What’s your hot tip? Its Melbourne Cup day today.
The race that stops the nation is about to get underway.

The jockeys are ready with their colours on display.
But it’s the horses, who are the stars of the day.
With chestnuts so shiny and blacks with a blaze;
Bays with white socks and large dapple greys.
Thoroughbreds prancing and biting at the bit;
Waiting at the barriers looking mighty and super-fit.

Suddenly the crowd becomes quiet.
The barriers open and horses jump out.
The fans in the stands are now screaming
And each one is secretly dreaming
That their horse will be the winner
So they can boast at tonight’s dinner.

There’s three thousand, two hundred metres to go.
Which horse will speed up and put on a show.
They’re bunched tight ‘round the track
So there’s no looking back.
Hooves sounding like thunder
As we all gaze in wonder.
Which horse will take the lead
And become today’s famous steed.

They’re on the home stretch and some horses are tiring.
Nostrils are flaring and tails wildly flying.
But look at number twenty-two
He’s found a gap and galloped through.
The jockey riding knows what to do.
He leans forward letting the gelding have his head.
As he crosses the line, one whole length ahead.

The crowd is roaring
and emotions are soaring.
But the star of the day is the large dapple grey.
He knows he’s done well and was happy to play.
Now all sweaty, he lets out a snort and a neigh
And looks forward to pats and some extra hay.

Photo from Pexels by Tom Fisk