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CONTRIBUTORS
Patrick Bartley is a former racing editor for The Age and is a winner of a Quill award for sport and racing, as well as multiple awards nationally for racing. He is also an author of two books On The Punt and Roy Higgins.
Anna Byrne spent more than 11 years as a weekly fashion columnist, lifestyle journalist and features writer for the Herald Sun . During that time Anna not only covered the fashion and frivolity of Flemington but was also a regular judge of Fashions on the Field.
Kristie Clements is an author, journalist, and former editor in chief of Vogue Australia. Her memoir of three decades in fashion publishing, The Vogue Factor was an international bestseller. Her latest book is called Why Did I Buy That? Fashion Mistakes , Life Lessons
Trevor Marshallsea is a journalist and author who started as a racing writer, but worked as a foreign correspondent in Beijing and London before seven years as the Sydney Morning Herald’s chief cricket correspondent. He has written three best-selling books: Makybe Diva , which incorporated a history of the Melbourne Cup; Winx – Biography of a Champion; and Peter Moody – A Long Way From Wyandra
Joe McGrath of the VRC is a former Editor of Inside Racing and Publishing Manager of Racing Victoria In more recent times, Joe has overseen the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour since its inception in 2003 and was recently appointed the VRC’s Ambassador At Large. He has grown up with racing ever since he can remember.
Celia Purdey is an editor and writer who has worked on everything from children’s books to bridal magazines but is fortunate enough to now focus on racing. From a family whose passion for the sport goes back generations, some of her earliest memories include country racetracks and the lawns of Flemington, so writing about the subject feels like a natural fit.
Dr Andrew Lemon AM is the VRC’s consultant historian, author of the three volume History of Australian Thoroughbred Racing and a former president of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. In 2012 he held a John H. Daniels research fellowship at the US National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, Virginia.
Michael Sharkie has worked in racing media across print, television and radio for over a decade. As well as television and radio appearances. Mick works as Bloodstock Manager for thoroughbred farm Leneva Park and races under his Aspen Thoroughbreds banner.
Michael Manley is an award-winning racing writer who has worked at the Herald Sun , The Age , the Geelong Advertiser , and Mediality Racing. Michael also has a keen interest in horse ownership and breeding. He had a Flemington winner with the first horse he raced, Precious Poppi, way back in 1993.
Brad Waters has worked in racing for 15 years writing for Racenet, various racing and breeding publications and is now the Herald Sun He says he works as a racing writer for one simple reason –there’s no better job in the world.
Marinos has been a journalist for 30 years. She originally worked in London before migrating to Melbourne and writes features for national magazines and newspapers.
Sarah
WELCOME
8 VRC Chairman Neil Wilson
10 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
11 Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
FEATURES
14 The dress that stopped a nation
In 1960s Australia, fashion remained conservative. This changed when Jean Shrimpton arrived at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1965.
18 Simply unstoppable
Gai Waterhouse AO’s trailblazing journey in Australian horse racing, showcasing her resilience and passion.
22 Where champions become legends
A look at Living Legends, the retirement home for celebrated racehorses, including five Melbourne Cup winners.
26 160 years strong
Celebrating 160 years of the Victoria Racing Club with the unveiling of honour boards at Flemington.
28 Zaaki’s second act
Zaaki has transitioned to life as an up-and-coming eventer.
32 The 1874 Cup
34 Farewell, Black Caviar
A tribute to Black Caviar's impact on the racing world.
38 One for the ages
The Melbourne Cup’s rich history of jockeys, from youthful prodigies to veteran competitors.
42 Finding a stable home at Flemington
Retired racehorses discover a new role as beloved stable ponies.
46 The 1974 Cup
Celebrating Harry White’s dominance, starting with his 1974 Melbourne Cup win.
48 Behind the bid
Jonathan D’Arcy’s challenge of auctioning Winx’s daughter at th 2024 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
52 The 1994 Cup
Jeune’s unexpected Melbourne Cup victory and jockey Wayne Harris’ unforgettable moment.
54 Racing’s timeless titles
Exploring the history and evolution of race names during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
58 Powering performance
How the right nutrition ensures racehorses stay healthy and competitive. 14 54 18 34 28
Haricot’s historic 1874 Melbourne Cup win.
62 Healing champions
The experts helping athletes, equine and human, recover from injuries.
66 The 2004 Cup
Makybe Diva’s historic second Melbourne Cup win in 2004.
68 From stable to track and back
A thoroughbred’s meticulously structured race day, from training to recovery.
72 Getting to know Grace
Grace Ramage’s journey from racing enthusiast to a career in the sport.
76 Making new tracks
The new paths that retired jockeys like Casey Bruce and David Taggart are forging.
80 Hidden roles of race day
The professionals behind the scenes ensuring smooth race meetings.
84 The People's Cup
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour’s role in uniting rural and regional Australia.
88 The 2014 Cup
Protectionist’s 2014 Melbourne Cup victory and the international significance of the race.
90 Global appeal
Jockeys’ pursuit of glory on the world stage.
94 Backing them all the way
The Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA) provides crucial support and advocacy, ensuring jockeys ride with confidence and security.
96 Setting the odds
Meet David Beirne, General Manager of Trading at TAB.
98 A race born from history
The revival of the Jericho Cup, inspired by ANZAC history.
102 The 2019 Cup
Vow And Declare’s 2019 Cup triumph defied expectations.
ENTERTAIN
104 From Dublin to Down Under
Ronan Keating reflects on his career and love for Australia ahead of his Melbourne Cup Carnival performance.
106 Celebrating 180 years of winemaking
In 2024, Penfolds celebrates 180 years of excellence.
110 Bringing creativity to the plate
Ross Lusted brings his innovative dining to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
112 Passion in every dish
Stephen Nairn’s expertise takes centre stage at the Chairman’s Club.
114 A Legacy brewed into every sip
Furphy is more than just a beer; it's a piece of Australian heritage.
STYLE
117 Edwina McCann, Vogue Australia
Vogue Australia’s Editorial Director reflects on the timeless tradition of dressing up for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
118 High-stakes style
Vogue’s definitive guide to Melbourne Cup Carnival fashion, with fresh seasonal styling tips.
130 Personal best
How to dress for the races, balancing individuality with elegance.
