In April 1900, Karl visited Flemington Racecourse, which he described in a letter published in the Truro News on May 14 of that year. His words capture the bustling excitement of the colonial racing scene:

“Melbourne is rather a nice place. It has the finest race-course in the world, ‘Flemington Lawns,’ it is called. I went out one day just to see how Colonial racing is carried on. There were thousands of people there, and everyone was betting, men, women and children, betting all the way from sixpence to £1,000.”

More than a century later, I stood on those same grounds, imagining the vibrant scene Karl witnessed. The echoes of hoofbeats and the hum of a crowd still seemed to linger in the air, intertwined with stories of triumph and disappointment etched into the course’s history.

The horse races at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne around 1900 were grand affairs, embodying the charm and excitement of the Victorian era. Flemington was already a prestigious venue, home to the iconic Melbourne Cup, which had been running since 1861 and was firmly established as "the race that stops a nation."

Spectators gathered in the thousands, arriving by train, horse-drawn carriage, or even on foot. The stands were packed with well-dressed crowds, and the lawns were alive with chatter and the occasional shout of encouragement or frustration as bets were placed. Gentlemen donned tailored suits and top hats, while ladies wore elaborate gowns, gloves, and wide-brimmed hats adorned with feathers and flowers—a tradition that remains part of the Melbourne Cup's fashion culture to this day.

I don’t know the exact date Karl was at the racecourse, but I’ve found newspaper articles capturing the race on March 10, 1900, which coincides with his time in Melbourne. According to The Australasian:

“The result of the Newmarket Handicap was foreshadowed by the work on the tracks here, for the two best gallops done were by The Watch Dog and Stand Off.”

The Watch Dog dazzled onlookers, “spurting three furlongs on the tan... in 38 ½ seconds.” Despite his reputation as unreliable, he claimed victory, leaving Cornquist’s disappointing performance in the dust. The paper noted that “the best of horses... have their bad days,” with Seahorse struggling after extensive travel and Cromwell sustaining an injury.

But Flemington wasn’t just about racing—it was a social spectacle. In her March 10 column, Queen Bee (Blanche Isabel McEacharn), journalist for The Australasian captured the essence of race-day fashion:

“The doubtful look of the weather on Saturday prevented any of the new fashions being worn. At the same time the dressing was by no means of the faded kind that had already done service.”

Ladies in satin foulards, voile gowns, and lace-trimmed skirts added a flourish to the scene. Lady Janet Clarke turned heads in a black and white gown with a black chenille and sequin toque, while Mrs. Albert Miller impressed with a crushed strawberry velvet ensemble. Fashion at Flemington was, as ever, a race unto itself, where bold colours, intricate details, and fine millinery rivalled the action on the track.

The Lieutenant-Governor and distinguished guests attended, but the “absence of many well-known people” hinted at the sobering backdrop of war. Yet, the spirit of Flemington endured. Under the vine avenue, “tables were quite unoccupied,” save for a tea hosted by Mrs. H.M. Chorley, where Sir John Madden mingled with guests.

Standing at Flemington in January 2025, I could imagine the thunder of hooves and the chatter of Queen Bee's fashionable racegoers. The stories of champions and their struggles, woven with the elegance of bygone days, came alive in this space time hasn’t dulled.

The races themselves were thrilling and fiercely competitive. The track, surrounded by a grandstand and well-manicured gardens, provided a picturesque setting. Flemington's course was (and still is) renowned for its long straight, which made for exciting finishes as horses thundered toward the finish line.

Today, the Flemington Racecourse website still evokes those days of racing and fashion. Attending a race remains a significant event, with very strict rules related to dress codes based on ticket level (general public versus Members Enclosure). For instance:

Gentlemen (12 and older) are required to wear a suit, or tailored pants (tailored chinos and tailored leather pants are acceptable), tailored shorts on or below the knee, sports coat or blazer and a collared dress shirt, plus tie or bow tie and dress shoes. Ladies (12 and older) are expected to maintain a suitable dress standard. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear their national attire.

While the acceptable dress code is outlined, what is not acceptable is explicit:

Short jumpsuits, playsuits, shorts that are above the knee
Garments that show the belly button
Torn or ripped clothing even if considered ‘designer’ wear
Joggers, sports shoes, or casual footwea

And the list goes on—strictly no denim!

It’s a good thing it wasn’t race day when I visited. Dressed in black cotton capris, orange trainers, and a sports t-shirt, I doubt Queen Bee would have spared me a second glance. In fact, I wouldn’t have even made it through the gates! Now that would have been a story worth telling.