Tag: melbourne cup carnival

Melbourne Cup Carnival an Event for Everyone

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

For the hardcore punters, Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is a three-month long festival of black-type racing and a celebration of the champions of the Australasian turf. But for the majority of those with just a passing interest in the sport of kings, the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington are about as long as their attention span (and funds) will stretch.

It’s not hard to see where the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) focusses its energies either, with nary a mention or image of a thoroughbred racehorse on their homepage. But despite interest waning over the past decade (attendances have dropped about 25 per cent in that period, down from a staggering 418,069 in 2006), this four-day festival is, for the bulk of the Australian population, the only time they’ll pick up a form guide each year.

WFA feature highlights carnival finale

The structure of the Melbourne Cup Carnival has changed little in recent history – AAMI Victoria Derby on the first Saturday (October 29 this year), Emirates Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday (November 3) and Emirates Stakes Day on the final Saturday (November 5).

But in a significant change this year, the Emirates Stakes has been shifted to Derby Day and renamed the Cantala Stakes (it remains a Group 1 race over 1600m). Confusingly, the VRC have shifted the L.K.S. MacKinnon Stakes from Derby Day to the final day, and have renamed it the Emirates Stakes! It remains a weight-for-age race over 2000 metres although prizemoney has been boosted to AUD $2 million. It was hoped that dual Cox Plate winner Winx would run, but she’s been sent to the paddock after last Saturday’s remarkable win.

An appropriate arena for racing royalty

In stark contrast to the tight and tricky Moonee Valley layout around which Winx again smashed her rivals, Flemington is all about space. The course proper is just over 2300m and features one tight corner just after the winning post, and a sweeping turn from the 1300m mark until the start of the home straight around 500m from home.

Uniquely, all races up to 1200m are run down Flemington’s famous ‘Straight Six’, culminating in the AUD $1,000,000 Group 1 Darley Classic on the final day of the carnival. It’s quite a sight (and a racecaller’s nightmare) to see runners spread right across the track in search of the best ground. The Melbourne Cup combines both courses, starting at the 1000m mark before runners complete a full circuit of the main track to complete the most famous 3200 metres in the sport.

155 years on, it’s still that race that stops a nation

The highlight of the week is, of course, the AUD $6 million Emirates Melbourne Cup. One of the world’s great handicap contests, the Melbourne Cup is also much more than a horse race – it’s a revered sporting, social and cultural event, that continues to play a significant role in defining Australia’s national identity.

Scores of TAB and picnic race meetings across the nation (almost 50 this year), along with thousands of office parties and BBQs on Melbourne Cup Day help define the event as the race that truly stops the nation. At second acceptances on Monday, 32 horses remain in contention for one of the 24 starting positions. Hartnell, which finished eight lengths second to Winx in Saturday’s Cox Plate, is the $4.60 favourite with William Hill ahead of Caulfield Cup winner Jameka ($6.50). Saturday’s Lexus Stakes is the last chance to earn a guaranteed start.

Deciphering Melbourne Cup Week Dress Codes

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

WITH 30 Group One races held across Melbourne and Sydney during the Spring Racing Carnival there are plenty of chances to frock up. But most fashionistas save their A-game for Flemington’s big four – Derby, Melbourne Cup, Oaks and Stakes. Each of the days has its own traditions and expressing them through fashion is all part of the fun.

Derby Day – make it monochrome

The Derby is the oldest classic race on the Victorian calendar – it was first contested in 1855, six years before the Melbourne Cup. Black and white reigns supreme and this is not the time to break with tradition. That doesn’t mean you can’t embrace modern trends. Pair a classic white lace dress with black headpiece, shoes and box clutch. Or adopt a minimalist look with an asymmetrical neckline. A bold one-shoulder dress in black or white works well with a wide brimmed hat and metallic accessories. There’s not a lot of wriggle room for the blokes. Black suit, white shirt, black tie (no bow) white pocket chief and black shoes is the uniform. A grey or charcoal suit would also pass but keep any other colour for later in the week. The perfect finishing touch is a blue cornflower in the lapel – the day’s signature flower.

Melbourne Cup – go big or go home

This is the race that stops a nation so there’s no room for wallflowers. Today is the day to bring the colour, the brighter and bolder the better. Vibrant pinks and reds are popular this season and prints also play well. Forget the fascinator and don a hat or dramatic headpiece instead. Opt for a piece that matches the colour of your outfit or something metallic. Men are also encouraged to flex their fashion muscle. While elegance is always the goal, there is no real dress code on this day, so now is the time to debut that royal blue suit or slip a loud checked shirt under a grey suit. Add a yellow rose and you’re good to go.

Oaks Day – pretty and polished

It’s called Ladies Day so you need to dress like one. Romantic florals, pastel pleats and delicate lace are the order of the day. A mid-length embroidered lace dress over a nude slip that finishes above the knee is on trend, while maintaining the feminine brief. Complete your Oaks Day look with a floral crown created from fresh blooms or simple headbands. The gents should follow the ladies’ lead with florals and pastels which work well with the day’s signature flower – the pink rose. Accessorise with a pocket square and tie with hints of florals, stripes, plaid or spots.

Stakes Day – let the offspring shine

The final day of Cup Week at Flemington is the most relaxed of the four meetings. Classic chic is the perfect look to bring to the garden party atmosphere. Children (suitably dressed of course!) are also encouraged, with the event also focussing on family. Women, especially those chasing after offspring, can achieve that relaxed glamour with a casual pants suit or a pair of culottes teamed with bodysuit and capelet. There’s also a more casual approach to millinery with raffia straw boaters and wide-brimmed hats. Dads can leave the suit in the cupboard for Monday and wear a navy sports blazer instead – which contrasts beautifully with the day’s signature red rose – and tan pants. They can still have some fun with colour by adding a bold shirt and tie. It’s also the day to make a statement with a fedora.