The real magic of the Melbourne Cup has nothing to do with the racing.

Melbourne Cups come and go, unlike the seconds on the clock, each one is adored, celebrated and plays an important role in shaping the history and future of our great race. When the other hand of the clock strikes 3:00 p.m., our nation stands still.

Whether it’s the Australian dream that begins every day at sunrise, or a long-distance international getaway mission, one thing remains the same: the first Tuesday in November is more than just a race day, it’s a day when someone’s life will change. forever.

Much like the premiership window for a footballer, the time frame to achieve the ultimate goal is decidedly short. The war of attrition leading up to the People’s Cup is brutal and perhaps similar to when an unlucky player during Grand Final week misses out on the opportunity to play Guernsey and, essentially, have a chance at euphoria.

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Whether you’re on a course, watching at home with your family or listening to Matt Hill on the radio, just remember: this is more than just a moment in time, it’s a piece of history, a new chapter that has been written and enshrined in Australian folklore forever.

If you are lucky, in twelve months you will see another cup, and there will come a day in your life when you will watch or listen to your last cup without knowing it.

This year’s Cup may not bring the next Phar Lap, Carbine or Makybe Diva, but the race that stops a nation will always be represented by 24 warriors, brave, who take on the difficult journey of 3200 meters and overcome it. They live to fight and they fight to win.

Mark Zara rides without a fight, 2023 Melbourne Cup winner. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Racing, particularly the cup, is not a real race, three minutes and 20 seconds is a brilliant by-product of what the sport of kings is about – the people. You may snag the quaddies or the first four, but the pleasure I’ve personally had from being on the track in twenty cups in a row (except for the Covid era) is the amazing people I’ve met along the way and that’s the biggest win of all. everyone. . Without people there are no characters, without characters there is no performance!

Wherever you are, enjoy being part of the 164th Melbourne Cup, a right of passage that will be loved and live forever, and more importantly, be grateful that you saw the needles move together.

In loving memory of Matilda Kate Edser xoxo

Tony James Edser
Racing chips