Almanac Poetry: ‘The Race That Stopped A Nation’ by Patrick Smith

 

 

 

                           

The Race That Stopped A Nation

 

Cup fever was now raging; all Australians felt the call:

The Melbourne Cup was just a week away.

Every trainer, every jockey, and the punters one and all

were tense with premonition of the day.

 

Australia’s finest stayers – Mr Prudent and the rest

were champing to defend their country’s name.

But the Kiwis and Godolphin threw a challenge to the best

and Irish racers threatened once again.

 

Vinnie Roe a strong black charger, of English racing fame

was fancied, and had won the Ascot Gold.

And the chestnut, Media Puzzle, staked a solid, timely claim

but Oliver, her rider, was on hold.

 

From the West, the family Oliver, a well-known racing name,

had lost their father in a racing fall

But the two sons, never daunted, later followed in the game

and soon among the best were riding tall.

 

The elder brother Jason made his name on Western tracks,

while Damien in the east had tried his hand,

in Sydney, and in Melbourne, up against Australia’s cracks;

and now was thought the finest in the land.

 

Then Jason riding trackwork on a young and nervous colt

was killed when crushed beneath him in a fall.

His death struck brother Damien a sudden, savage jolt

and over Spring Cup fever cast a pall.

 

Just days before the premier race; a cruel tragic twist,

would Oliver be able to mount up?

But he wore the badge of courage for his brother sorely missed

when declaring he was ready for the Cup.

 

Around the nation’s racetracks, as the thundering hoofbeats rang,

a hundred thousand voices raised a shout

For the gritty, grieving rider as his brave heart proudly sang

 while he spurred the chestnut gelding to a rout.

 

Around the turn, a sweeping run, he swooped from in the field.

And skipped away, it seemed he fairly flew.

Then homeward bound, and certain now the race at last was sealed

his whip saluted- “Jason, it’s for you!”

 

As horsemen now round racetracks still, recall that famous ide,

when family bonds became an inspiration,

They swear two phantom jockeys seen at Damien Oliver’s side

rode with him in the race that stopped a nation.

 

by Patrick Smith

 

 

 

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