134 Classic meets contemporary Racing’s sartorial traditions meet modern trends in this year’s racewear.
On the cover:
English model Jean Shrimpton pictured at Flemington on Derby Day 1965, shocking members with her non-traditional racewear attire. (Fairfax/Nine Publishing)
Publisher: Jo King
Editor: Celia Purdey
VRC Managing Editor: Adele Pace
2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival Magazine is published by the Victoria Racing Club Limited (ACN 119 214 078).
138 Trophy pieces
Elevate your racing wardrobe by updating key pieces to stay on-trend.
142 Hats to high fashion
Coco Chanel’s early millinery days and their influence on her groundbreaking designs.
144 From pearls to Priscilla
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Millinery Association of Australia with innovative hat designs.
148 Fresh from start to finish
Runway Room’s exclusive pamper stations ensure racegoers look their best throughout Cup Week.
All contents are copyright and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The Flemington, Melbourne Cup, Melbourne Cup Carnival and VRC logos, “Melbourne Cup”, “the race that stops a nation”, and “the celebration that stops a nation” are trademarks of Victoria Racing Club Limited. Copyright of the logos and other content in this magazine is owned by Victoria Racing Club Limited or used under licence from third parties. All rights reserved.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following articles may contain images and the name of an Indigenous Australian who has since passed.
VRC photography courtesy of Getty Images, Racing Photos, Lucas Dawson Photography, Igor Sapina and other sources as listed.
For all membership enquiries, please contact VRC Membership Service on 1300 727 575.
Welcome to the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival Official Souvenir Magazine. Around the club the excitement is definitely building and we eagerly anticipate the next edition of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Cup Week is more than just world-class racing; it’s a major event, and a cultural touchstone that transcends the sport. We are delighted to showcase its broad appeal, attracting new audiences who come for the experience and discover the thrill of the sport of racing. It is an inclusive celebration where everyone is welcome, from seasoned racegoers to young people embracing the iconic event for the first time and families enjoying a day out together.
Fashion is synonymous with the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and we look forward to seeing the creativity that will grace the grounds once again. From the renowned Birdcage Enclosure to the vibrant public spaces, the Carnival is a showcase of style and individuality. With the Fashions on the Field competition running on track and digitally and open to international entrants once again, we’re welcoming new participants and sharing racing and Flemington’s unique fashion culture with the world.
Our entertainment and dining offerings will once again be exceptional, featuring a diverse array of hospitality experiences to cater to every taste and preference.
At its core, the Carnival celebrates the sport of horse racing, recognising the dedication, skill, and athleticism of the horses, jockeys, and trainers who make it possible. The highlight is the 164th running of the iconic Lexus
Melbourne Cup – a race that unites the nation, and a moment when almost all of Australia pauses to share in the thrill of this cherished tradition.
This year marks significant anniversaries in Cup history. It has been 30 years since David Hayes’ triumph with Jeune, and his sons Ben, Will and JD will proudly represent Lindsay Park with runners right across Cup Week. We also commemorate 20 years since the legendary Makybe Diva captured her second Melbourne Cup, etching her name in racing folklore without realizing that more recognition was to come. Finally, it’s been a decade since Protectionist became the first German-trained winner, also marking jockey Ryan Moore’s inaugural Cup victory. These are just a few of the incredible chapters in the story of the race. There is no doubt that we will once again create enduring memories and provide wonderful moments for racing participants.
Exciting new partnerships are further enhancing the VRC’s vision this year. We welcome Nine Entertainment as the free-toair partner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival as part of combined partnership with Tabcorp, expanding the reach and engagement of the Carnival locally and globally. We are also pleased to announce Crown as the naming rights partner for Crown Oaks Day.
Along with these new partnerships, we extend our gratitude to our longstanding sponsors and partners whose support is vital to the success of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Our Principal Partner, Lexus, has been an integral part of the VRC family since 2003, and we are grateful for their continued support. We also acknowledge the contribution of our major partners Crown, Furphy, Penfolds, TAB and all other partners in the VRC stable.
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour embodies the spirit of unity by connecting communities nationwide and globally. With record applications narrowed down to 39 destinations this year, the Cup will pass through many towns and cities before returning to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November. Of the 39 destinations, 24 rural and regional Australian towns will participate in the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, hoping for a win that brings both glory and a $50,000 donation to a local charity of their choice. This shared hope
exemplifies the Lexus Melbourne Cup, uniting everyone from small towns to the Flemington grandstands.
In that spirit, the club continues its dedication to supporting numerous charities and community initiatives. The Victorian and Tasmanian chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities is our 2024 Pin & Win partner, and we encourage you to purchase a pin to help them continue their invaluable work supporting families in need.
On behalf of the Board and Executive Team, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Kylie Rogers as Chief Executive Officer of the VRC. Kylie’s experience and passion make her an ideal fit to lead us into the future. We also thank outgoing CEO Steve Rosich for his contribution to the club and wish him well in future endeavors.
The VRC values its strategic global partnerships with race clubs such as Ascot Racecourse, York Racecourse, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, The Curragh, Singapore Turf Club, Goodwood Racecourse, Breeders’ Cup, Japan Racing Association, and France Galop. We are honoured to welcome representatives from many of these clubs during Cup Week as these relationships continue to enhance the VRC and Melbourne Cup Carnival’s international profile.
As we reflect on the past year, several milestones stand out for the club, including record membership numbers, new partnerships, new media rights arrangements with Tabcorp and Nine and a continued commitment to equine welfare. We are pleased to have established a strong financial future which will enable us to continue with our exciting next generation Flemington precinct master planning process.
We look forward to welcoming you to Flemington and sharing our world of excitement at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Neil Wilson Chairman
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
Welcome everyone to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a great Australian tradition and a famous fixture in the global racing calendar.
As always, Flemington is headquarters for festivities but the prestigious trophy has already been on a grand tour of local and international communities.
From Barellan in New South Wales to Esperance in Western Australia – and around the world to Japan, USA, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland – fans of the Cup have united to be part of the excitement and raise funds for worthy causes.
For over 160 years, the Melbourne Cup Carnival has drawn visitors to our shores and brought excitement to our nation. Long may this continue.
I wish you all the best for a fantastic carnival.
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER
The race that stops the nation”. We say it, because it’s true. Whether we’re watching from the lawns of Flemington or at backyard barbecues, for that three and a half minutes, we’re transfixed.
Spring in Victoria is synonymous with racing. As the sun starts to come out, the excitement builds. But of course, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is about more than the flagship race itself.
