Cox Plate Birthday

On Saturday I turned 30! Surrounded by family and friends, I had a brilliant day to see the end of my fabulous and full Twenties, and to see in the next decade of my life in style. Being the day of Melbourne’s Cox Plate seemed perfect!

Starting with breakfast at our Carlton North terrace, hosted by Jane (thank you!), Melissa, Clinton and Katie arrived, soon followed by Jessie and Heath, all dressed up for the day of races. Mum, and then Brad and Fiona joined us, as the weather warmed up, and the champagne flowed freely!

The house was further filled with Narelle, Miss Emy, Nancy, and Andrea and Dean, for a great spread and preparations for the day. Patrice arriving signaled the beginning of the trek for the racegoers to Moonee Valley, all piled into a maxitaxi, with the rendition of Happy Birthday along the way.

Arriving at the race track, we managed to get our fully stocked hampers in for the day, and found our posse beside the track, after finding Mariead amongst the punters. Again the champagne flowed, snacks were passed about, and we even saw the races!

A flutter or two in vain, and being right next to the stage, we all joined in to the crowd backing of Darryl Braithwaite’s As The Days Go By, and in the second set, the all appropriate Horses. Very funny.

Met up with Mary and her posse of lads, we watched the main race, after a few more uneducated bets, before continuing to devour our food and drink stashes. Eventually left as the last group on the grass amid the sea of racegoer debris, we were herded out of the Valley, and onto an overcrowded tram into the city. I remember getting a tram filled version of Happy Birthday here, amongst other songs, with the Katie and Jessie led attempt at getting Hold Music going much too ambitious!!

Discovering the early hour by having a drink at the Purple Emerald with just ourselves, we had a few more drink stops, including Three Below. My iPod tells me I got home safely just before midnight, tired feet and aching legs all feeling their 30 years!