It is tradition in my house to let each of our pets pick their selection for the Melbourne Cup.  We put a piece of dried food on each horses' name, and then my animals pick the food off the horse they think will win.  My cat Jerry is the best tipster of the pets.  Her best result was Savabeel in the Cox Plate a few years back.  She thinks it is a hard race this year (ie. she took a while to decide which piece of food she wanted) but she eventually settled on Boundless.  These are their tips...

Jerry the cat - Boundless
Tom the cat - Yellowstone
Leroy the cat - Gallopin
Sam the cocker spaniel - Moetize
Toby the beagle - Red Lord

Tom's tip Yellowstone has since been scratched.  His selection is now Mad Rush.

Happy birthday to horses in the southern hemisphere, all of whom are officially a year older today!

Particular birthday wishes go out to Victoria Derby winner Benicio and Horlicks (Japan Cup winner and dam of Melbourne Cup victor Brew) - both have their registered foaling dates as August 1.

Favourite all-time horse:  Sunline - the sun rises and sets on her (no pun intended) as far as I am concerned.  She had the ability, the attitude and the toughness to take on the best in the world and beat them.  I also give an honourable mention to Brave Warrior.  He was the first good horse that I was lucky enough to meet.

Favourite horse from yesteryear:  Gunsynd - what more can you say about this horse.  He was a character and will always be remembered as one of the best.  I even named my grey cat after him.

Favourite horses currently racing:  Up until recently it was Gold Edition, Xcellent and Eremein.  But Princess (Gold Edition) and Stanley (Xcellent) were retired within weeks of each other, so that leaves Eremein.  Hopefully he can make a return to the racetrack soon.

Recently I have had the opportunity to photograph these beautiful birds at Hervey Bay and at Jacobs Well.  The photos are now available for purchase in my ebay store.