The second most important horse race in the world

[canetoad]

Here in Oz it's already Tuesday November 6th. The gang is coming around today for a BBQ, plenty of laughs and drinks and to watch the Melbourne Cup, which is run in about 6 hours. (3pm AEST)

The Cup has rightly been called 'The Race that Stops the Nation'. Practically the whole country goes silent for those four or five minutes when the best stayers in the world run around Flemington Racecourse two and a half times.

My friends, not a conservative among them, will have another race on their minds today - your mid-term elections which take place tomorrow. We all hate Trump and everything he stands for with a passion. They all know about DU and have asked me to pass on their best wishes to DU, every Democratic candidate and the righteous citizens of the USA who believe Trump is an affront to decency.

From me, if I get too molly-the-monk to get back on here until the election is over - GO DEMS! This little corner of South East Australia is cheering for you.

[Kali]

1. ...

Enjoy your day, I am still trying to get down that way. Maybe next year. Sigh.

[canetoad]

2. Let me know if you do

Be great to catch up.

[CottonBear]

3. Thank you canetoad! It is good to know we've supporters in Australia.

Have a good time and don’t get too molly-the-monk! It’s good to have something the whole country can enjoy together.

[twogunsid]

4. Go Democrats!....

....and Go Yucatan and Aidan O'Brien!

[maxsolomon]

5. what is a "stayer"?

is it unusual to have a big horse race on a Tuesday?

[canetoad]

6. Long distance horserace

Or, more correctly, the horses that run it. The Cup is two and a half miles. What do you call it?

It's not the norm to have races on a Tuesday. The Spring Racing Carnival starts today and goes everyday until Saturday. First Tuesday in November has been Melbourne Cup for years.

[maxsolomon]

10. never called it anything before

now stayer makes perfect sense.

[pink]

14. Another supporter from downunder.

No more unusual than having a big election on a Tuesday. Do you think that it could be a bigger turnout of voters if the elections were held on a Saturday?

[babylonsister]

7. Awww. I know you'll

be riveted if you're able. Love from the US and me, and thanks!

[canetoad]

9. Hey Sis!

For once I'm glad of the time difference - couldn't stand all the excitement in one day. In 2008, when I still went to the office some days, I was driving home at about 4pm Wednesday when I heard McCains concession speech on the radio.

I'm not a gambler but we hold a Cup Sweep for the crowd coming here shortly (hell - just glanced at the clock, they'll be here in an hour!) Hope you are holding out OK and Gillum is your next Gov. He's a pretty cool guy. Take care Sis, thinking of you.

[babylonsister]

11. You KNOW I voted for him!

I'm working a poll tomorrow so won't have a chance to sit home and bite my nails...luckily. Should be home shortly after returns start rolling in.

Have fun, thanks to you and your friends for the encouragement, and may your horse win!

[Xipe Totec]

8. I'll be monitoring worldwide viewership of this event

I do Qos analysis of these events.

It's a big one.

[Xipe Totec]

12. Up to 150,000 and rising now. nt

[Awsi Dooger]

13. Very sad about The Cliffsofmoher

Seems like this race has had some bad luck in recent years.

Aidan O'Brien has got to be stunned and deflated, because I know he also lost another top horse recently.

Anyway, congratulations to Godolphin and Cross Counter. I didn't bet this race but I watched on TVG