Novice's guide to the Melbourne Cup

by Bruce Holmes

First run in 1861, Australia’s $6 million Melbourne Cup is "the race that stops a nation.” The capacity crowd of 110,000 would be enough to make a racing novice tremble.

But it is possible to enjoy the spectacle at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November and maybe even prosper. Just follow our survival guide.

The locals will be at work on Monday, or at home doing the form, but the tourists will be in Swanston Street at noon to see the Melbourne Cup Parade.

Shop nearby and sneak a look at the jockeys in their racing silks and past champion thoroughbreds. Prepare for the atmosphere.

Don't worry that everyone will know more about the Cup than you -- they’ll be here for the socializing. You should, however, know who won last year’s Cup -- that will immediately give you a conversational advantage over more than half the crowd.