Astley and bubbles

Ali Jones

Writer, broadcaster, and housebus adventurer @housebusdylan @dylanthehousebus

Many of you will be getting ready for Cup and Show week in an appropriately Cup and Show week-way, perhaps by getting a spray tan or putting on something that shows your midriff. Knock yourselves out. Sure, I’ve had my fair share of dancing on the tables, but these days if I have a wine too many, I’m more likely to tidy up the laundry or do some gardening while listening to Fur Patrol or Rick Astley. Of course, being in the house bus with no garden and a pantry the size of a shoebox, that isn’t really an option, except for the Fur Patrol and Rick Astley. 

One Cup Day several years ago, a group of us planned to meet at the track for a “day on the lawn”, but I couldn’t get a taxi. So, I sat in the garden with a bottle of Lindauer, and after two glasses and no lunch, I texted that I couldn’t make it. I then proceeded to weed the vege garden. Rob got home from work to a fabulous-looking garden and strains of Never Gonna Give You Up belting out around the neighbourhood. 

It is a special time for me in one way, though. Our first baby was due on Show Day 1998, but she arrived slightly early on 6 November, encouraged to join us by the fireworks she would’ve heard the evening before.

Not wanting to appear a complete curmudgeon, Cup and Show week does herald in fresh energy, a sense that summer is almost here, and there’s no doubt it’s great for the local economy. 

Finally, a word of advice for those who like a flutter or two – bet on the horse that has a poo just before the race; it’ll be lighter and run faster. 

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