How Sydney, Newcastle celebrated the 2021 Melbourne Cup
Thousands of people across NSW have filled pubs and clubs to watch the country’s most famous horse race, in the first major celebration since the last gruelling lockdown.
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Sydneysiders and race lovers across NSW were finally let loose as the Melbourne Cup forced punters out of loungerooms and into clubs and pubs across the city.
In the first major event since the state was released from a gruelling lockdown, 106 days in total for some areas, revellers took advantage of a few drinks, friendly banter and the sunshine to enjoy the running of the 161st Melbourne Cup.
Millions of Australians watched as the country’s most famous horse race set off at Flemington Racecourse at 3pm Tuesday.
Not everyone will have a winning ticket after race favourite Incentivise was beaten by the striking mare Verry Elleegant, but all felt like winners as they danced the day away with friends at venues across Sydney.
It may have only been less than a month since NSW emerged from the almost four-month lockdown, but revellers didn’t let that stop them from Tuesday’s celebrations.
After looking after overheads for weeks during lockdown without a customer, Cricketers Arms Hotel publican John Hayes said the Melbourne Cup had become the race that stopped the nation thinking about the pandemic.
“It is wonderful to see smiles on peoples faces, just socialising and enjoying themselves,’’ Mr Hayes said at his suburban Newcastle pub.
“We have a lot of people booked in here today and it is all about having some fun.’’
Punter Matt Bench was enjoying a flutter with his mates and a big crowd at Adamstown Bowling Club.
“Atmosphere is great. Having an awesome time,’’ he said.
At Wenty Leagues, punters and fashionistas kicked up their heels across the club’s premises, from the cafe area and pokies to the sports bar.
Northmead’s Paul Newrick combined the race celebrations to mark his 50th birthday with his wife Gena, daughter Mya and friends.
“This is the first time we’ve been here for the Melbourne Cup,’’ Mrs Newrick said.
“What we like about it is you just walk in. There was no commitment to pay for a set menu. We could relax and enjoy the day.’’
For Craig and Marseilles Dixon, they carried on a tradition of celebrating the race at a different venue each year and were excited to catch up with family and friends Robbyn and Annie Rogers of Pendle Hill, and Glenwood’s Elle Nikora and Tracy Robb.
“We’re living it up large,’’ Mrs Dixon said.
“We are out all the time. Our wings are just growing out of control. We’re up to Newcastle next weekend. I think we’re eating out twice a week.’’
It was also an excuse to get glamorous for the North St Marys woman, who donned an off-the shoulder white dress.
“We had to get new outfits, but we couldn’t find new hats so we had to wear some hats from last year’’ Mrs Dixon said.
Stephanie King and Andrew Bedford of Wentworthville are regulars at the club for Melbourne Cup day, when Ms King was happy to “dressing up pretty and going out with my friends’’.
“We bought lots of sweeps and we’re going to place some bets and have lunch.
“I was just excited they did something because I thought they weren’t going to have anything.’’
In Sydney’s Macarthur region, punters filled out the Campbelltown RSL for their first major celebration since June, with duty manager Alan Garcia saying everyone is “excited to come back into the club”.
“It’s good to see faces in the club after so long, it’s some normality for them,” he said.
With a dedicated emcee and live music revellers bopped in their seats, with some even taking to the dance floor, in the lead up to the race at 3pm.
John and Margaret Shay said it was nice to be out of their homes and said listening to live music for the first time in so long was “lovely”.
Becky Mackay told NewsLocal her mum, Toni, used to go to the club multiple times a week but has only returned a few time since it reopened in October.
“She’s saving money at least,” Ms Mackay said of her mum.
“It’s good to get out and see some familiar faces.”
Margaret Skinner was at the club with her grandmother and both women were “excited” to celebrate at Campbelltown RSL.
“We need to be getting out,” Ms Skinner said.
“It’s so important to support the community ... there’s no point going to Sydney when we have everything right here.”
The Central Coast’s prime venues found themselves booked out early for the event including The Beachcomber Hotel and Resort at Toukley, Royal Hotel in Wyong and Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific general manager Cameron Abbott said tickets to Cup day sold out “very quickly” at the popular beachside venue.
“Melbourne Cup is always an exciting day for us, and never more so than this year as one of the first major events post lockdown,” he said.
“We’re doing our best this year to cater for everyone. Doors opened at 11am for anyone watching to catch the race on our big screen, grab a meal or a drink or use our on-site TAB facilities.
“We also hosted a very special Melbourne Cup Luncheon for those who wanted to really celebrate the day in style. Our guests enjoyed VIP access to our Cup day pavilion, a sit-down share-style seafood feast and a cocktail on arrival.”
Coasties Rachel and Brett Harris chose to celebrate at The Beachie in Toukley and said they were thrilled to see the venue sold out with a “great local turnout”.
