Glen Boss's Flemington Tips: ‘We could be seeing the next big thing'
Just when you think the Spring Carnival has shown its best, the finest racing quality still lies ahead at Flemington on Champions Day, writes champion former jockey Glen Boss.
It has been four years since I retired, and this Spring Carnival has been the most enjoyable and exciting I've experienced from the other side of the fence. The long-standing rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne has fueled an incredible season, especially this year.
Wandering around Flemington on Derby Day, I was struck by how young and vibrant the crowd appeared. Historically, Derby Day felt more traditional and older in atmosphere, but that has changed substantially. We owe much of this shift to the remarkable success of The Everest.
"Those epic scenes of a packed Randwick with such a young crowd singing Sweet Caroline were amazing and unforgettable. How can you see that and not want to be part of it?"
Melbourne, and especially Flemington, has clearly benefited from The Everest's connection with a younger audience. In addition, the season featured a sold-out Caulfield Cup and a deeply emotional Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day marking the farewell to The Valley.
And what about this year's Melbourne Cup? Jamie Melham’s ride was outstanding, and the storyline with Half Yours was exactly what racing needed.
"Jamie Melham's ride was a gem and she headlined a storyline with Half Yours which is everything racing needed."
The Spring Carnival continues to evolve, drawing fresh energy and passion into Australia's premier racing events.
Author's summary: Glen Boss highlights the fresh vitality brought to Flemington and the Spring Carnival by younger crowds, boosted by The Everest’s success and memorable rides like Jamie Melham’s at the Melbourne Cup.