By Howard Salkow

Fashion... Fashionable... Fascinators... Fascination... Flemington... Flutter... Feathers... Flowers... Fragrances...

The above are as closely connected as the horses are when the starter gives the all clear to start the richest horse race over 3,200m for three year olds. And they’re racing…

The “race that stops a nation” – the Melbourne Cup, conducted annually by the Victoria Racing Club on the Flemington  Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria and held at 3:00 pm on the first Tuesday in November – is fast approaching and come start time, Port Douglas locals and visitors-alike will be dressed to the nines, quaffing bubbly and glued to a TV banking on their chosen horse making them some money.

But what is it about this race that literally grabs everyone’s attention, even for those who know nothing about horse racing, let alone how to place a bet? 

Why do the race goers and those who will participate in many of the Melbourne Cup parties here in Port Douglas, spend much time and money on stunning and eye-catching outfits? Simply put, the Melbourne Cup not only attracts the best three-year-old horses from here and abroad, it seduces women and men to show off some of the best fashion of the day.

“It’s a must event and you must look the part. I have not missed a Melbourne Cup for as long as I can remember and have countless memories I enjoy sharing on the day. To see what everyone is wearing is clearly a highlight of the day. If your horse doesn’t win, but you were adjudged to have the best outfit, then that’s a big win,” says a punter while choosing her outlandish head gear.

Race day fashion has occasionally drawn attention across the globe. In 1965, model Jean Shrimpton’s miniskirt received worldwide publicity.

The Melbourne Cup is part of the Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne and people attend race meetings at Caulfield and Flemington, and dozens of country cups around Victoria, in their hundreds of thousands.

The first race was held in 1861 over two miles (3.219 km) but was shortened to 3,200 metres (1.988 mi) in 1972 when Australia adopted the metric system. This reduced the distance by 18.688 metres (61.312 ft), and Rain Lover's 1968 race record of 3:19.1 was accordingly adjusted to 3:17.9. The present record holder is the 1990 winner Kingston Rule with a time of 3:16.3.

Flowers, especially roses, are another important feature. The racecourse has around 12,000 roses within its large expanse. Over 200 varieties of the fragrant flower are nurtured by a team of up to 12 gardeners. Each of the major race days at Flemington has an official flower. Victoria Derby Day has the Corn Flower, Melbourne Cup Day is for the Yellow Rose, Oaks Day highlights the Pink Rose and Stakes Day goes to the Red Rose.

And here in Port Douglas, there is matching excitement and Ben Wood, General Manager of Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, is expecting this year’s event to be as big as ever.

“Port Douglas residents are certainly spoilt for choice with so many facilities hosting wonderful luncheons to match everyone’s time frame and budget. It is fantastic to see the majority of the community out and celebrating with each other on the first Tuesday in November.

“Melbourne Cup is truly the race that stops the nation. Port Douglas is a reflection of the nation- wide celebrations that are staged throughout the country. And combine this with the large influx of Melbournians in the Port Douglas area, and you have the right ingredients for an afternoon of fun and excitement.

“The Melbourne Cup – and horse racing in general – is one of the few remaining occasions that men and women alike can showcase their best suit, dress or fascinator and enjoy an afternoon of fine food, wine, and of course, a flutter on the big race.

“This in itself gives the day a special feel with all vying for best dressed, best hat; with many punters starting their planning well in advance to ensure they are successful,” says Wood.

As Wood says, with so many events to choose from within the town, Tuesday November 3 will again be a memorable Cup day as properties such as the Sheraton Mirage, Palmer Sea Golf, QT Port Douglas, among others, will provide punters with a day to remember … win or lose.

Oh, you want a tip… forget it, concentrate on your attire.