The perfect day, four Group 1 nail-biters and some of Australia’s hottest live acts came together for day one of the Caulfield Cup Carnival.
Over 21,000 enthusiasts today made the most of the sunshine at the Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas, which saw some of racing’s finest hit the track, including Winx in a three-horse showdown in the Ladbrokes Stakes.
The Ladbrokes Stakes was short on runners but not on quality, as Winx overcame a dogged Black Hart Bart to extend her unbeaten run to a phenomenal 12 straight wins. Trainer Chris Waller admitted that he felt the pressure of public expectation in the lead up to the race, but was full of praise for Winx and her jockey Hugh Bowman.
“It’s good to get the job done. It helps when you’ve got a superstar horse obviously” Waller said.
“She makes me look good and Hugh Bowman, he’s just sensational.”
Global Glamour’s victory in the Schweppes Thousand Guineas sent trainer Gai Waterhouse into raptures, the filly edging out I Am A Star by one length in a driving finish. Global Glamour delighted owners, It’s All About The Girls syndicates, with the colourful women’s group sure to be celebrating winning the $500,000 race for some time.
Divine Prophet secured the Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas for Team Hawkes, holding out Seaburge and Hey Doc.
Hot favourite He’s Our Rokkii handed David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig an astonishing fourth win of the program in the final Group One event of the day, the IG Markets Toorak Handicap. The gelding’s victory was jockey Dwayne Dunn’s third winner of the day and confirms He’s Our Rokkii as a genuine Group One star going forward.
Competition was also rife off the track with the Westfield Style Stakes opening for business with women, men, professional milliners and squads lining up to enter.
Ambassadors Elyse Knowles and Nadia Bartel set the scene for punters around the track, while David Jones host Olympia Vallance oversaw the Caulfield Lounge surrounded by celebrities and influencers.
Foodies were in pop-up heaven with brioche sliders, dumplings and tacos from Mamasita, Mr Miyagi and Red Door Yum Cha, while Scott Pickett wowed guests in the Estelle Marquee.
Local boys British India entertained the crowd from the Crown Lager Live Stage, followed by indie rockers The Preatures who saw out the day.
The Carnival continues with the Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes on Wednesday October 12 and BMW Caulfield Cup on Saturday October 15.