The glitz and glamour of the race that stops a nation is a far cry from the heavy clay, black box lined rice paddies, but two Moulamein farmers dropped the shovels for champagne at Flemington to cheer on Grand Promenade.

As part owners of Grand Promenade, Paul and Anthony Gorey are ecstatic about the chance to run in the Melbourne Cup.

“It was very exciting on Tuesday,” said Paul.

“It was a thrill in itself.”

The 6-year-old bay gelding was purchased as a yearling in England before travelling down under. It is currently being trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace based at Caulfield.

Grand Promenade has eight wins under his belt and finished a respectable 6th in the cup.

“He’s just an out and out stayer,” said Paul.

“He doesn’t get warm till about 2000m.”

Paul described horse racing as a disease, only cured by one’s passing.

“It gives you something else to think about when you get up in the morning.”

Grand Promenade will now have a spell while decisions will be made on whether he goes to Sydney or stays in Melbourne to look forward to the autumn.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 11 November 2021.