It’s the race that stops the nation.
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Here’s your insiders survival guide to what to wear, how to bet, and where to watch and celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in Wagga. Bookings are essential for most events. Some events may sell out.
1. Fashion
Ladies, while sky-high heels and a mini skirt might seem like a good idea at the time, do yourself a favour and skip the blisters and goosebumps by dressing appropriately.
Dianne Barbour, the owner of Dianne Barbour Millinery, said everyone will stop to watch Melbourne Cup.
“It’s a tradition,” she said.
“Dior brims, crowns and turbans are in fashion at the moment and you’re looking at your pinks, yellows and purples.”
2. Where to celebrate and watch the race
The Victoria Hotel
The Vic will have you covered with bistro specials, schnitty and a middy from 5pm and sweeps and losing ticket draws will be up for grabs.
Book a table of 6 or more people to receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. For the early bird punters, TAB will be opening from 7am.
For the ladies, enjoy an afternoon of live music, cocktails and food and celebrate in style in the beer garden.
On offer is a tasty tapas menu available, live music with Brittany Bishop from 1pm, cocktails and the best seats in the house to watch the race.
Call 02 69 21 5233 or email info@vichotelwagga.com.au to secure a spot.
Romano's
Celebrate the day with a three-course luncheon and a glass of bubbles for $45.
The menu includes salt and pepper squid, porterhouse steak, eton mess and more.
Test your luck with sweepstakes and the chance to win Romano's Hotel gift vouchers for Male and Female Best Dressed, Best Hat or Fascinator, and a losing TAB tickets redraw.
Call to book on 02 6921 2013.
Wagga RSL Club
Enjoy delicious food, sweeps, prizes and champagne whilst overlooking the MTC. High tea and a glass of bubbly for $25
Get a group of friends together and book prior to the day by phoning 69237237.
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Kooringal Hotel
The Kooringal Hotel has got you covered for during and after the Melbourne Cup.
TAB will be opened from 7am with all races “live and loud”, a special menu available, with a drink special throughout the day, sweepstake entries, prizes and giveaways and a glass of Champagne on arrival for all bookings
Packages for group booking are available for the day, please call the venue on 6922 6370.
For those who are stuck at work during the day, the party continues at night with Brittany Bishop playing at 5pm.
Birdhouse
The Birdhouse Bar and Kitchen will be open for lunch Melbourne Cup day, with $25 bottomless mimosas from 12 to 3pm on offer.
Book your spot by contacting them on info@birdhousebar.com.au or 02 6921 6902.
The Rules Club Wagga
The Rules Club Wagga are prepared for race day with Fashions on the Field and plenty of prizes, so why not grab a mate and get dressed up.
Don’t forget the sweeps and raffles, with entertainment by Sam Heffernan and full carvery and seafood buffet from $18.00.
3. Know your form
Wagga’s racing experts have favoured the Melbourne Cup’s strong field of so-called ‘foreign raider’ horses for their betting tips.
Murrumbidgee Turf Club chief executive Scott Sanbrook aid he was backing United Kingdom-based ‘Marmelo’ for a win during Tuesday’s ‘race that stops a nation’.
“I’d have to put Marmelo on top. He is an extremely consistent horse at the top level in Europe.
“He was very well fancied in the Melbourne Cup last year and by all reports he is a better horse this year.”
Mr Sanbrook backed ‘Yucatan’ and ‘Avilius’ for places.
Wagga bookmaker John Patton backed a horse trained in Ireland for the $4 million prize among a tough field to call.
“’Yucatan’ for one, ‘Best Solution’ for second and ‘Ventura Storm’ for third,” Mr Patton said.
“I reckon it’s the toughest race of the year and I’m just like everyone else: a mug punter.
“The International jockeys on my picks are pretty confident in their chances.”
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