We awoke to a leaden overcast. Light rain fell as we travelled to work and was followed by a heavy shower after which the weather became fine.
At lunchtime I turned on Channel Ten and listened to a panel of experts preview this afternoon’s running of the Melbourne Cup. This panel included the race caller, John Russell. Later I watched “Gold And Black” outstay the older “Reckless” and provide the trainer, Bart Cummings, with a record sixth victory in the big event. “Hyperno” finished third.
“Gold And Black” had started as the favourite at the odds of 7/2, with the bookmakers. The winner paid considerably better on the T.A.B. in New South Wales where, in return for an investment of fifty cents, one receives $3.10 on the tote for the win and $1.30 for the place. “Reckless” obviously had many admirers because his return on the place tote was $1.10, while “Hyperno” was the antithesis of this at $13.70. The winning margin was a length, with two and a half lengths separating second and third. The feature double on the Caulfield and Melbourne cups has paid $27.90 for a unit of fifty cents.
Tiki and I drove to Repco at Kogarah to collect two boxes which contained the air-conditioner that is to be fitted to her father’s red Chrysler ute. He had previously paid the two hundred and ninety-three dollars for the unit. Upon our arrival we saw that he had bared the kitchen save for a half of the underlay that remained glued to the floor.
As “Dad” was out on his feet, I took the bevelled-edge chisel from him and from half past five it took me fifty-five minutes to prise up the remainder.
“It’s like shearing a sheep!” I remarked.
“It’s harder than that!” he retorted, as he supervised my every move.
Before we departed at half past six with some indoor flowerpots from “Mum”, I helped him carry the old lino downstairs. It has been a sultry day with a maximum temperature of twenty-eight degrees Celsius.
“Luskin Star” has been purchased by the British pools magnate, Robert Sangster. Mr Sangster is to marry Susan Peacock, the now divorced wife of Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrew Peacock, before the end of the year. The horse is reportedly to do his future racing in the United States.
“Willesee”, at seven o’clock, included a segment on “Reckless” and his trainer, Tommy Woodcock, who is seventy-three years of age. “The Naked Vicar Show” followed at half past the hour and, at half past eight, Channel Ten screened the film, “Duel”, which bears the copyright of 1972. A motorist, played by Dennis “Gunsmoke”/”Kentucky Jones”/”Gentle Ben”/”McCloud” Weaver, is pursued by a maniacal truck driver.
I have inherited a large blister on my right thumb, the legacy from my usage of the chisel.