The Carnival combines the best of Victoria in racing, entertainment, fashion and food.
It’s a vital part of our major events calendar and an opportunity to showcase Melbourne and Victoria to the world.
But it wouldn’t be possible without a lot of hard work, from a lot of people.
To the ground staff, the stable staff, the hospitality workers, the jockeys and trainers, the owners, members and sponsors — thank you for making the Melbourne Cup Carnival such an incredible event.
Wherever you’re watching, enjoy the races.
Allan MP Premier of Victoria
The Hon Jacinta
The DRESS that STOPPED a Nation
In 1960s Australia, elegance reigned supreme, but fashion remained relatively conservative. Hemlines were respectfully long, and racewear etiquette was strictly observed. However, this was all about to change when the world’s most famous model, Jean Shrimpton, arrived at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1965.
On Derby Day 1965, British beauty Jean Shrimpton stepped out in a sleeveless white minidress, its hemline a daring four inches above the knee. She skipped the traditional hat, gloves, and stockings, opting instead for a man’s watch and low-heeled slingbacks. Her fresh-faced look and carefree style were a stark contrast to the more formal attire of the day.
The iconic image of Shrimpton in front of the Members’ Stand captures a watershed moment in Australian fashion, highlighting the rapid changes taking place in the ‘60s. Far from fashion capitals like London and Paris, Australia had never seen such a daringly short skirt.
With her classic, doll-like features, Shrimpton was regularly proclaimed “the most beautiful girl in the world” by fashion magazines. She was one of the leading faces of Swinging London, alongside models like Twiggy and Veruschka. In 1965, she was the highest-paid model globally, and her role as a judge of Fashions on the Field was meant to bring international glamour and prestige to Flemington.
Little did she know, Shrimpton’s arrival in Australia for a two-week promotional visit would spark a scandal. DuPont International had sent her lengths of their new fabric, Orlon, to create “smart, race-going outfits.” However,
“I’ll never forget that image of Jean, with all these very conservative women looking down their noses at her, and she had her head held high, smiling.”
there wasn’t enough material. Shrimpton, unconcerned, instructed the dressmaker, Colin Rolfe, to simply make the dresses shorter.
On that hot Derby Day, Shrimpton, who had no stockings on because, as she recounted in her 1990 biography, “My legs were still brown from the summer, and as the dress was short it was hardly formal,” stepped out with her boyfriend, British actor Terence Stamp. “I had no hat or gloves with me, for the very good reason that I owned neither,” she recalled in her memoir. “I went downstairs cheerfully from my hotel room, all regardless of what was to come.”
Almost immediately upon her arrival, she realised her mistake. There was a disapproving air across the racecourse, and reporters clamoured to get a photograph. “I was surrounded by cameramen, all on their knees like proposing Victorian swains, shooting upwards to make my skirt look even shorter,” Shrimpton wrote. “This was publicity that I certainly had not planned.”
The scandal dominated headlines, overshadowing the actual racing news and almost bumping Light Fingers off the front of the papers.
Shrimpton’s ‘faux pas’ made headlines around the world. The British press, accustomed to the more liberated fashion scene of Swinging London, mocked Australia’s perceived prudishness. The incident became a symbol of the cultural divide between the old world and the new, the conservative and the progressive.
Melbourne’s social elite were scandalised. The former Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, Lady Nathan, commented, “I feel we do know so much better than Miss Shrimpton … we all dress correctly here.” Despite this, some admirers emerged. Among them was a young Bart Cummings, who won his first Melbourne Cup that year. He reportedly said, “She looked all right to me. The missus said don’t look any more.”
Australian model Maggi Eckardt had recently returned from living in Paris, London and New York. She remembered the 1965 Melbourne Cup Carnival vividly. “I’ll never forget that image of Jean, with all these very conservative women looking down their noses at her, and she had her head held high, smiling,” Eckardt said. “She looked like a breath of fresh air. We were used to seeing that look in Europe so we never queried it, but Australia in those days was a long way away. They caught up with fashions after they were shown everywhere else.”
At her sponsors’ request, Shrimpton made amends on Melbourne Cup Day, opting for a more demure outfit: a blue-and-beige threepiece suit, paired with a Breton hat, suede heels, and bag. However, she notably did not wear a hat to Oaks or Stakes Days, perhaps a final act of subtle defiance.
Despite the initial backlash, Shrimpton’s daring ensemble ignited a fashion revolution in Australia. Melbourne’s conservative fashion scene unexpectedly launched a youthful and provocative trend: the mini-skirt fad. While British designer Mary Quant is credited with creating the first mini skirt in 1964, its broader popularity soared after ‘The Shrimp’ stunned Flemington.
On that 34°C day, Jean Shrimpton didn’t just wear a dress – she wore a symbol of liberation. The British beauty’s perceived faux pas marked the beginning of a vibrant fashion era that Australians would soon embrace. Hems across the nation inched higher, and the mini skirt became more than a garment –it became a movement.
In 1967, The Herald journalist Isabelle Carter described the Carnival that year as the “uncovered Cup … Granny would have gone into deep shock. All the mini dresses at Flemington placed end to end wouldn’t have kept her knees warm.”
As Shrimpton herself recalled, “I split Australia in two.” And with that, a new chapter in fashion history was born.
Top left: Australian model Maggie Eckhart with Jean Shrimpton on Stakes Day, 1965.
Above: On Melbourne Cup Day 1965, Shrimpton dressed more demurely in a three-piece tweed suit and a straw Breton hat.
Left: Members were intrigued by Shrimpton's look, which eschewed normal conventions. (Fairfax/Nine Publishing)
SIMPLY Unstoppable
Gai Waterhouse AO is a trailblazer in Australian horse racing. Her indomitable spirit, infectious energy, and unwavering commitment to the sport have cemented her as a beloved figure in the sport. From her groundbreaking achievements to her cherished family life, Waterhouse’s story is one of resilience, passion, and enduring influence.
By Michael Sharkie
Gai Waterhouse is a force of nature, an irreplaceable celebrity with a voice and opinion that demands attention. Born and raised in racing but made to fight for her place in the sport, Waterhouse has never been afraid to speak up, and when she speaks people listen.
This has been ‘Gai’s way’ for over thirty years and slowing down is simply not on the agenda for Gai.
“I like that I’m still a part of the sport, I like that people value my opinion and want to interview me or talk to me about racing. I’m having too much fun to retire,” said Waterhouse.
