Melbourne Cup celebrations
The cheers were deafening as a Palmerston North company partied through the Melbourne Cup.
About 100 GHD staff and clients turned out in force at Bar One7five at the Distinction Hotel to enjoy the festivities of the Melbourne Cup and celebrate the company’s 90th birthday at the same time yesterday.
Punters chatted and cheered through the big race, won by Cross Counter. The race was only the horses’ eighth start.
The 3-year-old, ridden by Australian Kerrin Mcevoy, managed to hold off Marmelo and A Prince of Arran to claim the win. Many of the favourites finished at the end of the pack.
Race 7 was marred by a severe injury to The Cliffsohmoher, who went down in the first 600 metres of the race.
The colt had to be put down after suffering a fractured shoulder.
A typical feature of most Melbourne Cup events, yesterday’s festivities at Bar One7five included a variety of sweepstakes, for both GHD employees and clients.
Brian Hickton, who drew Cross Counter’s name out of a hat, was one of the lucky winners.
Hickton admits he is no horse racing expert, but said he usually backed the second favourite.
‘‘I’m still working, so I obviously haven’t made enough out of racing yet,’’ he said.
Aside from the racing, there was also an emphasis on fancy dress.
There were competitions for the most beautiful fascinator and the wackiest tie.
People wore a variety of hats and headwear, such as Minnie Mouse ears, along with more traditional mesh hats.
There were plenty of interesting ties on display, including one made entirely out of Lego.
Multinational engineering company GHD has been in Palmerston North since 2001, and has been involved with seismic strengthening of buildings in the city and creating alternative options for the Manawatu¯ Gorge road. Its office has held a Melbourne Cup event every year since its arrival.