In a world where patriotism is pilloried and love of nation marginalised, rare are the chances to chant for our own.
Fortunately, despite this fact, we still fly flags when opportunities arise.
Olympic competition will always jolt our jingoistic instincts, as will World Cups and the soon-to-be-staged Ashes which will not be denied.
Tonight, at Tabcorp Park, on Breeders Crown semi-final night, battle lines and loyalties will once again be drawn.
Just as it’s been since both countries were founded, Australia and New Zealand shall compete for pride.
Let’s not lose our way here, every one of the eight Breeders Crown semis bear their own significance.
But one bears the burden the others simply don’t.
In race nine this evening, at 10.06pm, the finest filly produced in Australia for an age, will enter combat with a Kiwi contemporary just as highly rated in her native land.
The Aussie girl is Ladies In Red, the Kiwi contender, Bettor Twist.
This isn’t the final destination, of course, and all involved concede that fact.
Barring accident or injury, these two heroines will meet again, for bigger money and infinitely greater prestige, next weekend.
Nevertheless, it matters.
Putting all patriotic instincts aside, if tonight’s draws were reversed – Bettor Twist has drawn the front in gate five and Ladies In Red the second row in gate nine – the green and gold salutes.
But with her tactical advantage, Bettor Twist has her chance for two triumphs in one.
Should she lead as expected, Nathan Purdon’s bottomless recruit can, and perhaps should, defeat her major Aussie adversary.
But beating her is only one part of the equation.
Here, potentially, lies a subtly seductive shot at running her ragged should she shoot for glory.
And, in doing so, soften her resolve for their upcoming clash.
As aforementioned, this is only one of eight Breeders Crown semi-finals at Melton tonight, and one of two for this golden draft of three-year-old fillies.
Losing perspective may be to the detriment of both star fillies with Joanna, Tough Tilly and Beach Music waiting in seven days’ time.
But this is Australia vs New Zealand, and while times have changed a little, they haven’t changed that much.
Racing followers will always reference their own code’s heroes as the best there are.
In the gallops it’s Bart Cummings, or Chris Waller, or Aiden O’Brien.
In the greyhounds it’s Jason Thompson, or Andrea Dailly, or Jeff Britton.
Allegiances aside, few could argue Emma Stewart and Mark Purdon are not at least their equals.
On Tuesday, after 12 months away from Harness Racing. Purdon dominated New Zealand Cup day as though he’d never left.
And tonight, Stewart will gear-up 32 runners, and at least five favourites, on one of the sport’s most important nights.
Both are all-time legends, despite which way you lean.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.