Waterhouse’s energy is infectious. She approaches life with an inimitable zest that along with her remarkable success as a trainer, has seen her become an icon of Australian sport.
She broke the mould of what a horse trainer could be thanks to her confidence, availability and willingness to promote the sport, let alone her exuberant post-race celebrations, and broke through racing’s glass ceiling in doing so. Waterhouse has transcended the sport to become an adored household name.
The daughter of one of Australian racing’s most celebrated trainers, T.J Smith, Waterhouse is 32 years into her own fabled
training career from the family’s Tulloch Lodge stables at Randwick with 134 Group 1 wins in her own name and another 26 added since joining forces with training partner Adrian Bott.
In an interview in 2017, Waterhouse noted that her father had “died with his boots on, and so will I”. Training horses is what she was born to do.
“When I talk to people about retirement, I tell them the moment that you take that shingle down from outside the door you shut yourself off from so many opportunities. Work is such a big part of our lives, so many relationships come through work. If you enjoy it and you are able, why not keep going?” she said.
Balance is the key for Waterhouse these days as she manages the demands of her brand and business as well as her growing family. She may be the most recognisable face in Australian racing, but Waterhouse is also a mum and a grandmother, and it is a responsibility that she takes just as seriously.
With husband Robbie, Waterhouse has watched on with pride as son Tom and daughter Kate have written their own success stories, Tom as a respected figure in the investment and wagering industry and Kate as a journalist, model and author.
The arrival of grandchildren, five in total, three to Tom and wife Hoda and two to Kate and husband Luke, has given Waterhouse
cause to pause more often from the business of racing and focus on the joys of family..
Family holidays, school events, pony club visits and family dinners are all on the calendar on regular rotation. There is always time for family.
“Robbie and I are very, very lucky that our son and daughter both have beautiful partners, a loving wife and husband, and they’ve given us the most fabulous grandchildren,” said Waterhouse.
“I’m grateful that I’m in a position to mix training and family life, to be able to share time together is so lovely. It’s so important for the children to have that relationship but I can tell you it’s just as important for Robbie and I.”
In a way, Bott has been the catalyst to facilitate that freedom.
Bott was just 29 years old when he became Waterhouse’s training partner. He grew up on renowned thoroughbred nursery Segenhoe Stud before attending university, a brief flirtation as a cadet steward, and then the Darley Flying Start program.
After graduating from Darley Flying Start, Bott found himself working at Tulloch Lodge as an assistant racing manager with Waterhouse quickly recognising his potential.
“I’m very proud of him, not just with what he has done with racing but of him as a person. He has a lovely wife and they’ve expecting a
“Waterhouse’s energy is infectious. She approaches life with an inimitable zest that along with her remarkable success as a trainer, has seen her become an icon of Australian sport.”
“Whether it’s owners that I train for, young people that work for me or young horses, if they’re interested and willing to listen then I am willing to tell them what they want to know and share my knowledge.”
child. It’s exciting to see what he is doing with his life,” Waterhouse said.
“He’s a very good trainer, very professional and very methodical. Adrian and I work extremely well together, and we complement each other. He has taken a leading role day to day which allows me to concentrate on certain things with the horses and with the business. It’s really worked out so well.”
Also working out well are the winners, and lots of them. At the time of writing Waterhouse and Bott had landed 1224 winners across their eight-year partnership, 186 of those at Group or Listed level, and 26 of those at the elite level. More impressive perhaps is their strike rate of 18%, a phenomenal return considering the sheer size of their stable and the weight of competition on the Australian circuit.
her ability to coach precocious young horses to
Gai Waterhouse is not only a training icon, but also a brilliant ambassador for racing.
Waterhouse says her approach to training young thoroughbreds is the same when it comes to mentoring young people, if they have the will, she has the way.
“You can teach a young person anything, and the younger you get them the better because their minds are open,” she explained.
“Whether it’s owners that I train for, young people that work for me or young horses, if they’re interested and willing to listen then I am willing to tell them what they want to know and share my knowledge.
“Some will pick it up faster than others, but you give them all a chance.”
It is not just knowledge that Waterhouse is willing to share, across her social media platforms she has become something of an influencer.
On X (formerly Twitter), Waterhouse has a healthy 41,600 followers, another 6000 on Facebook, while on Instagram the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing account boast over 7000 followers, and Waterhouse’s personal account has north of 35,000.
Then there is Gai & Adrian TV, Gai Mic’d Up, Gai’s Tip Sheet and a weekly newsletter. However her fans want to follow her story, there is a platform that covers it. Waterhouse has done more than accept modern media, she’s embraced it.
“We thought nothing of sitting down and reading the newspaper front to back as little as ten or fifteen years ago, now it’s Instagram or Twitter or TikTok,” she said.
“People have changed where they get their information from, especially young people, so you may as well be a part of it. That is the world we live in today and I really enjoy connecting with people in that space – it’s fun, it really is!”
From fashion “fit checks” to race previews and watch-along race videos or holiday snaps, Waterhouse is only too happy to let people into her world with a smile and a sense of fun. She understands that if people are to get excited about racing, then racing needs to open its doors.
And there is no better place to do that than Flemington during the Spring Carnival.
“I love the spring carnival. You think of Melbourne in the spring, and you think of the big three iconic races, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and of course the Melbourne Cup. You want to run in them, and you want to win them, everybody does, it’s what we are trying to do every year,” Waterhouse said.
Eleven years ago, Waterhouse fulfilled a lifelong dream when she trained imported galloper Fiorente to Melbourne Cup success. It was a day she will never forget and a hallmark of her career, but she is by no means done with ‘the race that stops a nation’™. If Gai has her way, she will be back at Flemington on Lexus Melbourne Cup day this spring, eyes narrowed and ready for battle.
“Come June and July each year, everyone wants to know the same thing – what is your Melbourne Cup horse? What have you got for the Cup? It is our most famous race.
“They’re not that easy to come by, but I’m always trying to find the right horse for the race and I’d dearly love to win another one.”
(Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
Twilight Payment enjoys life after racing at a slower pace.
Where Champions become LEGENDS
Living Legends is a unique retirement home for some of the most celebrated racehorses in history, including several Melbourne Cup champions.
