Warrnambool carnival starts to mixed weather and punters’ fortunes

Jackets were discarded as the Warrnambool carnival began to sunshine and an early win by a local hero before the puffer coats were back as the day ended with a beaten favourite.

Warrnambool racegoers soak up day one of the May carnival. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Global warming deniers would have been excused for doubting themselves for most of Tuesday’s opening day of the Warrnambool May carnival.

Those of use that have been to many Warrnambool carnivals have shivered through wind, rain, sideways rain, hail and breezes most of us would swear came directly from the polar ice caps.

But not Tuesday as jackets were discarded, shirt sleeves abounded while some ladies decided sleeveless dresses were the order of the day as the sun beat down early.

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A couple of blokes even donned their South Sydney NRL jerseys as a fashion statement.

Ties aren’t required for the fellas in the Warrnambool members and suits draw stares from the hardened veterans of the carnival.

Unlike many big race days in Melbourne, punters love to get to the races early during the Warrnambool, especially on the first day.

An intriguing show of human nature unfolds in the hour or so leading up to the first race.

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Punters that haven’t seen each other since last year’s carnival note the familiar faces as they walk to their favourite spots, give each other a short nod of acknowledgment as they “take block” for the three days.

But soon the nods gave way to deep and sometimes animated conversations about the vital issues facing everyone inside the gates at the ‘Bool.

The electoral bluster of the nation’s leaders is shunted way off to the side.

Cost of living issues only stretch to whether the Warrnambool Racing Club has increased the price of a beer in the ensuing 12 months.

Miss Tallchief caused a boilover in the last race on the first day of the Warrnambool carnival as favourite Stokke (red sleeves and white cap) finished fourth. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Enquiries of the status of the spouse and kids are merely perfunctory before the important talk starts.

“What are you backing today?”, “got any mail?”, “I got a tip for this in the pub last night” replace any discussion of politics, religion or family in the lead-up to the first at ‘the ‘Bool’.

The local hero Ciaron Maher got the job done for his disciples in the opening race when the favourite Through Irish Eyes held off the determined Stockman to win narrowly.

The sun continued to pose problems for the follically challenged or those without hats in what was a glorious setting until after Wuddzz saluted in the first leg of the quaddie.

However, Mother Nature got her act together for the last three races as cloud increased and the temperatures dropped quicker than St Kilda’s finals hopes in the last three weeks.

By the last, the puffer jackets and vests were back on as were the coats as punters trudged out the gates after the defeat of the $2.10 favourite Stokke in the last race.

Warrnambool is back for another year and the local coat sellers could be in for some sales on Wednesday and Thursday.

Originally published as Warrnambool carnival starts to mixed weather and punters’ fortunes