Melbourne Cup Carnival – 2nd-9th November 2013

Flemington will be hosting the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australia’s highly anticipated racing event, this year and as one of Australia’s premier racecourses it is the perfect setting for the event. Flemington has hosted seven other Group 1 races during the Melbourne Cup, which is spread out over the course of four days.

This is a sporting event not to be missed as the atmosphere created during the four-day event is incredible. The Carnival combines the best of Oz, as food, wine, sport, business, social interaction and fashion all become one. The venue is filled with marquees that are positioned alongside the race course, people also picnic on the public lawns or choose to dine in style at one of the racecourse’s fantastic selection of restaurants.

Now for some history, the first run at Flemington racecourse was held in 1861 as part of the Emirates Melbourne Cup. Since then, the event has grown into much more than a horse race. Nowadays the Cup is seen as a social and cultural tradition which has been going on for 152 years now! The event is such a big deal, that Australia has deemed it a public holiday in its home city of Melbourne.

The excitement begins on Saturday 2nd November 2013 with the AAMI Victoria Derby Day being the first event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. It is seen as one of the most highly rated days of racing in Australasia, featuring nine group races, four of which are at an elite Group One level.

On Tuesday 5th November 2013, it is the Emirates Melbourne Cup Day which is the most expensive of the four events at $6.2million and therefore the focal point of the carnival. The Emirates Melbourne Cup makes the foundations of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in such a way that it has established Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival as Australia’s most important annual sporting event. No wonder it is such a grand event, as it is the richest turf race in the world and second only to the (US) $10 million Dubai World Cup. It is titled the richest handicap and the richest 3200 metre race in the world which is run at 3pm. It is no surprise then that it therefore attracts people from all around the globe, making it a genuinely spectacular international event. Now that’s something to make a fuss about!

The third day of the event is Crown Oaks day on Thursday 7th November 2013, the traditional ‘ladies day’ of the Carnival which is also referred to as the ultimate style day. The winner of the national competition of Myer Fashions on the Field is publicised, making it one of the most significant events of the fashion calendar. The $1million classic Group 1 Crown Oaks race for young female horses over 2500m.

Fashion plays a major role over the duration of the Melbourne Cup celebrations. Women take pride in wearing their specially chosen outfits for the racing event. Black and white is the traditional colour combination of choice for women whereas men are generally seen in grey morning suits paired with a peacock vest and pin-stripe trousers, finished off gloriously with a top hat.

Emirates Stakes Day rounds up the Carnival on Saturday 9th November 2013 which is headlined by Victoria’s leading event, the $1 million Group 1 Emirates Stakes 1600m race. The world’s fastest horses then compete in the Global Sprint Challenge which is also held on the final day. Due to its chilled vibe, Emirates Stakes Day is identified as “Family Day”.

The trophy, a distinctive handmade gold three-handled cup, is presented to the owner(s) of the Emirates Melbourne Cup winner and is one of the most recognisable trophies in sport worldwide. It is a truly prestigious award that signifies a truly remarkable event. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is not to be missed!