By Celia Purdey
Visitors to this unique sanctuary, nestled at Woodlands Historic Park in Melbourne’s north, can get up close and personal with racing’s equine stars, connecting with athletes whose victories have elevated them to a place among racing royalty. These champions, both past and present, have collectively won not only the Lexus Melbourne Cup but also a multitude of other prestigious races, including the Cox Plate, TAB Australian Cup, Newmarket Handicap, and Caulfield Cup.
The Melbourne Cup winners who currently call Living Legends home and continue to captivate and inspire visitors are Twilight Payment (2020), Almandin (2016), Prince Of Penzance (2015), Efficient (2007), and Brew (2000). They follow in the hoofprints of past residents including legends like Might And Power, the 1997 Melbourne Cup winner affectionately known as ‘the Lord Mayor,’ who passed away in 2020, Doriemus (won 1995, died 2015), Saintly (won 1996, died 2016), and Rogan Josh (won 1999, died 2022).
Other current residents include heroes such as Apache Cat, Fawkner, Santa Ana Lane, Silent Witness and Redkirk Warrior,
to name just a few. The horses are given the best care, living out their post-racing days in comfort and happiness, with many participating in one or more of the programs that Living Legends offers.
A champion of education, Living Legends offers life-long learning opportunities to students from primary school to veterinary science undergraduates through their ‘Learning With Legends’ program. This program includes curriculum-based school visits and work experience placements for students interested in equine care and related fields. The organisation also prioritises the advancement of equine care through ‘Learning From Legends’, where they partner with research institutions to contribute valuable data and insights. They also actively engage with the community through ‘Legends on the Road’, taking the horses to various events and locations, fostering a connection between the public and these retired racehorses. They are regulars at Flemington on race days, where their presence continues to captivate and excite fans. Finally, ‘Legends Under Saddle’ allows for the continued
exercise and wellbeing of the horses, while also offering riding and training opportunities for staff, students, and visitors.
In 2023, Living Legends received a significant boost when the regional town of Macedon won the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep. Macedon selected Living Legends as their charity of choice, resulting in a $50,000 donation after drawing the winning barrier 16 for the horse Without A Fight in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The Cup itself made a visit to the town in October that year, gracing several community events, including an open day at Living Legends.
This ongoing partnership between Living Legends and the VRC, bolstered by the recent success in the National Sweep, highlights the importance of community support and equine welfare. These connections, both human and equine, make Living Legends a cherished institution in the racing world.
MELBOURNE CUP CHAMPIONS at LIVING LEGENDS
These champions, now residing at Living Legends, continue to captivate and inspire, serving as living reminders of the incredible feats that define the Melbourne Cup’s rich legacy.
Twilight Payment (2020)
Twilight Payment’s victory was a masterclass in stamina. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Jye McNeil, he led the race from start to finish – a rare and impressive feat in Melbourne Cup history.
Almandin (2016)
In 2016, Almandin delivered a powerful finish that gave owner Lloyd Williams his fifth Melbourne Cup victory, edging out Heartbreak City by the narrowest of margins.
Prince Of Penzance (2015)
Prince Of Penzance’s 2015 win is forever remembered as Michelle Payne’s history-making moment as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. This story captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide.
Brew (2000)
Brew defied the odds as a longshot, coming from behind to claim a memorable victory that cemented his legacy in racing history and provided jockey Kerrin McEvoy with his first Cup success.
Efficient (2007)
Efficient’s triumph showcased his exceptional staying power, in what became the highlight of his racing career, after winning the feature Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington the previous year.
160 YEARS STRONG
The Victoria Racing Club recently celebrated a milestone with the unveiling of its honour boards at Flemington, marking 160 years of racing history. This journey began with the merger of two rival clubs and has evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious racing institutions.
By Joe McGrath
Plenty has happened since the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) first opened its doors on the corner of Bourke and Williams Streets in Melbourne’s CBD.
Fourteen Secretaries/CEOs and 22 Chairmen since 1864. And, of course,163 consecutive Melbourne Cups since 1861. Three with the Victoria Turf Club and 160 with the VRC. But where and how did it all begin?
Prior to the VRC forming in 1864, two clubs raced at the Melbourne Racecourse (later known as Flemington). They were the Victoria Turf Club formed in 1852 and the Victoria Jockey Club formed in 1857. Both were competitive rivals that looked to outdo the other. While both drove each to an edge, it did inspire the Victoria Turf Club to form a new race called the Melbourne Cup.
“Let’s have a two-mile handicap and race it under handicap conditions,” is what Captain Frederick Standish famously told his Victoria Turf Club committee at the time.
Solely to upstage the Victoria Jockey Club, not all were convinced.
“To make a handicap the principal event of the turf year is to make a farce of everything racing stands for,” is what one scribe famously wrote. With 100,000 at Flemington on Cup Day 19 years later (1880), I am not sure everyone agreed!
Anyway, unfortunately the undermining tactics of each other contributed to their demise. Both clubs were near-on insolvent and something had to give.
An extraordinary meeting was called for Scotts Hotel in Collins Street, Melbourne on Wednesday, 9th March, 1864. There was one key item on the agenda – merge the two clubs.
One of the prized artefacts in the VRC’s Collection is the minute book from this first meeting of the VRC. It records that a group of 19 influential young racing men were called to the meeting.
These included what would become founders of the VRC. Namely; James
Blackwood, Robert W. Carrick, John George Dougharty, Patrick Dowling, Richard Goldsbrough, John Haimes, J.M. Joshua, Hurtle Fisher, James Francis Maguire, Herbert Power, Robert Power, Captain Purcell, James Purves, John R. Ricards, Clark Squier Ross, Captain Frederick Standish, Corliss Lloyd Throckmorton and George Watson.
Mr Henry Creswick, Chairman of the Victoria Turf Club, convened a meeting to address the financial struggles of two rival racing clubs. The resolution was to merge them into a single entity, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), managed temporarily by an elected committee. This committee was tasked with creating membership rules, raising £2,500 to settle debts, and ensuring the continuation of key races, including the Melbourne Cup. The committee also sought the dissolution of the Turf and Jockey Clubs. And the rest – as they say – is history.
Like the Melbourne Cup, the VRC thrived through the Victorian Gold Rush and boom
times of the 1880s. It equally survived the Great Depression, recessions and two World Wars in its first 100 years.
It also endured droughts, floods, equine influenza, global financial crises and COVID. Extraordinarily, the Melbourne Cup has been run consecutively each and every year since its inception.
The VRC has emerged to become a benchmark in racing administration and, with over 33,000 members, is one of the most famous and successful race clubs in the world.
