Comment from AuroraSky

Excellent

Now that's a stance as much as the write captures the Melb Cup and tracks Aust-wide adeptly. The cannery is the problematic side for horses no longer able to race, although there are stories of those saved and nurtured as retired racehorses and those shouldn't be overlooked.

Only suggestion would be to capitalize the 'd' in the line - 'champagne, for Cup day's'.

 Comment Written 01-Apr-2018

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reply by the author on 01-Apr-2018

Thanks for reviewing this poem. It always comes as a shock when someone reviews an old-ish piece, and I wonder to myself "why that one?" But whatever the reason, I'm glad you decided to give me your comments - which I very much appreciate. Craig

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

This is a sad side to the 'race that stops a nation' although I've always thought that statement is rather an exaggeration myself. Well written Craig with your internal rhyme lines adding to the presentation.
thanks for sharing this,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 09-Nov-2017

Thanks for reviewing, Valda. It might be different up north, but in pretty much every place I've ever worked, everything stops at 3 (or usually well before, to set up the "party" stuff). That goes way back to primary school as well, where we used to have sweeps lol All the best, Craig

Comment from --Turtle.

Exceptional

Hi, Craig,

A poem with a point, examining the odd lingering need for humans to be diverted at the expense of other living things. Animal racing, animal fighting, animal caging, poking and prodding for the sake of someone making money, as many are willing to pay for it to prosper.

In the style of old-school Stephen Colbert, you stand in the room you want to mock as if you are part of the room, and gleefully point out the cracks in the wall as if they are works of art to applaud, when really, it's done in a tone that even those who consider themselves wanting to be in the room would find it hard to applaud, as those who enjoy horse racing aren't, in heart, wanting animals to get hurt... but overlook it in a way that a poem like this would make them uncomfortable in being faced with that kind of outcome.

really nicely done, and relevant to a barbaric part of self... yet put on a pedistool of royalty.

Only things I paused to consider, was for minor commas that I thought might make sense to add:

Come sun or come rain we'll be sipping champagne(,)?

Check out the wildcats In( not sure why in is capitalized)? their cute fancy hats

As the race nears an end, I remark to my friend(,)
"Well it seems like his lead has eroded!"

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 07-Nov-2017

Thanks for catching the typo and the missing commas, Turtle - I've corrected those. Thanks as well for the terrific comments - I'm glad they made sense to some. Gambling is a big thing in this country. There's a saying that an Australian will bet on two flies crawling up a wall. I don't have any issue with that - people can do what they like with their own money - providing the flies don't get hurt. Many thanks again - Craig

Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Exceptional

Super job on this write, Craig! You created such a vivid imagery, that I felt like I was right there.

You brought to the forefront the plight of these poor race horses who are pushed to the limit and then some. The fact that these animals die for man's amusement and greed is awful.

Excellent rhyming and flow. This was one clever write. I love your double entendres ... "there's no need to be making a killing" (make a killing as in win big bucks & make a killing as in kill the poor horse) and "there's a chance we might get lucky later" (to win on a bet that's been placed & to get lucky as in have a romp later).

Great write! ~~ Connie

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 07-Nov-2017

Thanks so much for the lovely review, Connie. No horse died during the race yesterday, which is something unusual in recent times. Prior to that we had lost four in three years - and that is just one race! Still, the off-course carnage goes on. Your kind words and lovely six-star award are gratefully received :) Craig

Comment from alf collier

Exceptional

Absolutely agree!! There is a down side to everything!! My daughter-in-law bought an ex-racehorse, and every morning she would jump the fence and take her exercise!! She always came back for breakfast, and had to be let in at the gate. Great write, my friend!!

 Comment Written 06-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 06-Nov-2017

Thanks so much, Alf for the generous review. Must have been a worry with her getting out like that, unless your daughter-in-law was a long way from any main roads. I'm guessing that must be the case. Our three are definitely built for stamina, not speed - so they have little to worry about :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Hi Craig. When I first started reading your poem (which I wasn't going to read in the first place but gave it a shot) I was worried and thought I should skip it. I'm for animal rights and "sports" like this irk me. However, I stuck with the poem and the last three stanzas saved the day. These animals DO live a life of servitude at the whim of their owners. A well written poem. Thanks for making your point that it's not fun for the animals forced to do this. Same with any other exploitation--dog racing, dog fighting, etc. Marilyn

 Comment Written 06-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 06-Nov-2017

Hi Marilyn,
I'm glad you stuck to the end, and found it not quite as distasteful as you thought it might be. Someone else remarked a while back that I have a habit of starting out my poems by expressing the opposite to what I'm trying to say. Don't know why I do that, but I see they're right in many cases. Anyway, I know many people take exception to such criticism of something that they find enjoyable, or that may even be how they make their living. But the animals have no say, so I think their side needs to be heard. Thanks for the positive review :) Craig

reply by BeasPeas on 07-Nov-2017

I think writing about these types of abuses of animals, horse racing, etc. and the huge "heart" of these animals, pushing their bodies to the limit of exhaustion and death, is the height of usury. Our writes about controversial topics may raise consciousness in some people. I hope so.

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

I love the races and you have taken me there with your poem and perfect rhymes which galloped along to the finish line, I only wishes I could have put a bet on, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 05-Nov-2017

Thanks for reviewing, much appreciated. You wouldn't have wanted to bet on Rakti - you'd have done your dough. Cheers,. Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem about horse racing. It is the sport of Kings. It s sad that horses are driven too hard just to make them win and lose their lives in the process.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 05-Nov-2017

Thanks for reviewing, and for the kind comments, Sandra. Craig

Comment from Gloria ....

Exceptional

Excellent post highlighting the degeneracy of horse racing which is belied by the title, the Sport of Kings, or maybe not. Depending on how one views royalty.

Your trochaic anapest metre aptly illustrates the too quick spurt to full gallop that resulted in the horse's heart exploding. Behind the scenes it really is a gruesome activity to make some folks very wealthy. Of course all the dark side is sanitized for the general public.

Excellent post highlighting our inhumane treatment of animals.

Gloria

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 05-Nov-2017

Thanks for the lovely comments, Gloria, and for the beautiful shiny stars as well. There was a huge uproar here when, after an expose of what goes on in the greyhound racing industry, the state government banned the sport. (Proving they were typical spineless politicians, they later reversed their decision after it appeared they would lose votes). However, at the time, virtually no one said anything about horse racing. It's a shame they don't have a voice.

reply by Gloria .... on 06-Nov-2017

They have a voice, we just don't for the most part understand them. Your voice has spoken on their behalf remarkably well.

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

Excellent flow and rhymn and the double internal that I admire to well. You also have opened eyes to the other side of racing we don't see.

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 05-Nov-2017

Thanks for the kind comments, Barb. Much appreciated :) Craig