EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP DAY

More than 100,000 racegoers are expected to attend Emirates Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, with the race that stops a nation™ to be run at 3pm (AEDST).

Nine internationally trained horses and leading locals will vie for the $6.2 million on offer in the world’s richest handicap, the Emirates Melbourne Cup, in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

Godolphin’s Hartnell, trained by John O’Shea, is currently the $5 favourite with TAB, ahead of the British-trained Oceanographer ($7) and Ciaron Maher’s Jameka ($8).

The exclusive Birdcage will host local and international celebrities including VRC and Emirates international guest Elsa Pataky; Jennifer Hawkins, Rachael Finch and Taj Burrow at Myer; Olympians Cate and Bronte Campbell, Mack Horton, Tom Burton, Chloe Esposito, Charlotte Caslick, Catherine Skinner, and Paralympian Dylan Alcott at Lavazza; and Maria Menounos at Mumm.

The traditional pre-Emirates Melbourne Cup entertainment will see Dami Im perform ‘Power of the Dream’ followed by the Australian National Anthem. Following the running of ‘the race that stops a nation’, Betty Who and Marcia Hines Disco Inferno hit the stage at The Park.

In the fashion stakes, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day is the day to make your strongest fashion statement with bold looks and colours. In the stunning Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure, hosted by Nikki Phillips and Donny Galella, the Women’s Racewear competition continues, followed by the invitation-only Design Award. The judging panel includes Herald Sun fashion writer Anna Byrne, Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Stephanie Smith, Myer ambassador Kris Smith, Myer designer Alex Perry, Myer milliner Ann Shoebridge, and Marie Claire Editor Nicky Briger.

Among those competing in the Women’s Racewear category will be the winner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions Competition held in three major cities in China, Chengdu’s Elisha Song. Ms Song won the inaugural fashion competition in August 2016 and as part of that, a four-day trip of a lifetime to the Melbourne Cup Carnival to represent China in Flemington’s iconic Myer Fashions on the Field. Ms Song will stay in Melbourne for four days.

This year’s competition boasts another phenomenal prize pool valued at more than $360,000, including a brand new Lexus RC 200t F Sport valued at up to $83,000.

General admission racegoers can enjoy Flemington’s newest fashion and entertainment destination, The Park. The 10,000 square metre precinct features Myer Fashions on the Field, James Boag’s Premium Bar, Lavazza coffee, L’Oréal Paris Powder Room (media can skip the queue by showing accreditation), Cocktail Caravan Park by Pernod Ricard, Schweppes mixologists, TAB “We Love A Bet” karaoke, Yellowglen Terrace, Pony Bar, Primo Deli, and fine food from some of Melbourne’s hottest restaurants and culinary destinations including Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally, Huxtaburger, Gelato Messina, Biggie Smalls, Burn City Smokers, Doughnut Time and Knafeh. While Chloe Maggs Duo, Betty Who and Marcia Hines Disco Inferno will rock the entertainment stage. Trackside racegoers can enjoy winning post views at the James Boag’s Premium Celebration Deck and cocktails at the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar.

Pin & Win volunteers will be out in force selling Emirates Melbourne Cup pins in support of Melbourne Cup Carnival charity partner, the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets are still available for purchase from Federation Square, Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne train stations or racegoers can jump the queues and buy online from Ticketek on their mobiles, even on the day. Admission is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.