Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Melbourne Cup Day @ Captain Creek

 A clear blue sky, with a light breeze greeted the punters as they gathered at the Captain Creek course to participate in the annual hobby horse racing, tossing of the horseshoe and to watch the running of the Melbourne Cup on the big screen. A beautiful lunch comprising of cold meats and salads, fresh fruit followed by homemade pavalova and trifle ensured no-one went home hungry.
A firm track, watered 2 months ago made for a fast race.
Punters had the choice of 3 sweepstakes. Winners of the hobby horse racing received a bar tab, the lucky chair prize received a box of chocolates.

The beautiful hobby horses were created by Lee and are known as Lara’s Meadow Ponies, (can be found on Facebook).  Delightful to ride, one size fits all – these horses are easy to keep and only need the occasional rub down.


The first race of the day was the open filly race. Riders chose their own horse, lined up to start and away they went – gallivanting down to the post, around and back down the straight to the finish – the winner this year was ‘Zebra’.


The open hack race was delayed due to discussion amongst the riders as to the course boundaries.

 Once the race was underway, there was much interference, resulting in one jockey falling from his horse-scrapping his elbow, and finishing…..

A close photo finish and the winner was Murray Shaw! His name will be engraved on the ‘Creekers Ralph Wait Hobby Horse Derby Cup’. The winner also received a bar tab.


Prizes were awarded to best dressed and best beard of the day.       
     
The box of chocolates was won by me.
As the sun was setting and the local kanagroos came out to watch, the horseshoe throwing comp got under-way.
As can be seen from the photos – there are a few techniques to a successful throw; the ‘balanced act’,

 the ‘squat’

 and the ‘traditional’.

 The women were overall winners. Success at this event won the contestant a drink.

 Murray and I would to thank the people of Captain Creek Rec Club for providing a wonderful day and making us feel very welcome.
P.S. We also enjoyed the fish’chips on Sunday night that was accompanied by the local ‘jam’ session.



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.