A DAY at the races turned to chaos with drinks and limbs everywhere – as Australia got ready for the Melbourne Cup.
But even punters there will probably be cheering on Vauban in the big race itself, which will be on at 4am UK time on Tuesday.
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Willie Mullins landed Down Under just in time to see Rich Ricci’s horse – who recently left another trainer ‘scared’ – draw barrier three in the ‘race that stops a nation’.
His multiple Grade 1-winning hurdler – who took a chunk out of David Casey the other day – is the red-hot 9-4 favourite to scoop the £2.4million winner’s prize.
And though having won at Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival, he will have to contend with a different beast when in front of the raucous Ozzie home crowd.
Especially if these photos from Saturday at Flemington racecourse are anything to go by.
The ground was littered with empty drinks as racegoers let their hair down big time and necked, it’s safe to say, one or two refreshing beverages.
One man dressed as a jockey rode another in a grey blazer and light chinos like a horse.
Another photo showed a group of girls soaking up the sunshine – after a day of hopefully a few winners.
Australians love their racing and there is simply nothing like the Melbourne Cup.
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Even more so this year, as loyal Ozzies stick with their defending champ and second-fav Gold Trip.
But he will be giving roughly half a stone to Mullins’ Vauban, who was always bought with this race in mind despite his awesome career over hurdles.
Mullins said: “It’s our strongest chance ever, it probably will be my strongest chance ever.”
For charismatic owner Ricci, though, the minutes leading up to and during the race will be unbearable.
He couldn’t watch at Ascot in June when Vauban thrashed Absurde – a 20-1 shot for the Cup – by seven-and-a-half lengths.
And he said it will be no different this time.
The finance executive who’s said to be worth £100million commented: “I feel the pressure and I don’t want to let people down.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to be part of this, and it’s great to have the favourite, but I know I’ll feel nervous come the race and I won’t be watching Vauban.”
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