It turns out that a large scrub fire on rugged King Island, aided by a south-easterly was in fact the culprit. Melbourne today is engulfed by a blanket of smoke. The good news for race fans is that the King Island races will go ahead as planned on Sunday.

This weekend is a prime example of how racing in this country is as diverse as the terrain. Up on the Gold Coast on Saturday we have a two year old race worth $820,000, at King Island we have a four race program with twenty six thoroughbreds competing for a total purse of $6,400.

King Island Race Club, established in 1892, conducts seven meetings this season, the highlight being the cup which is held New Years Day in conjunction with a harness meeting. The grass track is 1600m in circumference and has an eight stall starting barrier.

By sea and by air around 800 people turned up for the cup this year, taken out by Ever Green. Honest John saluted in the chariot division.

So if you ever get the opportunity to make it to King Island you should do so. Down amongst the happiest cows in the world you'll find some of the best natural produce that Australia has to offer and if you try hard enough you might even find a winner at the locals.