A local man has successfully initiated a conversation with a stranger at a crowded Caulfield Racecourse urinal after deploying his tried and tested on-course query.

Having elected to 'break the seal' shortly after the fourth race, local fencing contractor Shane Pickering opened with his trademark enquiry of "Ya winnin'?" approximately five seconds after taking up his position at the trough.

The icebreaker had the desired effect, with Pickering’s mid-stream neighbour revealing that his day was in fact "off to a rough start", before returning the favour with a question about Pickering’s own punting status.

The Pakistan Star understands that Pickering, 44, had first made patrons aware of his presence in the toilets by urging hesitant queuers to "move up ladies, don't be shy!", before bullocking his way through a narrow gap to take up a prime urinal position 'outside the lead'.

The Pakistan Star understands Pickering did not wash his hands upon exiting.

More to follow.