Crocs hit the track for Berry Springs Tavern’s race that stops the rural area
IN a very Territorian twist on the Melbourne Cup, it was saltwater crocodiles instead of horses that had punters digging deep into their wallets and on their feet cheering at the Berry Springs Tavern on Tuesday.
Northern Territory
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IN a very Territorian twist on the Melbourne Cup, it was saltwater crocodiles instead of horses that had punters digging deep into their wallets and on their feet cheering at the Berry Springs Tavern today.
In the world’s only crocodile races — and therefore also the richest — six of Crocodylus Park’s finest baby salties made the dash across a makeshift track in a quest for racing glory, cheered on by several hundred punters.
Croc of Ship proved to be the day’s most dominant saltie, winning the last two out of three races, while Crocodile Dundee took out the first.
The ‘owner’ of each race-winning croc — an honour chosen by raffle — took home a carton of beer and a T-shirt as their prize.
Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan said the crocodile races, now in their fifth year, were a “point of difference” for his venue on Melbourne Cup Day.
“It’s something that is uniquely Territorian, and it’s something people are not going to see in any other pub anywhere else in Australia or the world,” he said.
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“Horse racing is overrated – you can go and watch the horses any day of the week if you want, but this is the only time and place you can come out and watch saltwater crocodiles race.”
Bartender and ‘jockey’ for the day Gypsy Cass said staff were pleased to see locals embracing the event.
“It makes for a great atmosphere, and crocodiles are a Territory icon, so why not race them for Cup Day?,” she said.
“They’re really quick … it’s good entertainment.”
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Punter Jo Hooper, who is holidaying in Darwin from Melbourne, described it as the “best Cup Day ever”.
“It’s just extraordinarily unique,” she said.
The tavern’s Melbourne Cup Day program finished with a ‘Fashions in the Bush’ event and a round of cane toad racing.
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