Giddy Up! Mayflower Brighton's Horse Race

A Day at the Races: Melbourne Cup Celebration at Mayflower Brighton

The 2021 Melbourne Cup brought excitement and celebration to Mayflower Brighton aged care, as residents and staff embraced the thrill of “the race that stops a nation.” While we couldn’t be at Flemington, we made sure to bring the festive spirit of the Cup to our very own home with a day filled with fun, games, and joy.

Our Melbourne Cup celebration kicked off with a lively party atmosphere, as residents arrived dressed to impress in their finest race-day outfits. Fascinators and colourful hats were on full display, adding to the sense of occasion. The tables were beautifully set with Cup-themed decorations, and the buzz of excitement filled the air.

To keep the racing fun alive, we organised several horse racing games for everyone to enjoy. One of the most popular was our “Horse Racing Derby” game, where residents picked their favourite horse and cheered it on to victory as our ‘jockeys’ (staff) steered the cardboard cut-outs in a mock race. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the room as everyone got involved, proving that a little friendly competition brings out the best in all of us.

We also held a sweepstakes for the actual Melbourne Cup race, with residents picking their horses and eagerly waiting to see who would cross the finish line first. The excitement was palpable as the race played out on the big screen, with everyone on the edge of their seats. While not everyone could pick the winning horse, the fun and camaraderie were what mattered most.

Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food, and our kitchen team went above and beyond with a special Melbourne Cup-inspired menu. Residents indulged in a selection of gourmet treats, including finger sandwiches, savoury pies, and sweet pastries, all washed down with a glass of bubbly.

The 2021 Melbourne Cup may have been different due to the pandemic, but at Mayflower Brighton, it was a day to remember. With fun games, delicious food, and plenty of laughter, our residents enjoyed a taste of the excitement that makes the Melbourne Cup such a beloved Australian tradition.

Watch residents run their own race as part of our Cup Day celebrations at Brighton.

Pam, a well-known horse and horse racing enthusiast, took out first place – winning a life-sized chocolate champagne bottle, ‘trophy’ and ‘flower garland’.