Crocs and fashion mark Melbourne Cup day celebrations in Darwin
Whether it was crocs, frogs or fashion there was plenty of celebrations for Territorians on the day of the race that stops the nation. Check out all the Melbourne Cup day photos.
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Though separated by distance, Territorians found plenty of ways to celebrate the prestigious Melbourne Cup Day, whether through fashion or the iconic croc races.
Thousands made their way to festivities across the Top End, including at the Darwin Turf Club where there was local racing and luncheons on offer.
The Mindil Beach Casino played host to a special luncheon too with its own fashions on the field event mirroring other runway events across the country.
Darwin Turf Club chief executive Grant Dewsbury said it was great to have so many celebrating the occasion.
“It’s wonderful, the nation stops for this day and that’s evident across the Territory, particularly at the Darwin Turf Club,” Mr Dewsbury said.
“We have an almost sell out audience here and it’s a wonderful opportunity to come down and watch some local racing as well as the big race.
“As well as the racing there’s the fashion, it’s a great day to dress up and there’s plenty of separate fashions on the field set up around the place.”
Punters at Berry Springs were treated to Australia’s second greatest race as they watched crocodiles scurry across a makeshift track.
The eighth running of the reptile race has become part of Territory lore and something the new publican Jack Elsdon will carry on.
“I think the owners before me started the tradition as a bit of an alternative to the boring race that happens down in Melbourne, and we obviously wanted to keep the race alive,” Mr Elsdon said.
“The races are pretty simple, you get the crocs, put them on the track and then let them loose. “And we’ve gone all out on the prizes this year with first getting a carton, second a six pack and third a beer.”
It wasn’t only crocs that were on show, but camels too.
Four camels with saddles on their backs were roaming out the front for those game enough to enjoy a ride.
“There’s a (camel) guy in the area and we thought it’d be something different and unique for the people who’ve come down,” Mr Elsdon said.
“We just said you do your thing and we’ll do our thing and I reckon it’s worked out pretty well.”
The annual frog races were also held at Noonamah.
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Originally published as Crocs and fashion mark Melbourne Cup day celebrations in Darwin
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