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.

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.

Punters trackside for the croc races at the Berry Springs Tavern. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Crocs off and racing in race one at the Berry Springs Tavern. Picture: Glenn Campbell

GALLERY: Croc racing at the Berry Springs Tavern, in photos

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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.

Race one winner Crocodile Dundee with his ‘owner’ Carol Fogarty. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Tom Prsa and son Luka, 2, meet one of the crocs part of the racing. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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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.”

Bartender and ‘jockey’ Gypsy Cass with one of the elite crocs that took part in the racing at the Berry Springs Tavern. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Jo Hooper, Ben Cramb, 4, and Johnny Cramb watched the croc races at the Berry Springs Tavern. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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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.

Fashions in the Bush – women’s category winner Trish Higgins. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan with one of the toads that took part in the cane toad racing event. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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