While it was an ask for both clubs to merge back in 1864, it was necessary if racing was to prosper in Victoria.
In its many iterations, it has continued to evolve. From the controlling body of racing administration from 1864 through to 2001 and from 2001 through to the present day focused solely on Flemington race meetings, it has taken on different shapes and forms. And a bit like the reasoning for its initial formation, its success is born out of a need for survival.
The minute book from the first meeting of the VRC. (VRC Collection)
ZAAKI’SSecond ACT
From champion racehorse to up-and-coming eventer, Zaaki finds another pathway for athletic excellence.
By Sarah Marinos
Zaaki has settled into his new equestrian career, after an incredible success in racing. (Britt Grovenor Photography)
When Annabel Neasham first met Zaaki at the end of 2020, she had no idea of the impact the Britishborn racehorse would have on her early years as a trainer. He arrived in Australia fresh from being trained in England by Sir Michael Stoute and he debuted down under in the 2021 Group 1 Doncaster Mile.
Within a few months, the confident future champion was showcasing his ability. He secured his first Australian win in the Group 1 Doomben Cup in May 2021, winning by an impressive seven lengths, and that was just the beginning.
Before Neasham announced Zaaki’s retirement at the start of this year, he’d won four Group 1s and the All-Star Mile at Flemington in March 2022, ridden home by Jamie Kah. He accumulated $11 million in prizemoney.
“I had a group of owners who were keen to buy an overseas horse and Zaaki was a
standout. He held the track record over a mile at Epsom and he had great presence. He’d been a little out of form in recent times but we knew he had ability,” recalls Neasham.
“I remember seeing him for the first time in pre-training and, in his mind, he should have been in the English winter. Instead, he was in the middle of an Australian summer, so the climate change was a bit of a shock to his system but once we got Zaaki up to trial stage, he impressed from his very first run.”
Zaaki’s temperament, a touch of friendly arrogance and his confidence in his own ability, combined with Neasham’s individualised training program, brought a touch of magic to the track.
“The fitter he becomes the more of a handful he is. He’s quiet in the tie-ups but he knew when the jockey was about to get on him and he’d puff himself up and grow another hand. He loved being in tip-top shape and was a happy horse in work,” said Neasham.
“Zaaki’s calm temperament, a touch of friendly arrogance and his confidence in his own ability, combined with Neasham’s individualised training program, brought a touch of magic to the track.”
When she began working with Zaaki, she was a newly-fledged trainer. She credits Zaaki’s work ethic and performance with helping her to build a reputation in racing.
“As a trainer, he took me to places you dream of getting to at any point in your career, let alone at the start. It’s very rare to start out training and to have a superstar in your stable. Zaaki’s been a big part of my success,” she said.
In December 2023, Zaaki ran his last race – beaten in a photo-finish in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. Neasham said it was the right time to draw a line under his career on the track.
“He was a 9-year-old and he’d taken us on the ride of our lives. We wanted him to go out as a sound, happy, healthy horse who could have a second career if he wanted,” said Neasham.
That second career is in eventing and Zaaki is already showing plenty of promise and potential. Neasham has taken over Zaaki from his owners and initially rested him for a few months at the NSW property owned by her partner Rob Archibald in Scone.
In early July, accomplished eventer, Charlie Richardson, and his father, Blair, began working with Zaaki to prepare the former champion racehorse for the equestrian arenas. The Richardsons have a close working relationship with Neasham and were thrilled when she asked them to re-train Zaaki.
“I followed his racing career and was aware of what a great horse Zaaki was, so having the opportunity to work with him is a privilege,” said Richardson.
“When he came to us, he’d had a few months off and he’d had a chance to settle down which makes re-training much easier. I began with riding him in the arena, getting him round and responsive to my leg and teaching him that it’s not about going as fast as he can anymore.
“I started jumping him by getting him to trot over poles on the ground and then to canter over them. Then we put up some small cross rails and I jump him over those a few times a week. We also have a cross country paddock with water jumps and ditches and I’m introducing Zaaki to those.”
Richardson is also schooling Zaaki in the
(Britt Grovenor Photography)
Annabel Neasham took ownership of Zaaki upon his retirement from racing and asked the Richardson family to re-train him. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
art of dressage two or three times a week and his balanced canter and willingness to learn have seen him make some swift progress. After only a short time adapting to this type of work, Zaaki won his first eventing competition in Tamworth in July, coming first in dressage and completing clear jumping and crosscountry rounds.
“I was stoked. To win after a few weeks in work was way beyond any expectations,” said Richardson.
“Of course, he’s started at a basic level but Zaaki’s performance was great and he was relaxed and seemed to enjoy himself. He has trust in me because he responds to whatever I ask of him and his jumping is getting better and better. You can’t take an off-the-track racehorse and put them over a metre fence on the first ride. You start with the basics and give them time to work things out.”
Neasham and Richardson are hoping Zaaki will compete in the Equimillion in October – an equestrian event exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses. They also plan to take part in a few competitions in the
lead-up to that event in Sydney.
“We’ll see if he progresses to higher levels of eventing but Dad said that a champion horse is always going to be a champion horse. We know Zaaki was a true champion on the track so he could well become a champion showjumper or eventer if he keeps progressing the way he is,” said Richardson.
Neasham, a seasoned eventer and showjumper back in the UK, is keen to compete on Zaaki herself and she’s pleased to own a horse that has been pivotal to her racing career and that is now enjoying a second career.
“I wanted Zaaki to have a home where he will be loved forever and to showcase what life after racing can look like for horses like him,” she said.
The 10-year-old has certainly established a contented lifestyle post-racing and he’s quickly become a favourite in the stables of Charlie and Blair Richardson.
“He gets lots of pats and carrots and he’s a real people pleaser,” said Richardson.
“Everyone’s fallen in love with Zaaki.”
“After only a short time adapting to this type of work, Zaaki won his first eventing competition, coming first in dressage and completing clear jumping and cross-country rounds.”
(George Sal/Racing Photos)
T he 1874 CUP
Haricot’s 1874 Melbourne Cup triumph marked a pivotal moment in the sport, capturing the imaginations of spectators and solidifying the Chirnside brothers’ influence in thoroughbred racing.
By Andrew Lemon
Andrew Chirnside’s four-year-old bay gelding Haricot won the Melbourne Cup 150 years ago in 1874.
