KEY POINTS:
Forget to book your flight across the Ditch? Not sure if the cup would be run anyway, after the equine flu disaster? Never mind, you can still revel in the glory and the glamour of the Melbourne Cup, right here in Auckland.
As usual, the Auckland Racing Club in Ascot Ave, Epsom, will be the venue of the Lindauer Melbourne Cup Day.
Leave work at lunchtime today to give yourself plenty of time to frock up to impress the roving judges.
Gates open at 10.15am, and tickets for the various wining and dining options are available there too. There will be 10 on-course races, starting at 12.12pm, and live coverage of The Big Race from Flemington at about 5pm.
And just when you think it's all over, the Birdcage Bash kicks off in the Cuvee bar, from after the last race until late.
The Belgian Beer cafes celebrate Race Day at four venues around the city. A $35 ticket for two, or $60 for four, gets you a beer per person, platters to share, and a TAB Easy Bet chance on the Cup.
And of course wherever you are you get to watch the race live on television.
You'll need to book before 10am however. Phone the Occidental in Vulcan Lane on (09) 300-6226, De Post at 466 Mt Eden Rd on (09) 630-9330, De Fontein at 77 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, on (09) 578-3327, and the Ponsonby in the old post office on the corner of St Mary's Rd and College Hill on (09) 376-6092.
Not to be outdone, bistros and restaurants in Ponsonby Rd are holding their own celebrations. Your own favourite probably has something planned but if not, head along to Chapel at 147 Ponsonby Rd, for a three course set menu with bubbles and spot prizes for best-dressed almost everything. Book on (09) 360-4528.
The Living Room at 5/106 Ponsonby Rd is offering much the same sort of deal. Phone (09) 376-8663.
Every person in every sports bar and TAB will stop and stare at the "race that stops a nation", but for the big experience, go to SkyCity. Big screens everywhere and TAB onsite. Good luck!
* NATION STOPPING
What: The Melbourne Cup.
When: First Tuesday in November, always.
Where: Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Live at 5pm today on TV3 and Trackside.
Distance: 3200m.
First run: 1861.
Qualification: Three-year-olds and up.
Weight: Handicap.
Purse: A$5 million ($6.02 million)
