1
First Tuesday in November the Cup will bring us to a stop
But on Saturday we get the chance to survey the newest crop
The Derby is for youngsters who could become the latest rage
They’ll strut their stuff at Flemington on racing’s grandest stage2
Now I wonder if they know or if they even care
That others went before them, the Derby for to snare
The ones we all remember when they raced upon this day
Won with easy grace and style and blew the rest away3
The likes of Tulloch on the grass cantering away to win
Jockey looking back in shock then saluting with a grin
By eight lengths he did destroy them, fairly broke their hearts
We knew we’d seen a champion but this was just a start!4
Another was all set to take the crown and fly
With a heart as big as Phar Lap’s was the Hayes’ young Dulcify
Although he won the Derby and was set to win much more
Fate stepped in and dealt a hand that none of us foresaw5
The experts were predicting a cup win for the horse
But instead we witnessed tragedy right there upon the course
The tears flowed freely from the crowd but although we sympathized
We couldn’t ease the pain in his strapper’s youthful eyes6
His name was that of timber for woodmen’s artistry
Owned by millionaires, was the bay; Mahogany
They sent him out the favorite they meant to win the prize
Put their money where their mouth was and the bookies all but died!7
They left the course that night with plenty in their kick
Gave the jock a handout and he didn’t mind a bit!
Put on a turn the likes of which we’ll never see again
The caviar was Russian and they drank the best champagne8
These are but a few of the tales of Derby Day
Helenus and Elvstroem too have paid their owners’ way
And in centuries that passed us by Poseidon won the race
Comic Court and Tobin Bronze were also not disgraced
So again this year we wait with uncontained delight
For the start of Springs grand carnival and racing’s newest lights
We’ll stand and cheer the winner, no matter where we are
In a marquee sipping champers, on the grass or in the car
For if Cup day stops a nation then we must play our part
At Flemington on Saturday we give the rising stars first start!9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Author notes
Well it is a continuation of my racing theme poems
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
-
Well, i don't normally read poems, but i think this one stands out from the poems i have read (which isnt very many
but it was a good poem 
)
beginning: 5, language: 4, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
-
Again, clever wording-nice Your love of this topic shines through and i'm finding it quite inspiring! Might just start writing my own horse stories again soon. Great ballad!
-
Your ballads about the Melbourne Cup are great! You must have heaps of knowledge abou it! It's also good how you write about people that most ther people don't know about.
-
This is amazing i love your writing i hope i can read more by you in the future its great
love britt -
Your Passion Is Compelling
Your knowledge of and fervor for this subject are inspiring - reminds me of when I was in awe of Secretariat and horse racing for a brief time in my youth.
My only stuttering point is the transition between stanzas 6 and 7 - 5 & 6 talk about an unnamed tragedy (I assume Dulcify was put down, but it's not clear) and then in 7, Mahogany wins and the owners celebrate. At least that's what I think happened.
The beginning and ending are tight and I just love the way you've integrated so many of the wonderful horse names. Amazing how they keep coming up with unexpected monikers for those incredible animals! Thanks for sharing -- Gypsy
Adding your comment:
1 - 5 of 5
