Bubbly, Hats and Picks

Yesterday was New Zealand Cup Day, the last day of Show and Cup Week. We decided to mark the occasion by making a 'big' day of it. That meant starting the day by inviting some friends round to our place, for a champagne breakfast. Finally our extendable table came in handy! Breakfast consisted of traditional English fayre. The only Kiwi thing being Lindauer Fraise, which is so moorish, that it did not take us long at all to down four bottles of the pink bubbly stuff. After being fed and watered it was time to prepare for the main event. Of course being 'Cup Day' we needed to look the part so careful thought was put into outfits and in particular hats!


The taxi delivered us right to the gates at Riccarton Racecourse. We all headed straight for the bar, and whilst drinking Speight's we pondered on which horse to bet. Luck was at our side, as we managed to win $50 on our first bet. After that race, our studying of form was not so good (or maybe the problem was a lack of study) as we did not win 'big' again. The main race came and went, Speight's was drunk and before we knew it, the afternoon was drawing to an end and it was time to head home.As we were not the only ones leaving, to head into town, we knew the queue for the taxi would be enormous. Somehow we stumbled across a bus, a free courtesy bus, taking passengers 'back' to the casino. As the casino is right in town, we did not hesitate and jumped aboard. We did even go into the casino, just to use the bathrooms! We then walked to the 'Bard on Avon' pub, and had a bite to eat, with another drink. By now, some members of our party had had enough, too much too drink and feeling sleepy so it was time to go home!In case you are wondering, we did not spend the whole afternoon in the bar. We just forgot to take some photos of the horses and the course!