With the Melbourne Cup 2025 fast approaching, excitement is running high among local punters, as they flock to Grants Betting in Suva to place their wagers on the world-renowned race.
Among them is 77-year-old Epeli Bai from Waisa, Naitasiri, who has been a regular at Grants Betting for many years.
Speaking to fijivilage News, Bai says he doesn’t always win, but he enjoys the experience and the excitement of the event.
This year, Bai has placed his hopes on Al Riffa, Buckaroo, Meydaan, Half Yours, Royal Supremacy, and Torranzino.
Another long-time horse racing fan, 62 year old Waisale Vueti Lau, says he has been betting on horses since he was a young man.
Vueti says he has considered several factors before placing his bets, including the weather, the track conditions, and the record of both horse and trainer.
He says his top picks this year are the horses trained by Craig Williams, who, despite his success in numerous races, has yet to win the Melbourne Cup.
He says all eyes will definitely be on the track when the horses thunder down the Flemington straight this afternoon at 4.
