Flaxmead Page 2

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

  PREFACE

  Another yarn in the John Stanton series.

  Many thanks to the Racing Information Services Australia handicappers whom always made time to answer questions.

  For dreams to come true you must first have a dream. The Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation, the Australian Holy Grail of thoroughbred horse racing. Flemington racecourse is located in Melbourne, in the southern state of Victoria and is the most well known race track in Australia. Famous for hosting our greatest race the Melbourne Cup, on the first Tuesday in November every year, part of the spring racing carnival. It is one of the richest handicap events in the world. Racing began at Flemington racecourse in 1840 and such is its great history it was given national heritage listing in 2006.

  Over three captivating days around the campfire a Hunter Valley winemaker and father tells a story to his children. Twelve year old Anna and eight year old Dylan have a dream, to own a horse that wins the Melbourne Cup. Playing with matches can often lead to fire, the equine underworld turn on the newcomers. Journalist Jodi Stanton encourages her husband to intervene. Stories are stories and once told this one was over, or had it just begun?