Backing a once a year winner
ONCE an enthusiastic punter, these days Basil Stewart saves his pennies for a yearly dabble on the race that stops the nation.
The 83-year-old even went to the big race about 30 years ago, but didn't think too much of it.
"Once was enough, I could barely move at Flemington,” he said.
"It took ages to get to put a bet on, it was two steps forward and two steps back.
"I went home after the Cup ran.”
Mr Stewart said he remembered his mum won a Melbourne Cup raffle in 1946.
"She was scared to tell Dad she'd bought a ticket,” he said. "But she certainly told him when she won.”
Mr Stewart and wife Lorraine will spend the afternoon among mates at the Warwick Senior Citizens Centre.
"There always a great atmosphere and excitement, wherever you are,” he said.
"And hopefully I'll have backed a winner.”
