marching bands that play the national anthems
of all the countries represented in the race. The
people are proud of their country and thousands
sing along, the anthem beginning, "In plenty and
in time of need when this fair land was young, our
brave forefathers sowed the seed from which our
pride is sprung."
A roar greets the horses as they spring from the
gate and it escalates when they whip around the
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ever see at any racetrack anywhere,
and some 13 seconds later cross the
wire. For the winners, there is
jubilation. For the losers, there
is not-so-small prize of know-
ing they have been involved
with an extraordinary
racing event.