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- How Much Do You Really Know About the Melbourne Cup?
How Much Do You Really Know About the Melbourne Cup?
Edition #6 - October 2024
Estimated read time: 5 min
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or just hoping your office sweep horse doesn’t finish last, Melbourne Cup Day never fails to entertain!
Here are 5 fun facts to help you sound like a pro at the party:
🏇 The Origin
The winning horse of the 1st Cup allegedly walked from Nowra to Melbourne just to compete! And his rider won a gold watch as the prize.🍀 Office Sweep MVPs
This year’s favorites are ‘Buckaroo’ and ‘Circle of Fire’—with early pick ‘Via Sistina’ now scratched.🏇 Barrier Luck
Gate 5 has produced the most winners (9). Meanwhile, barrier 18 has only had 1.🥇 The First “Cup”
The first Melbourne Cup trophy was so unappealing that the winner sold it. Ouch!🌊 A North Shore Connection
Racing royalty Gai Waterhouse, who grew up on Sydney’s North Shore, is back in the spotlight this year with Too Darn Lizzie, a horse she co-trains with Adrian Bott. North Shore locals, this is your hometown favorite!
Now you’re armed with all the best conversation starters for any sweep, luncheon, or post-race chat. Win or lose, Melbourne Cup Day is all about enjoying the ride!
If you don’t already have plans, here are our top picks for where to celebrate this Tuesday:
Description | Date/Time/Place |
---|---|
Hotel Steyne Beach Club A relaxed yet festive spot with canapés, food stations, DJs, best-dressed prizes, and a view over Manly Beach. | Location: Hotel Steyne, Manly Cost: $59pp, Learn More |
Henry G’s Indulge in a five-course Spanish Pintxos menu, plus a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival. | Location: Henry G’s, Manly Cost: $85pp, Learn More |
Dee Why RSL - Seafood Buffet Celebrate in style with a seafood buffet, live music, sweeps, prizes, and a glass of sparkling on arrival. | Location: Dee Why RSL Cost: From $69pp, Learn More |
Pittwater RSL Catch all the racing action on big screens with special Melbourne Cup menus, sweeps, entertainment, and best-dressed prizes. | Location: Pittwater RSL Cost: Variable, Learn More |
Reader Spotlight: A Night With Neil Diamond
Shout-out to readers Nigel and Lisa, who took our tip and checked out the Neil Diamond Symphony concert at Dee Why RSL! We’re thrilled you had a fabulous time—thanks for sharing this great snap with us! Keep those pics coming!
And to all our new subscribers—welcome aboard!👋 We’re excited to have you with us, and can’t wait to share all the best local tips, events, and hidden gems with you!
“Thanks for the tip. FABULOUS!” - Lisa
What’s On?
Events / Activities
Description | Date/Time/Place |
---|---|
This Week: | |
North Sydney Festival🚊 Toot toot! Celebrate the opening of the new Victoria Cross Station and explore new retail and dining venues in North Sydney. | Dates: Sat 2nd Nov, 11am - 5pm Location: North Sydney CBD Cost: Free! Learn More |
World Food Market - Collaroy 🍲 Enjoy global cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment at Collaroy Plateau Park. | Date: Fri 1 & 8 Nov Location: Collaroy Plateau Park Cost: Free Learn More |
Northern Beaches Music Festival🎵 Featuring 40 acts across multiple stages, with world music, local artists, and community vibes. | Dates: Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, 11am - 7pm Location: Tramshed Community Arts Centre and The Berry Reserve, Narrabeen Cost: Free - $100 Learn More |
Haunted House - For Stewart House🎃 The spooky season is here! Visit a Haunted House in Allambie Heights and support a great cause. | Dates: Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, 6 - 10pm Location: The Brick, Allambie Heights |
Upcoming: | |
The Angels - 50th Anniversary🤘 A big night of live music awaits as The Angels celebrate 50 years! Catch two big sets of classics and fan favorites, including hits like “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” and “No Secrets.” | Dates: Sat 9 Nov, 7:30pm Location: Pittwater RSL Cost: $50 Learn More |
Janus Concert - FAMS Theatre Co🎭 Enjoy an evening of community theatre with “Janus: Endings & Beginnings,” brought to you by FAMS, our local Christian-led theatre group. | Dates: Thu 31 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, 6 - 10pm Location: St John’s Anglican Church Hall, Dee Why Cost: From $15 Learn More |
Manly Festival of Short Plays🎫 Support local talent as Manly Theatre Group performs original 10-minute plays written by our own community members.. | Dates: 14, 16, 21, 23 Nov, 7 - 9pm Location: Darley Smith Theatre Cost: From $25 Learn More |
Groups
Description | Details |
---|---|
Harbord Diggers Toastmasters🥂 | Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Meetings are twice a month, and newcomers are welcome. When: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, 10 am - 12:30 pm Joining fee: Free to attend |
Northern Beaches Meditation😌 | Explore meditation’s transformative power through a pragmatic, secular, and integrative lens. Join the Northern Beaches Meditation group for sessions and community. |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
---|---|---|
Surf Life Saving - Narrabeen🏄 | Contribute to the safety of our beaches by joining the Narrabeen Surf Life Saving team! Training in first aid, CPR, and surf rescue is provided. | Regular |
Connections Playgroup - Mosman🎨 | Support parents, carers, and children by assisting with activities, interactions, and maintaining a safe, clean play environment. Volunteers help set up and pack down each session. | Regular |
Bush Regenerators - Lane Cove National Park🌳 | No experience necessary! Join the team to help restore native bushland, learn about natural heritage, and meet like-minded people. | Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly (approx. 3 hrs per session) |
As always, let us know if you try any of these events or if there are other community activities we should feature! Until next week!
-Liana xx
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