A race this spectacular requires two key areas of preparation; track conditions and of course the something the race couldn’t be without.... the Horses!
The Melbourne Cup is now one of the richest races in the world with prize money for first place for 2010 being $3.2Million. People from around the world come to this spectacular feature race. In 2010 the weather was not welcoming; with heavy rain and strong winds, however the race still attracted 110,223 people [www.rvl.com.au]. Drawing such large crowds huge preparations are required.
The grounds of Flemington racecourse are manicured to perfection. There are two separate areas for grounds preparation; One Gardens and two the Race Track.
Gardens
Terry Freeman is the leading gardener at Flemington and has been working there since 1976, when he was only 16 years old. 2010 was his 33rd year perfecting the gardens. Looking after the gardens is a full time job. “There is plenty of things to do, we not only have 15,400 roses to maintain and perfect for the
Spring, but we have the lawns to maintain and have now extended our gardens from the turnstiles right up to Epsom Road.” [Mr. Terry Freeman: Moonee ValleyLeader.com:2010].
Mr Freeman has a team of 16 gardeners, and every one of them has an allocated area. Preparation include lawns, trees, garden beds, paths and of course the famous roses.
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| Mr. Terry Freeman head gardener at Flemington |
The 15,400 Flemington roses begin their journey for perfection in June when the team begins pruning them back so they will bloom over the spring carnival and most importantly will be ready for ‘the race that stops the nation’.
With crowds reaching into the hundreds of thousands many racegoers choose to soak up the atmosphere of the track without indulging in a marquee. As a result
of this the lawns need to be as accommodating as possible, grass must be level and no thorns or thistles are to be left in the grass. According to the boardof the Victorian Racing club, it is not only about the perfect looking lawn, but a duty of care must be taken to prevent any legal implications due to a lack of lawn care. “Although the general public may not be paying as much as a marquee member, we must supply a safe and comfortable outdoor environment for them”. [Mr. R M Fiztroy – Chairmen Victorian Racing Club:2009]
The Track
Flemington is Australia’s largest racecourse, and the preparation of the 30-metre wide, 2,312 metre long track for race day involves many people and much work.Various races are run on this track throughout the year, however over the spring carnival over one week four highly regarded race meetings are run; The Derby, The Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day. Each meeting has between 7 and 8 races per day therefore the track needs to be kept in pristine condition, millions of dollars are at stake if the track isn’t maintained at this level over the carnival.
To keep the track maintained at this level “involves watering, replanting, rolling, cutting, raking, fertilising and aerating the grass to keep it looking lush, green and safe for the horses to run on. After a race, a ground crew walks along parts of the track to patch up any holes in the grass which have been ‘cut up’ by horses’ hoofs.” [www.melbournecupeducation.com.au].
The maintenance of the track is not only to look good but is governed by standards issued by Racing Victoria and all clubs must adhere to these to ensure
the safety of competing horses and jockeys. Clubs can be fined up to $20,000 if the track is not adequately prepared for racing.
Interesting Facts about the Track
Did you know-
The track is groomed before each race day and given a rating to indicate how firm the ground is. The main inspection and rating is conducted approximately
90 minutes before the running of the first race in the day’s program. The rating is achieved through the use of a device called a Penetrometer which
measures how wet or dry the track is and uses the following scale:
• fast: very firm and dry surface
• good: firm surface with a little give
• dead: track with give in the ground
• slow: rain affected
• heavy: very rain affected.
Historic Fact
The track itself was completely resurfaced in 2006–07, the first time in its history that the entire surface was replaced.
[www.melbournecupeducation.com.au:horses]
Horses
From 4.00 am, trainers, horses and jockeys brave the often chilly morning air to work with their horses and complete their track work routines, often
lasting several hours. Horses will be required to do track work on a frequent basis just like people training for a marathon. Training can consist of
pace work (walking, trotting, cantering & galloping) to swimming and machine workings.
Other than the physical training component, track work is also an opportunity for trainers to test their horses and monitor their progress as well as trialthe partnership of a horse with a particular jockey. It is also an opportunity for horses to run alongside other horses and simulate the conditions of an
actual race.
On the morning of the big race horses will still do track work, it could be in the form on a light gallop and/or swimming. This is to allow their musclesto stretch out. Some trainers such as Robert Hickmott use massage machines such as “The Equissage” to stimulate blood to the areas where there may be some tightness. After there early morning gallop the horses are given a good wash so their coat is gleaming. Some trainers, more so European trainers plait the horses whereas most Australian trainers like to have a free flowing mane.
The horses has everything done, farrier check shoes and correct and a vet to make sure they are in good health. Interesting fact:- the horse has 24hour
security before the big race!
Jockeys
After the horses are entered in the Melbourne Cup they are given a Weight to carry. The jockeys are then required if given the ride on the horse to make that certain weight. The weights vary on the performances the horse has i.e. if you are number 1 horse then you carry the most weight which is usually60kg’s whereas if you are number 24 (as there is only 24 horses that can run in the Melbourne Cup) then the weight carried is around 47-49kg’s.
Being the biggest race in Australia and world renowned, jockeys do anything they can to get a ride in the big race, and also considering they earn 5% of $3.2million dollars! Therefore their diets play a huge role in keeping their ride. The jockey must be able to make the set weight the horse has which includes all gear (saddle, clothing, padding & whip).
After sitting down and talking to various jockeys;- Anthony Darmanin, Nicholas Hall, Matthew Gatt and Jason Benbow they all agreed that the nervesare prominent but it is key that you remain focused and try to treat the race like any other race. You listen to your trainers instructions and you keep your mind clear and ride the race you can.
Nicholas Hall said “ Flemington racecourse has a very long straight, in the Melbourne Cup, nerves are running wild but you must really remember back into your apprentice days and when you hit the top of the straight breathe, and count your 10 seconds then just go for it as best you can, the thrill is amazing! You have 100,000 people watching , cheering, but out there you can’t hear anything, it feels
like slow motion.”