On Sydney’s northern beaches, it was the first Melbourne Cup lunch at the new The Forest Hotel at Frenchs Forest, which only opened in December 2020 during a break in the Covid lockdowns.
Licensee Deb Haskins was buzzing around before the big race as she checked on the 400 patrons who had booked tables to watch the Cup.
“And there’ll be another 100 or so on top of that,” she said. “It’s getting busy.”
At a table in the beer garden the 14-strong team from online skin product retailer Skinmart, based at Allambie Heights, were enjoying a drink and lunch with owner Daniel Peacock.
“The guys have been working hard through Covid,” he said. “We’re an online company so we’ve been super busy during the lockdowns so it’s good to get and enjoy ourselves today.”
In the bistro, best buddies Bianca Perri, Debra Katnic and Trish Boccanfuso, were ordering their lunches before the Cup got underway.
“It’s great to catch up with friends after what’s been going on with Covid, so we’re going to enjoy the afternoon,” Mrs Perri said.
For Phyllis Small, it was her first time venturing out to celebrate the iconic event.
“This is my first year out with the ladies,” she said.
“I belong to the Craft Shop and thought it’d be good to come out.”
Colleen Smith said it was good to get out of the house again after a lengthy Covid lockdown.
“We’ve had sweeps, it’s lovely to be out again,” she said.
Thousands flocked to Ettamogah Pub, Kellyville Ridge, to watch the race that stops the nation. Tables were all booked out with racing fans and those just happy to get out and about again.
There were similar scenes over in Penrith
The Birdhouse Kitchen & Cafe, part of the Australian Arms Hotel, was starting to pick up just after midday with the bartenders Ben and Justin getting their cocktail skills ready.
A group of ladies were decked out in gorgeous attire, standing out as one of the bar’s best dressed tables.
“We’re just out to have a bit of fun today,” Natalie De Chellis said.
There was more fun to be had later on at the Panthers where anyone who is anyone in Penrith appeared to be.
Michael Woellner and Craig Arnold from Core9 Fitness were spotted at the Squire’s Terrace having a beer before they joined Stephen Lenoci and Jack Jeffery in the basement.
“Me and the boys are at Penrith Panthers, enjoying Melbourne Cup Day. We’re having a beer, living the lifestyle. We’re having a little fun together, just us boys, we’re a real team,” Ms Arnold said.
Emily Cozen from The Roses added: “We’re roving around in our outfits today, having a good time. The atmosphere here is electric today.”
The Squires Terrace was packed out for bottomless brunches and it’s safe to say every patron had a smile on their face.
Drag Queen sensation, Prada Clutch, was also enjoying the atmosphere at Kelly’s Bar and Kitchen.
“Everyone’s having a great time, the place is absolutely buzzing,” Prada Clutch said.
The Basement was just as busy.
Steve, who works in the Basement in Panthers gave us an insight into the packed out venue.
“The races are about half an hour away and we’ve had a great day so far with all our bottomless brunches selling out at the Squires Bar upstairs,” he said.
The Melbourne Cup festivities were in full swing at the Southern Highlands Brewing Taphouse at lunchtime on Tuesday.
Bookings Manager Kristy McGregor said she was delighted when the venue was sold out a week before the event.
“We’ve got 66 people here so we’re at capacity,” she said.
“It’s nice to see so many happy faces.”
Longtime friends Toni Croxall and Jennifer Vermeulen were toasting to an afternoon off from their children and responsibilities and an opportunity to dress up.
“That was the main point of it, being able to frock up,” Toni said.
Jennifer confessed to being an avid Melbourne Cup fan who one day hopes to celebrate the occasion in Melbourne. She said this has been the best race day she’s celebrated in many years.
“We’re just happy being able to catch up and have lunch and socialise,” Toni said.
“It’s such a good crowd here.”
Hattie, 17, has featured on Triple J Unearthed and said she’s had plenty of time to practice in her bedroom during lockdown. She said she’s thrilled to be performing a show with a live audience.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.
The three women are staying with local friend Tracey Lang, who said she’s excited to be able to have visitors again.
“It’s lovely to be out and supporting local businesses,” she said.
“(But) the heels are a bit of an issue.”
The heels are necessary for one of the treasured traditions of Melbourne Cup day – the best dressed competition. The Taphouse will be handing out prizes for the best dressed ladies, men and couples – and it’s looks like there’s a lot of well-dressed competition.
At Poppy’s Cafe in Goulburn, locals were seen enjoying their Melbourne Cup high tea, which included a selection of homemade cakes, fresh sandwiches, quiche, sausage rolls, scones and tea or coffee.
“Wait, let me get my champagne,” said Robin Tozer as she and her long-time friends prepared to pose for a picture. The group of ladies hadn’t seen each other in a while because of the Covid lockdown, and were thrilled to finally have an opportunity to reunite.