SubscribeOne of Queensland’s oldest married couples is gearing up for the annual Melbourne Cup, having spent their life together as avid racing enthusiasts.
Jack Robinson, 93, and his wife and Olive, 91, have followed the horses and attended racing events over the course of their 72 year marriage.
They live together at supported living community for seniors Tall Trees at Tanah Merah, where the staff will be organising a Melbourne Cup event for the residents.
Jack says horseracing is still something that they’re passionate about, with the upcoming Melbourne Cup featuring quite heavily on their calendar.
“We’ve been to Flemington Racecourse a number of times during our marriage for the Melbourne Cup, and though we’re not going to be able to make it down this year, we’re looking forward to the day nonetheless,” he says.
“It’ll be great to be able to enjoy the races on the big screen at Tall Trees, alongside Olive and all our friends here.
“Last year’s Tall Trees Melbourne Cup event was fantastic, and I think this year’s will be even better.”
Jack and Olive married in 1939, with Jack coming from a family of horse enthusiasts, while Olive’s family were strictly opposed to gambling.
She’d never put down a bet in her life before meeting Jack.
“My family were non-gamblers,” Olive says.
“No way could we have anything to do with gambling, until I met Jack – we used to go the races twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“I used to live in Victoria, and when I moved up to NSW to marry Jack I became a little bit lucky.
“They used to call me ‘The Quinella Queen’.
“All of the men around us would ask Jack what my picks were for the day.”
Despite their age, Jack says they still get out to the track when possible, attending their most recent meet a month ago for a charity event at Eagle farm.
“Four of us from Tall Trees went down, and we had a marvellous day,” Jack says.
“I didn’t have a win, but Olive got her quinella up.
“We can’t make it down to the track as much these days, but she’s still got that amazing luck.”
Siobhan MacDonald, neighbourhood manager at Tall Trees Tanah Merah, says Jack and Olive are a unique couple.
“They’ve got to be some of Queensland’s oldest racing fans – that’s for sure,” Ms MacDonald says.
“Going to the races was quite a popular pastime in their day, but they’ve shown true dedication to the sport by still attending events when they can.
“While we think most of our residents here at Tall Trees are looking forward to the Melbourne Cup, I don’t think anyone is as much as Jack and Olive are.
“I think their enthusiasm for racing will make the day that little bit more exciting.”
After spending much of their lives following the horses, Jack says there’s one simple piece of advice that he’s stuck to, and suggests young punters do, too.
“Bet within your means – enjoy it, don’t try to be a millionaire,” Jack says.
“It doesn’t matter then, if you win you’ve had a lovely day, if you lose, you haven’t done any harm.”
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