With less than four hours to the start of the much awaited 2009 Melbourne Cup, the City of Suva is abuzz with people lining up at the various Grants Waterhouse agencies to place their bets.

People from as far as Tailevu were spotted at the Grants Waterhouse Waimanu Road branch putting their money on the horses which they feel will finish off victors later this afternoon in Flemington.

Fijilive spoke to two senior citizens, Samisoni Tamanikalou of Naloto, Tailevu and Chaand Kuar of Vatuwaqa about their interest in betting and the chances of the horses on which they are banking on to win.

Tamanikalou, 68 said he traveled to Suva this morning just to be part of the electrifying atmosphere and settle a score against some old folks in Suva with whom he often bets every year.

“I left home early this morning to be here on time to meet my friends and share a basin of grog and bet for our favorite horses.”

“I have been betting for the past 15 years and have won money almost every year but this year I am hoping to win something big for my family especially my grand children back in the village.”

“My friends especially the taxi drivers here in Suva often call me “kalou”- god as I always beat them when it comes to betting but then I also miss out on big payout” he jokingly said.

Tamanikalou is betting on defending champion Viewed and seven other horses and remains adamant that luck will favor him this afternoon.

Kuar, 62 accompanied by her two grand daughters said she and her later husband have been betting for the past 20 years and it has become a norm for her to place a bet every year.

“I don’t follow sports but when it comes to horse racing especially the Melbourne Cup, I always make sure that I come here and buy some horses.”

“Its fun and all about your luck as most of the time the horse that you think will win just does not run well and loses.”

“My husband used to win big money but I always get something out of the betting and think one day I will also be lucky, she said as she put on her eye glasses to ensure she had penned the right choices on paper.

Kuar picked nine horses with Roman Emperor being her top choice to win as she said that Bart Cummings is a seasoned trainer and the horse stands a good chance of winning today.

The $5.5 million Emirates Melbourne Cup which will be run over 3200m by 24 horses will start at 4pm (FT) in Flemington.

Fijilive

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