 | Author's Name: Adrian Nelson Date: Wed 29 Oct 2025 |
At our annual Melbourne Cup Lunch, President Philip introduced our very own "Bruce McAvaney", Past President Adrian Nelson to call the inaugural Rotary Melbourne Cup.
Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome to the race that builds goodwill and better friendships – the 2025 Rotary Melbourne Cup!
It’s a full field with 16 Presidents, all well-trained by Jo Mavros.
They come up to the starters gates.
Waiting….
“AND THEY’RE OFF!”
Bounding out of the gates – it’s Peter Dakin on Create Awareness…Take Action - he’s out fast - taking action before the starter’s flag’s even dropped – classic form from the thoroughbred!
Hot on his heels, Bob Glindemann on Lend A Hand. He’s right there on the outside - looks like he’s lending a hand to Peter too – but Bob is still keeping one hand on the reins!
Now Chris Wang on Lead the Way tucks in neatly on the inside rail - what a natural mover, showing real leadership as they head into the first turn and he is now leading the way.
Next it’s Building Communities Bridging Continents - that’s a long-named runner - but Phil Endersbee is striding out beautifully, sailing through like a pro!
Behind him, Austen Burleigh with Reach Within to Embrace Humanity - he’s reaching deep, reaching wide… he’s got arms wide open - might be slowing him a touch - but the crowd loves this old grey!
Clive Weeks and Peace Through Service – calm, composed, keeping out of trouble on the inside, a true peacemaker’s pace. Can he engineer a win?
Be a Gift to the World with Peter Rogers is starting to unwrap a beautiful run now down the back straight - he’s got ribbons flying everywhere, what a sight!
And here comes Quin Scalzo with Rotary Serving Humanity – like Peter Rogers in blue and white stripes from the Kangaroos Stable - steady, reliable, all heart – Quin’s finding his rhythm beautifully!
Moving up through the field now is Rotary: Making A Difference – it’s Mary Barry - the Irish stayer - small strides but big results - and you can see the difference she’s making as they head for the half-mile!
Robert Fisher on Be the Inspiration - he’s firing up the crowd - lifting spirits - plenty left in the tank as they start to turn! If you’ve got money on this nag – he’s giving every child a future.
Kevin Sheehan and Rotary Connects the World - he’s linking up beautifully with Serve to Save Lives on his inside - that’s Reg Smith. They’re galloping side by side, forming partnerships all the way down the track, classic teamwork from those two!
Now here comes Imagine Rotary! It’s Adrian Nelson - he’s dreaming big, the crowd’s imagining the win - could this be the move of the race?
But wait – with two furlongs to go, here’s Chris Sotiropoulos with Create Hope in the World - storming home down the straight. The crowd’s roaring - you can feel the optimism from here!
Half a length behind but closing, it’s The Magic of Rotary - Catherine Baxter’s pulling a few tricks out of the saddlebag, conjuring a big finish down the home straight!
And right on the far outside - here comes Unite for Good! It’s Philip Cornish - he’s uniting the field, bringing them all together for a mighty Rotary finish!
They’re across the track - neck and neck, stride for stride - it’s Unite for Good, Create Hope in the World, Imagine Rotary, Lend A Hand, Unite for Good…
They hit the line! It’s a PHOTO FINISH ladies and gentlemen!
The stadium holds its breath – waiting for the stewards…
And here we go – picture perfect - it’s a Rotary dead heat!
No winners, no losers - just sixteen champions galloping for good, making a difference - and every Rotarian crossing the line for Service Above Self!
Rotary Melbourne proving once again - when we ride together, everyone wins! What a race!!
