Darcy Dog /därsē dɒɡ/ noun: a short-haired fox terrier born at Darcy’s place or, often, on his ute floor. Local to Tilba, known for their exceptional speed.

The race that stops a village has come and gone for another year with the reigning champion, Brian, making it three from three now. For those not in the know, the Darcy Cup began three years back when Kim Taylor and I decided the Drom’s Melbourne Cup Day needed a little more Tilba charm. We decided to race the local Darcy Dogs up Bate Street instead – a bit of old-fashioned fun.

This year (like the previous two) brought together a big local crowd in suits, dresses and fancy hats, eager to see who would ‘get up’. After a quick, funny interview with our host Jess, from Tilba Rocks fame, the dogs donned their racing silks and proceeded to the starting line by the Bate Street red telephone box.

Brian and his main rivals Merv, Neville, Bridie and Patchy hit the lead early – running in the right direction, which can’t be said of the rest of the pack. Piper, Jock and Treva gave it their best and fresh puppies Flash, Snuffy and Toffee decided staying at the starting line felt right to them.

In the end Brian crossed the line first once again, followed by Neville, then Merv, making it an undefeated three in a row for this champion Darcy Dog, an incredible feat on equal footing to that of Makybe Diva.

The phone rang post-race with congratulations from Prime Minister Albo, but that was up next to Tilba’s ‘Bullshit Corner’ so may not have happened.

Thanks to the Drom and the Tilba Rocks team for another successful event that has now become a bit of a town favourite. You can find the recap video and other great clips on the Tilba Rocks Facebook page.

Andy Read

Photo: Jason Snell with Brian and the cup