We do not know if the owner was at Flemington to see the victory. Possibly not. He and his brother Thomas had a pastoral empire to run and were busy that year supervising the painstaking construction of their mansion at Werribee Park, no expense spared. And the horse was an outsider.
It was true that the Moonee Ponds trainer, Sam Harding, was full of optimism. The owner reportedly stood to win £3000 in wagers, plus the big stake money, which together might have paid for one-tenth of the mansion. Still, it was a long shot.
Haricot had raced only three times before. There had been two easy wins, months apart, at Warrnambool, then at Ballarat, and then a lacklustre second at weight-for-age in the Melbourne Stakes of 1 ¼ miles at Flemington on the Saturday before the Cup. The experts dismissed him as a speedy type who could not stay.
How wrong they were. They overlooked the drop in weights for the Cup. His jockey, Paddy Pigott, took Haricot to a ten-length lead at the half-way point and the gelding was never in danger from his heavily backed opponents. The winning margin was four lengths. The crowd fell silent.
After weighing in, one of the beaten jockeys delivered Pigott a barbed compliment: ‘If I had been riding the horse, he would not have won.’
(VRC Collection)
‘How’s that?’
‘Why, I should have been able to hold him, and any man would be afraid to let a miler get away like that.’
Little Pigott, 22 at the time, became used to the taunt that he could not control his mounts. He rode chiefly for Harding, whose preference for all his horses was to look for the lead and keep it.
How to bring the good news from Flemington to Werribee Park? Telephones were not invented. The telegraph line and a messenger on horseback might have sufficed. There was a quicker method, as the press reported:
‘Several carrier pigeons were brought from Mr Chirnside’s residence, at Werribee, to
first settlers in the colony. They leased and then purchased some of the best country in the Western District. Sheep and wool made their fortune, and they imported and bred thoroughbred racehorses. In the gold rush era of the 1850s, Andrew owned the grey Alice Hawthorn, named after an English champion, and she was our first local equine heroine. Her two-horse contest (she lost) against New South Wales champion, Veno, attracted the first truly huge crowd to Flemington.
In the next decade, Thomas Chirnside imported dozens of classy English thoroughbreds. These included the stallion Ladykirk (Haricot’s sire), son of an English Derby winner. And out of the imported mare Saucepan came Haricot. The culinary pun was
convey thither the result of the Cup. Directly the Cup was over, the pigeon box was brought out. A gentleman seized a scrap of paper and scribbled on it in pencil: “Cup Haricot won”. This was affixed, with trembling hands, to the pigeon’s tail, and the bird was then tossed in the air. It rose up straight, with outspread wings in stillness … and then made for home in a bee line.’
Haricot’s win may not have been popular, but the Chirnside brothers were admired for their sportsmanship. As young Scots in their twenties, the two had been among the
intended. Saucepan’s other progeny included Barley Bree and Irish Stew.
After his Flemington triumph, Haricot next raced at Wagga Wagga for stake money even larger than for the Melbourne Cup, plus a gold cup. Again, Pigott took Haricot to the lead, but he was collared by the local hope, The Diver – the horse who had finished third in the Melbourne Cup.
The next day the two raced again, in the shorter Wagga Wagga Town Plate. It was mayhem. The rivals bumped in the home straight. The Diver veered to the outside and
collided with a mounted policeman. Haricot, equally unbalanced, threw jockey Pigott to the ground – but only after they passed the winning post. Pigott weighed in to claim the first prize.
Haricot next finished second in the rich 1875 Geelong Cup before Harding took him to contest the Sydney Cup under a heavier weight. A change in tactics, to ride him back in the field, did not work. Soon afterwards, owner and trainer went their separate ways. Sam Harding, after a stint in Sydney, became insolvent and spent the rest of his long life in Queensland.
Paddy Pigott had greater success for a time, winning a second Melbourne Cup in 1878, on Chester, trained by Etienne de Mestre.
Soon after Haricot’s Melbourne Cup win, Andrew and Thomas built private racing stables at nearby Point Cook. There were further successes, especially with Newminster, the horse who won the first Caulfield Cup in 1879.
The Chirnside story in racing – best told by family member Heather Ronald in her 1978 book WoolPasttheWinningPost – has often been muddled elsewhere because of the similarity of names between Andrew Spencer Chirnside (1818–1890) and his second son, Andrew Spence Chirnside (1856–1934).
It was Andrew junior who was one of the founders of the Victoria Amateur Turf Club (today’s Melbourne Racing Club), who rode his brother Robert’s horse Sailor over the jumps to victory in the foundation VATC race meeting at Ballarat in 1876, and who later bred the 1900 Melbourne Cup winner, Clean Sweep. A younger brother, George, inherited Werribee Park. After subdivision, the property passed out of Chirnside hands in the early 1920s.
The racing story continued. Andrew Frank Chirnside (1935–2003), a great-nephew of Andrew junior, part-owned Lord Dudley, a champion of the 1970s whose wins included a Blue Diamond, a VRC St Leger and an Australian Cup. And it was his former wife, Sally (Patricia Alison Miller) Chirnside, who made headlines in 1991 as the first woman to be elected to the committee of the Victoria Racing Club, holding the position until retiring in 2002. A long legacy.
Farewell , BLACK CAVIAR
Black Caviar transcended her status as a champion racehorse, becoming a cherished figure in the lives of countless individuals.
By Trevor Marshallsea
Far from the mounting yard frenzy, away from the whirring cameras, the frantic journalists and the tens of thousands of people clamouring for a glimpse, Luke Nolen would take his chance to savour his special moment.
It was after the race, when the jockey would take his rare opportunity to be close to his wonder horse who was making headlines around the world, and contemplate how blessed he was.
“The feeling was just relief. And over there up the side of whatever racecourse it was, it was nice and quiet, and it was just me and her,” he says. “Those were my Black Caviar moments.”
Nolen, who rode the equine phenomenon in 22 of her 25 unbeaten starts, reflected after her death in August that the easiest part of the Black Caviar story was steering her in a race. The hardest was dealing with the pressure.
There’d been other famous partnerships: Jim Pike and Phar Lap; George Moore and Tulloch; Malcolm Johnston and Kingston Town. But Nolen, Black Caviar, and her trainer Peter Moody were living in a far different media age in the four years when the great mare transfixed the nation.
