On the first day of spring a tram-load of racing royalty will descend on Melbourne’s CBD, heralding that Flemington’s Melbourne Cup Carnival is just around the corner.
John “Patto” Patterson, Flemington’s Clerk of the Course for more than 50 years, will lead the group, carrying the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup from Melbourne’s iconic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for a red carpet arrival into Southern Cross Station.
Three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss will be part of the 25-strong group of racing’s who’s who, accompanied by leading hoop Chris Symons and rising star apprentices Katelyn Mallyon and brothers Regan and Jake Bayliss, all wearing racing silks.
Representing the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s famous fashion will be Myer milliners Kim Fletcher, Melissa Jackson and Kerrie Stanley, Myer designer Dom Bagnato, 2014 Myer Fashions on the Field national winner Brodie Worrell, fashionista and Black Caviar connection Alison Saville, and racing regulars and models Bree Laughlin and Rebecca Stoneman.
All will be on hand for media opportunities and to discuss what the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival means for our city and their lives and careers.
The activity kicks off two days of public celebrations at Southern Cross Station, where the VRC’s Racing Royalty campaign will be brought to life. Racing fans will have the opportunity to ascend the throne for a royal portrait with the Emirates Melbourne Cup, meet racing royalty, enjoy free manicures and win a money-can’t-buy Melbourne Cup Carnival experience.
Then, at 2.30pm the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup nominations will be announced at a media call at Flemington. Racing Victoria will issue a separate media alert for that event.