For the 3rd year running I made the pilgrimage out to the Tokyo Racecourse for the Japan Cup, one if not the only time each year that i use the Keio Line. It’s always a great day, if nothing else it’s good to spend the day outside and for 200 yen admission on top of the train ride out there it’s hardly going to break the bank.
I did what i set out to achieve, drink a few beers, have a few bets and take a few photos. I’ve actually slipped a few photos from Derby Day in Australia in the middle, see if you can pick which ones they are. Derby Day is the first Saturday of a week long Spring Carnival in Melbourne, a fantastic week indeed, one i’ve missed the last 3 years.
I also took my video camera out there and took some footage of the big race. I’m still without any proper editing ability but Paul was nice enough to splice the 4 short clips i took together and i’ve whacked it up on Vimeo. I expect i’ll buy a Mac over the coming months and start getting into the movies a bit more.
The train ride out there was reasonably quiet with many punters getting out there earlier than my 1.30pm start.
Once i got to the station the crowds were more prevalent.
I LOVE going to the races in Australia and always glad once i get there.
It’s quite a spectacular course and on a crisp Autumn day makes it look its best.
OK, the actual race, or watch it in full HD on Vimeo.
Japan Cup 2008 from Neil Duckett on Vimeo.
Check out some of Pauls other videos on Vimeo at his profile here.
The general punter at the races is your middle aged man.
It’s a matter of grab a spot, any spot, put down some possessions or a newspaper and call it yours for the day.
The Tea Service Stand does a roaring trade.
Everyone making themselves at home.
Why not bring your laptop and have a punt on the internet?
Lay your newspaper down, it doesn’t matter what side’s up either.
The worlds biggest television, made bu Mitsubishi.
The stand at the Tokyo Racecourse is MASSIVE.
The horse i backed … it’s still running now.
On the way out, the ticket girls all line up and pay thanks.
The trains on the way home are chaotic to say the least.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
>I did what i set out to achieve, drink a few beers, have a few bets and take a few photos.
You forgot “and get the fuck out.”
Looks like you had a great time mate.
Yes, didn’t even realise i said most of the saying without the final exit strategy … GTFO!
did you win any of your bets?
Nope, meisho samson is still running now, prick of a thing.
The ticketing girls looks nice, love a girl in white.
Never been to the track before, but you’ve convinced me it’s an experience I shouldn’t pass up. Looks like you had a good time!
I love it man, great day and if nothing else, get some fresh air.
Yeah get a close-up of one of those ticket girls next year
They were oh so cute too mate.
Before you spend your hard-earned Yen on a Mac, I would recommend you check that it will support the video format that comes out of your camera.
You might think that’s a strange suggestion, but when I got mine I found it wouldn’t play the MPEGs from my Sony camcorder unless I bought the “pro” version of Quicktime, or spent ages pissing about with conversion software to convert the files to a recognisable format.
Thanks for the heads up David. The edit was done on a Mac and i’ve done the research. My camera creates mp4 by the way.