There’s just something about the Melbourne Cup.
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A nostalgia, a romanticism and a time-honoured tradition that makes people around the country unveil an inner horse racing fan they never knew existed before the first Tuesday in November.
It might not be one for the purists but in terms of sporting days in Australia it doesn’t get much bigger than the race that stops a nation.
And while the famed turf of Flemington may be over 1000km away from High Street, there will be plenty of Maitland interest on the Victorian capital this afternoon.
It starts with $7.50 chance Protectionist, part-owned by Aberglasslyn’s Luke Murrell with his Australian Bloodstock syndicate.
This will be Murrell’s third crack at winning one of the world’s most prestigious thoroughbred titles after a third with Lucas Cranach in 2011 and ninth a year earlier with Illustrious Blue.
The other Hunter connection in the annual two-mile event is $6.50 shot Lucia Valentina, trained by Newcastle-based Kris Lees.
Lees took over the Newcastle family stables a decade ago from his late father Max, who was born and bred in Morpeth and trained the likes of Luskin Star and two-time cup runner County Tyrone.
And sitting in the stands enjoying his first cup day will be 50-year-old Maitland trainer Phil Atkins who has stayed on after a two-month spring carnival stint with his sprinter In Cahoots.
This just continues Maitland’s history with the Melbourne Cup which extends back 101 years to Morpeth winner Posinatus in 1913 and includes Robert Thompson’s ride of Reckless Tradition in 1986.
And before you know it the clock strikes three the lights will be flashing and they will be off and racing once more as another chapter is written in this long and fascinating tale.
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