We remember them…
By Andrew Lemon
F lemington will come to a pause on Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November, as we pay our respects to our service personnel that contributed to Australia’s war efforts. Not only did Flemington play an important role as a training ground for soldiers, Cup Week 1918 was an emotional time, occurring just days before the end of the First World War. Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 5 November 1918. Rumours abounded that the First World War, raging for more than four years, was about to end – that an armistice would be signed, that Peace would soon be declared. The excitement at Flemington was palpable. Maybe today? Night Watch won the Cup. It seemed a great omen. Soon, surely, the dawn would come! Extra emotion surrounded this win. Night Watch was the son of Wakeful, one of the greatest mares ever to race in Australia. It was as if a son of Black Caviar or Winx or Makybe Diva were to win the Melbourne Cup today.
16
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software