By Esther Lauaki
Ballan turned on the charm when hosting the Emirates Melbourne Cup as part of its 15th annual trans-Tasman tour. The $200,000, 18-carat gold cup was the main attraction last week at a champagne breakfast at St Brigid’s Primary, a colourful street parade, an 1880s-themed lunch and a cocktail party at the Ballan Mechanics Institute to raise money for the town’s hospital. Horses, jockeys, children as well as 1968 and 1969 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mick Robins were among those who enjoyed the events. The famous trophy will visit 31 destinations across Australia and New Zealand before returning to Flemington for the race that stops a nation.
