melbourne Cup Day. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Joining me are my colleagues Calla Wahlquist and Alana Schetzer who are out at Flemington today. In classic Melbourne style, it’s “bucketing down”, according to the bureau, the talking heads on the TV and the view out my window.

Ahead of the big race – at 3pm – we’ll tell you what you need to know to bluff your way through a Cup Day barbecue conversation and keep you up to date about what’s happening at the track and, more importantly, in The Birdcage.

Tips and fanmail are welcome: I’m at luke.henriques-gomes@theguardian.com or @lukehgomes.

Updated

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