Ask any Australian what is significant about the first Tuesday in November and without exception they will say “the Melbourne Cup”.  This Australian institution goes from strength to strength and rightfully now holds its place as the World Championship for thoroughbred horses that are stayers (long distance racers).  Now in its 151st year, the race has recently been won by international horses from Japan, France and Ireland.

Whilst there is no denying the momentum of this event on the world stage, it is the reaction of all Australians from Broome to the back of Burke that makes this event unique. They don’t call this “the race that stops a nation” for nothing.  At 3pm on the first Tuesday in November, all Australians, no matter where they are or what they are doing, stop to watch (or listen) to the race. For 3 minutes or so, the entire country is captivated by “their” race. I can recall as a young boy pushing my way to the front of a large crowd gathered in front of a television shop to watch the race on the multiple TV’s on display. Of course nowadays ubiquitous mobile technology has made following the race easier than ever. But still-- families, friends and work colleagues gather in groups around the country to celebrate the race.

Certain Software’s Australia-based staff were no exception. Dressed in their racing finery, fit for the “Fashions on the Field” competition, the team enjoyed a few minutes of camaraderie whilst cheering on their hope. To gain the entire company’s interest across the globe, the Australia team assigned each employee one horse and created a pool for the winners! Whilst there can only be one winner in the race (although this year’s race was excruciatingly close to a dead heat), the real win is the connections and the memories that events like this generate.  The world needs more Melbourne Cups!

Winners of the "best dressed" competition in Australia