Friday, November 07, 2008

Odds And Evens

Looking For A Horse Whisperer

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Me, I know nothing about horses. So I have nothing but admiration for those who do. Right now, Melbourne is in the grip of the Spring Racing Carnival and everyone's an expert. Er, except me, that is.

I took this first shot in the city on Friday evening. It was the day before the Victoria Derby and as you can see by the posters at this newsagency, the focus was pretty much on the big race. To the left of the frame you'll see a poster advertising the Derby Special produced by Australia's largest-selling newspaper, the Herald Sun.

Just for the record, Clare Lindop became the first female jockey to win the Victoria Derby, riding Rebel Raider to victory and upstaging the favourite, Whobegotyou. Rebel Raider was a 100-1 outsider. No, I didn’t have any money on it, more’s the pity.

While I was walking through the city, I had just hit the shutter and was about to take a second shot when the door opened and out came a bloke who was re-stocking the newspapers out the front.

Maybe that's an old racing adage. One door shuts, another door opens.


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11 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

Ah the bookies...even though it's not very ladylike, I admit I spent a few minutes now and again at the bookie parlors in Bucks, remind me to tell you how I missed winning a pick 7 for a quarter million pounds in 1980 all on the call win place and show! And not once, but twice!!! Mac will never live it down! Just ask him!

Epijunky said...

Loved them both. Particularly the first one. Can't put my finger on it.

I've never been much of a gambler myself, but I love watching the events :)

Steph said...

I love horses...but not a horse whisperer...sorry.

Cecily R said...

You always capture real life, which I love. But it's a real life that I wouldn't normally see, so I love that even more!!

Unknown said...
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Maggie May said...

Very good photos........ I especially like the first one. The man browsing, wondering, deciding.......
You caught his dilemma!
I also learnt a thing or two.
Made a great Photstory Friday!

Jo Beaufoix said...

Catching up as usual David. I love the GPS lake story, the trumpet photo, and that beautiful sky reflected in the window. And these shots of the bookies are fab. I love that you see opportunity everywhere.

Anonymous said...

A gambler must gamble, that's very well known.
While armed with a rolling pin wife's waiting at home.
If he wins, he's a hero to his trouble and strife
But lose the rent money. better run for his life.

Cath said...

That's an old LIFE adage David!

(I had to look twice - the other bloke hadn't moved at all!)

tiarastantrums said...

always love your photos and commentary!

Catherine said...

No, you're wrong David. He isn't a simple bloke. He's one of the jockey! Every body knows that horses don't listen to anything, ...but jockeys do. He is waitng for a little tip, .... for him to accelerate. Sorry, to break your drems, David, but horses-reviews help for nothing.