When all work at the office stopped just before 3pm and everyone gathered before the big screen to watch the Melbourne Cup, my new Scottish colleague complained that he didn’t get the cultural significance. It started a discussion between a few of us as to why the whole country stops to watch a horse race when most of us have no interest on any other day.
The suggestions varied. It might be the longest running sporting event in our history (1861). It might have been the horse race over the longest distance (3200m, 2 miles) at some point in the past. It might have had the biggest winnings of any sporting event. In fact, from my reading on the net, it appears that its handicap conditions play a big part.
When the discussion had wound down, I looked at my colleague and said ‘So there you have it. Take your pick of the reasons.’
He looked back agog and replied, ‘but it’s in Mexico.’
I showed my own ignorance of Australian euphemism when I corrected him. ‘No, it’s in Melbourne.’
My other colleagues all shook their heads sadly and left it to the Scot to explain. ‘It’s south of the border.’