The Melbourne Cup: More Than Just a Fancy Hat Competition (But There Are Fancy Hats Too)
The Melbourne Cup. It's a day that stops a nation, or at least convinces a nation to dress up in their finest fascinators and pretend to know about horse racing for an afternoon. But what's all the fuss about? Well, besides the excuse to sip bubbly and unleash your inner fashion icon, there's a boatload of cash up for grabs for the lucky winner (and their four-legged teammate, of course).
What Does The Winner Of The Melbourne Cup Get |
It's Raining Money (Figuratively, Please Don't Let It Actually Rain)
So, what exactly does the winner of the Melbourne Cup get? Buckle up, folks, because it's a pretty sweet prize package. Here's the lowdown:
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- The Big Bucks: We're talking a cool $4.4 million AUD. That's enough to buy a small island (private yacht not included, sorry).
- The Golden Grails: On top of the cash, the winner gets the prestigious Melbourne Cup trophy, a stunning 18-carat gold masterpiece worth a quarter of a million bucks itself. Basically, bragging rights on steroids.
- Trickle-Down Trophy Time: Don't worry, the glory isn't just for the horse. The trainer and jockey each get a miniature version of the trophy, so everyone feels included (and maybe a little less likely to stage a mutiny over the prize money).
But Wait, There's More! (Because Free Stuff is Awesome)
Let's not forget the intangible rewards. Winning the Melbourne Cup is a national phenomenon. Your horse's face will be plastered on every news outlet, you'll be invited to all the swankiest parties, and your social media mentions will explode faster than a rogue champagne cork. Basically, instant celebrity status (for the horse at least, but you'll definitely get your fair share of reflected fame).
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
So, You Want Your Horse to Win the Melbourne Cup? How To...
Here are some helpful (but possibly not entirely serious) tips to get your nag across the finish line first:
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- Horse Whisperer Training: Befriend your horse. Learn its deepest desires, its racing philosophy, its favorite brand of hay. Become one with the equine spirit.
- Lucky Horseshoe Shopping Spree: Stock up on horseshoes. The more the merrier, the more luckier. Maybe even consider a horseshoe hat for yourself, just to be safe.
- Carb-Loading for Champions: Train your horse on a diet of nothing but the finest pastries. Speed needs sugar, right? (Please consult a real horse trainer before attempting this, for the sake of your horse's health).
Disclaimer: These tips may or may not be effective. There's no guaranteed recipe for Melbourne Cup glory, but hey, they can't hurt... unless you try the carb-loading strategy.
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