In line with the bureau’s forecast, the sunshine has attracted strong crowds through the turnstiles to join the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrations for AAMI Victoria Derby Day.
At 1.00pm more than 49,600 commuters had arrived by train since the first service departed at 8.15am. Embracing the traditional black and white theme, the crowd is warming up for a great day of Group 1 racing and exciting entertainment at Flemington.
The $200,000 Carbine Club Stakes was won by Paximadia, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and trained by Peter Snowden. Paximadia held off race favourite, Hucklebuck, ridden by Dom Tourneur, with Equator, ridden by Glenn Boss, third.
Tommy Berry rode New Zealand bred Kirramosa to take out the Wakeful Stakes, leaping into favouritism for Thursday’s Crown Oaks.
The Lexus Stakes saw Kerrin McEvoy claim his second win for the day in an outstanding ride on the internationally-trained Ruscello, which guarantees Ed Walker a runner in the Emirates Melbourne Cup if he chooses.
Jim Cassidy reached a milestone in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, taking out his 100th Group 1 win on Zoustar.
More than 160 ladies dressed in a mix of classic and modern ensembles to vie for the prized title of Daily Final Women’s Racewear winner, with Ashleigh Albanese booking a place in Thursday’s Victorian Final. Myer Fashions on the Field Menswear attracted 67 entries with the final to be decided later this afternoon.
Birdcage guests are reveling in the sunshine and will play host to local and international celebrities including Naomi Campbell at Lexus, Tyson Beckford at Myer, Poppy Delevingne at Lavazza, Pia Miller and the Moulin Rouge Dancers at G.H. Mumm, and DJ Andy Murphy at Schweppes throughout the afternoon.
Racegoers are set to enjoy an action-packed afternoon with four Group 1 races including the classic staying test for three-year-olds, the AAMI Victoria Derby, and an all-Group card.
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