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Take it Easy on the Alcohol
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is the ideal time to indulge in some tasty cocktails. Nevertheless, you know what happens when several drinks turned into several too many: leave the event when you want to, not because you were invited to exit the scene due to serious intoxication. You should also take your 'selfie' before too many drinks take their toll on the classy look you waited all year to show off.
Be Respectful
Naturally, the bullpen is full of men and women showing off their outfits, some of which are even a bit outrageous. However, if you see someone alluring, keep yourself nice and strike up a conversation rather than attempting to maul the person in the middle of the event. Jumping all over your significant other is not recommended either, as it will attract the kind of attention you probably do not want.
Resist Pressure to Overspend on Clothes
Spring racing fashion is a big part of the Carnival and dressing up is half the fun, but do not allow yourself to be pressured into blowing an excessive amount of money on a new outfit you may never wear again. Of course, this does not mean you should wear a micro-miniskirt or show up looking like an unmade bed. Just be reasonable about how much you want to spend on your racing day attire.
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Avoid Arguments
If the day is getting long and you think some guy is greasing you off, do not let alcohol make your decisions. Just because someone pulls a face it does not mean he or she is picking a fight. Remember, most of the people at the event are drinking just like you, so instead of getting into an altercation, chug some water, cool off and do not grab the pepper spray unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid Your Boss
Unless you want to be the topic of conversation amongst your boss and coworkers, say hi and quickly move on if you run into business colleagues. Of course, you should not be rude, but it is best to put some distance between yourself and anyone who may enjoy telling tales about you at work the next day.
Leave New Shoes at Home
Hobbling around the carnival is not part of spring racing fashion. This goes for both guys and girls. Your new shoes may look terrific with your racing day outfit, but the pleasure is not worth the pain. In fact, it may be tempting to go barefoot to alleviate the discomfort, but the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is a classy event, and going barefoot is a no-no.
Keep Your Distance
Leave the racetrack to the horses. If delays occur between heats, such as a late scratch, do not hit the track to 'perform' unless you want to be evicted from the event.
Food Warnings
Naturally, food is expensive at racing events, but if you pack a basket of goodies, make sure you follow safe food handling tips: you want to save money on lunch, not poison your pals.
Take the Day Off
Plan in advance to take off work following your day of fun at the Carnival. In this way, you can avoid the stress of pulling a sickie because you are too hungover to make it to the office.
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Avoiding Long Lines
Toilet lines are exceptionally long at such events, so be courteous and get in and out as quickly as possible. Also, bring enough cash so that long ATM queues can be avoided. If taking your ATM card to the event is a must, remember that the wait is typically longer than the bar and toilet queues combined.
Button Up
The open-shirt Armani lothario look does not work at the races, and therefore gents should plan to wear a tie. Feel free to snazzy it up, as even floral prints are a go this time of year. Additionally, men should always polish their shoes, as the girls definitely notice, but as always, white shoes are a no-no for such an event.
Wind Gusts and Wardrobe
Make sure you are prepared, ladies, as unexpected wind gusts sometimes arrive out of nowhere. Make sure you wear undies or you may be caught on camera in a way you will never live down.
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Be Considerate
The cleanup crew after the races have a monstrous task ahead, so bin a few cans and wrappers on your way out of the track.
Racing and Betting Tips
Placing a bet is easy, but do not get carried away. Take a few moments to analyse the bookie market prior to finalizing your wager. The payout for that hot tip you got may be higher from one bookie than another.
Check the form guide and ask those familiar with racing before you bet. Try to avoid wagering because you like the jockey's colours or the horse's name.
Do not bet it all on the first race. Being realistic helps your money to last all day.
Check the Melbourne cup odds before you pick a horse. You might want to try a place or show bet on a long shot rather than win a mere dollar or two on the favourite.
Of course you want to celebrate your winnings, but do not gloat too much: friends will be irritated if they are having a bad run and they may also think you should buy the drinks for the rest of the day. Gloating also makes you a great target for the nearest pickpocket.
Check out more information about Melbourne cup betting here.
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia's greatest events and by following the tips outlined above, you will be sure to get the most out of this fun and exciting occasion of Melbourne horse racing.
