The Great Hobby Horse Fiasco

Earlier this week I shared a little of our Melbourne Cup day - the finery and fashion. And the cuteness with which I am bombarded. But I kind of missed out on one of the more spectacular of the events. (Actually I am not sure that anything is more spectactular than a dog in a bow tie?)

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There were all kinds of shenanigans going on... especially during the Hobby Horse Derby.

Perhaps you were imagining that only children rode hobby horses? For those experienced in the ways of bush entertainment, the concept of fully-grown hard-working men grabbing the nearest pole-like object and galloping madly down a cleared grassed 'field' is not all that unusual. (Perhaps this happens in the Big Smoke too? If so correct me, please!)

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Shall I illustrate?

This is the host of our Bush Melbourne Cup day - Joel.

Joel was once a rodeo clown - can you tell?

He is also super fast and has a wicked sense of humour... he dressed especially for the race.

Gotta love those rugby socks, Joel! (Do you think he was trying to distract the competition?)

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The men got into teams of two for a kind of relay... the race was to consist of a return trip around a post set up about 50 metres from the start line, with second runner to take the 'steed' and complete the same course. Fairly simple rules. One would think. Shall we see what happened?

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The men lined up their frisky mounts, held them steady... the women shouted "GO"

and they were OFF...

If you can, please take a moment examine the 'horses' - there are some classics.

I particularly like the pink gumboot on the stick.

And the mop.

Does anyone recognise the groom from a wedding I recently photographed?

My cousin Tom got a pretty good start.

And that would be my brother on the far side...

He seems to have been thrown from his mount early on, and has taken to carrying it.

Most unusual. They are a competitive lot, my family.

But my brother has nothing on the wiliness of my uncle...

as you shall see.

See the bloke in the next shot in blue shirt and the hat,

already over the line to take the 'horse'?

That'd be my Uncle T.

An experienced polocrosse player and all round good guy.

Now I can't say exactly what went on next as I have no actual evidence.

(I think I may have been laughing too hard to press the shutter.)

But it may, or may not, have included a minor short-cut being taken by the more mature participants of the race. Which may or may not include my uncle. Like in the MIDDLE of the racetrack in front of EVERYONE. Subtle.

Because, miraculously...

He STREAKS to the finish line!

A clear winner.

And yes, the stewards enquiry is still going on.

(I must check to see if members of my family are on THAT panel too!)

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Oh, and in case you are wondering, the children did get a go at the mocked up horses too...

after the men had completed their 'race'.

Here is my niece Rose showing how it is done...

Somehow that pink gumboot horse looks 'right' with this rider!

Anyone recognise the jockey in second place?

Go Dash!

He never did pass his cousin, but took that in good humour.

He's not a fan of coming second usually, but he kind of adores her...

A little niggly part of me wonders though...

Is he cursing his chance at glory?

And wishing he had payed more attention to Uncle T's dubious race tactics?

Only time will tell!!

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My question to you:

What do you do for entertainment when friends, neighbours and family gather?

And is there cheating involved?