Giddy Up - Take Two

After the roaring success of my last encounter with the horses I decided a day at the races was in order.

First things first - I'll be needing a frock. I hate dress shopping at the best of times but the economist in me was excited this time around. I have three events coming up within 4 weeks (with different groups of people) so as long as I don’t plaster Facebook with pictures I’d be able to make do with ONE dress for all three events. Hmmm - stuffed that one up didn't I?

I had full intentions of getting something different this time, and hit the MYER sale in Perth.  18 dresses later I was amazed that I walked out without a black dress! Yes folks, I stuck to my guns this time and mixed things up a bit with… navy.

Then the drama really started…I couldn’t find any shoes that I’d be able to walk in in any colour other than black so resigned myself to having boring black accessories instead of the bright yellow I had in mind. And do you think I could find a fascinator either – things were not looking good! I had a whinge about it to the gorgeous Anna and before I knew it she introduced me to Esther. Isn’t she a beauty…

 

The day before the big day in a bid to avoid study I turned my focus to the form guide. It was very overwhelming, I couldn’t for the life of me find out which race Black Caviar was in so I went straight to my racing insider (who tipped me the Melbourne Cup winner) and asked for a tip. Her advice for the day: Don’t bet and maintain adequate fluid levels! I chose to follow one of those. In case you're wondering - she didn't tip the winner. (Thanks Mrs M!)

 

Anyway, bets sorted and Essie on board it was time to hit the track. I decided to go for the classy, dignified, corporate, pretty woman style for the day. Yes I can hear you all laughing, and I’m the first to admit I wouldn’t be able to pull any of those off under the influence but guess what…I drove! Yes, the new responsible, blogging instead of writing herself off me, is making good choices. That and the small matter of 3 children who I needed to get to school and daycare on Monday.

I decided to make my arrival at the races with the gorgeous Reynolds sisters. I love catching up with these two, admittedly we usually drink way too much but it’s always so much fun! This catch up was one to remember – literally, which makes for a nice change.  Despite our loudest cheers Von didn’t manage to snag the $3000 diamond in fashions on the field but we took down plenty of tips for next year and plan to use them on our husbands to win a BBQ – who needs a pink diamond anyway? Late afternoon the beautiful Stace and Von surprised me with my thongs! They had packed them in the picnic hamper and boy was I glad. The final dash around the course to track down an unnamed Reynolds boy was done in absolute comfort (and style) and I’ll forever be grateful to the girls for their thoughtfulness.

 

I also got to hang out with the beautiful sober sisters in our very own exclusive trackside gazebo. These girls are so much fun and conduct themselves with absolute dignity and poise at all times which is why I love them so much. Not even a stray bit of loo paper can bring these girls down. I honestly don’t know anyone else who can turn a fascinator into a fancy-nator without even one sip of champagne. Noice! 

 

And then there’s my old horsie friend Houghknuckles. 150 photos later and the selfie queens gave up, neither of us were drinking enough to get the shots we wanted! Next year could be our year Houghy?

 

 

The day flew by far too quickly as all good days do and before we knew it I was driving us all home. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say that before? Stace and I decided to end the day on a high - some quality time on the couch with a can of coke and a steak burger. That girl really knows the way to my heart.

Despite the blisters, lost kids, lack of alcohol, losing bets, and being knifed in the leg by Stace I can’t wait to do it all again! My hot tip for next year…take 20 pairs of Havi’s and sell them for $50 a pop after Race 8. I may just be on to something…