Rodeo D(e)rive

Maybe It Was The Horse Whisperer

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Yes, this sign on the tailgate of a trusty old utility vehicle ("ute", as we call it) caught my eye because of its weather-beaten look and of course because of the strong colours against the white metal.

So of course I had to ask the owner if he would mind if I took a couple of quick shots. He just chuckled and gave me permission. I promised I would frame the shots really tight, so that the number plate wouldn’t be seen in the frame.

What I should have asked him, in retrospect, was how often he actually gets away to "Yee-ha" at a rodeo.

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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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