The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) officially launched the 2016 Melbourne Cup Carnival today in The Park, Flemington’s newest fashion and entertainment destination.
Guests were treated to all that The Park has to offer, with dancers, music, fine food, drinks, a vintage Ferris wheel and carousel creating an endless playground of excitement and colour.
Among the activations were Myer Fashions on the Field, James Boag’s Premium Bar, Lavazza coffee, L’Oréal Paris Powder Room, Cocktail Caravan Park by Pernod Ricard, Schweppes mixologists, TAB “We Love A Bet” karaoke, Yellowglen Terrace, Primo Deli, and tasty treats from some of Melbourne’s hottest restaurants and culinary destinations including Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally, Huxtaburger, Gelato Messina, Biggie Smalls, Doughnut Time and Knafeh.
With a footprint of 10,000 square metres, The Park is FREE for all racegoers and combines the excitement of world-class racing with an energetic mix of fun, irresistible delights and endless possibility.
The proceedings were hosted by Channel Seven presenter Jason Richardson and Myer Ambassador and Channel Seven fashion reporter Rachael Finch, with Victorian Minister for Racing, the Hon Martin Pakula, on hand to declare The Park and the 2016 Melbourne Cup Carnival officially open.
VRC CEO Simon Love said the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival, headlined by the Emirates Melbourne Cup, will again provide the very best in racing, fashion, entertainment and dining.
“Through our constant approach to evolution and innovation, the VRC will once again deliver a world class racing experience for those at Flemington and watching around the world,” said Mr Love.
Leading contenders for the Carnival’s eight Group 1 races, including jockey Dwayne Dunn and trainers Ciaron Maher and Matt Cumani discussed their chances.
Among the stars attending the launch was actor Rachel Griffiths, who is currently filming a movie based on the story of jockey Michelle Payne’s history making 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup victory.
In anticipation of the new supersized Myer Fashions on the Field at The Park, Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Stephanie Smith ran guests through the spring racewear looks of the season, emphasised by a host of models in Myer racewear with makeup by L’Oréal Paris, while young ones were offered fashion advice for Emirates Stakes Day Fashions on the Field.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival begins on Saturday 29 October with AAMI Victoria Derby Day, and continues with Emirates Melbourne Cup Day onTuesday 1 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 3 November and concludes with Emirates Stakes Day on Saturday 5 November.
Five days out from the commencement of the Carnival, ticket sales are up on the same time last year, with more than 310,000 racegoers expected to attend the four days at Flemington, which last year injected $387.8 million into the Victorian economy. More than $18 million in prize money will be won by connections, with $6.2 million on offer in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest handicap.
Tickets are still available for purchase from Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne train stations or racegoers can buy online from Ticketek.