“I can’t take much credit for what she achieved on the track – she was that good,” Nolen says. “Then later, you’d eventually have to get back to the mounting yard, where you’d get ripped apart by the media. The interest was understandable, but for a bloke who didn’t get very far in school, I’d have to try to answer the same question 50 times, depending on the length of the press conference.
“But the best part for me was the 30 seconds after each race. They were my favourite times, because you didn’t have to share them with anyone else. It was just her and me alone.
“I’d give her a pat, and say ‘Job done’. Then we’d canter back, take our time, and you got to soak it up, before you’d part company again. But when it was just me and her, that was the best thing.”
Though millions of people – racing fans and non-cognoscenti alike – were agog over her deeds, those closest to Black Caviar later
revealed there had been little celebration for them along the way.
Moody, writing in his autobiography, said he would typically “grab a feed of some fish and chips” on his way back to his farm east of Melbourne, “then kick my boots off, sit on the couch and exhale”.
As Black Caviar’s win streak extended, the pressure in the eye of this wondrous cyclone became immense. In praise of Moody’s negotiating of her career, it was once said that “a lot of people can train a good horse, but not many can train a great one”.
Despite the pressure, Moody and Nolen understood their outrageous fortune. How many people can say that on their time on earth, they were associated with perfection?
In any walk of life, let alone one that seizes a nation’s imagination.
“I think about it now, and I thought about it many times over the journey,” Nolen says. “Most people would give their right arm just to ride a horse like that in trackwork. To be her rider throughout her career was just an amazing privilege.”
What was the mare known as Nelly like behind closed doors? Perhaps the most fitting word was “businesslike”.
Black Caviar, pictured here with one of her foals, loved being a mother.
“She was extremely intelligent, like most of the good ones are. But she also liked solitude, and liked being back in her box.”
Just as she knew what had to be done, she also knew she was extremely special, and this brought its attention to endure. Those other great modern mares Makybe Diva and Winx weren’t all that warm and fuzzy either. And while it’s risky anthropomorphising horses, they say other pre-eminents such as Don Bradman and Beethoven weren’t the easiest to get along with.
“On race day and in work, she was all business,” Nolen says. “But she also knew she had to, for want of a better phrase, suffer fools a little bit.”
As Moody related, this manifested when at the height of the mania – when a trainer had to hold press conferences for a horse, for heaven’s sake – Black Caviar would be led out, “stand for her photos, and then it was like she said, ‘Alright, you’ve had enough’ and would lead her strapper back to her box”.
“Still,” says Nolen, “she was a wonderful personality away from the track. I’d take my
kids, or some friends who wanted to see her, up to Pete’s farm when she was spelling and she’d come up for a pat.”
Like most endeavours, it was always on her terms.
“You could bribe her with a carrot, then she’d come up and strike a pose for a photo,” the jockey says. “It was only fleeting, then she’d wander off again to do her own thing.
“She was extremely intelligent, like most of the good ones are. But she also liked solitude, and liked being back in her box.”
Every morning as she walked from Moody’s stables onto the Caulfield track, the massive mare would stop at the same spot.
“She’d stand there and have a look around,” Nolen says. “You couldn’t hurry her along. She was a very strong horse when galloping, and knew what she was doing. The main thing to bear in mind was not to upset her.
“She didn’t have a temper – it was more her bull-at-a-gate attitude. The quicker she got things over with, the quicker she could get back in her box, back to her feed. She loved eating – that’s probably why she was in a rush.”
A boss in the paddock and on the track, Black Caviar wasn’t averse to giving other horses around the feed trough a shove.
“I don’t think she got beaten at anything –racing or eating,” Nolen says.
There is no doubt that thoroughbred racehorses, many of them priceless, are the best looked-after horses on the planet. And in veteran horseman Mick Malone and his team, Black Caviar had the best of care in her stud career, right up until her passing due to the hoof disease so deadly and so common in horses, laminitis.
“She had a presence that all other horses she met never questioned, dominating every
aspect of her existence as she did on the racetrack,” Malone wrote in a moving eulogy posted on social media.
Her toughness was clear in her races, when her urge to compete would sometimes shine the most.
It was seen in only her fourth race, the Danehill Stakes, when she knuckled at the start, hauled her hulking frame up again and still won.
And it was evident again in the only shorter margin of her career – at Royal Ascot in 2012 – when she defied injuries which became clear after the race to win by a head, after Nolen famously dropped his hands late on.
“That was probably the best thing I did for her. People talked more about my ride than about her performance,” Nolen says with a smile.
“It was my gift back to her.”
ONE for the AGES
The Melbourne Cup has a rich history of showcasing both youthful prodigies and seasoned veterans in the jockey ranks. From the astonishing triumphs of pre-teens in the 19th century to the experienced riders still competing well into their forties, the Cup has seen it all.
By Andrew Lemon
L-R: Kerrin McEvoy; Johnny Day; Bobbie Lewis. (VRC Collection)
What is the lightest weight ever carried to victory? The answer: 5st 4lbs, in 1863, which equates to 33.56 kilograms! What jockey could possibly ride at 33.56 kilograms with the strength and skill to manage a racehorse and win a rich two-mile race? The answer: a small, spirited child.
‘Harry Chifney’, they called him, though his real name was Henry Dawes. He was 15 when he won that Cup, on Banker. The Chifney name was a mock tribute to his precocious riding skill. The real Chifneys back in England were a famous dynasty of champion jockeys and trainers. It would be like nicknaming a promising apprentice ‘Harry Dettori’ today.
Harry was not alone. It is an extraordinary fact that half of the first forty Melbourne Cups (1861–1900) were won by jockeys aged 20 or under. Zulu won the 1881 Cup with 5st 10lbs (36.28 kg) on his back. His rider, little Jim Gough from New South Wales, was 14 at the time.
Similarly, William Davis was 14 when he won on the three-year-old champion, The Barb, in 1866. William Wilson was 14 when he rode Don Juan in 1873 to victory for his father, trainer James Wilson. Their two horses carried 41.18 kg and 43.54 kg respectively
These were not the youngest jockeys ever to win the Cup, not by any means.
Recent research confirms that the winning rider of the grey pony Toryboy in 1865 was John Kavanagh, not ‘Eugene Kavanagh’ as many lists of winners would have it. John was all of 12 when he won. His skill earned him a riding contract in Sydney, and he returned in 1871, aged 18, to win the race again, on John Tait’s The Pearl.
Even Kavanagh was not the youngest. Peter Bowden won the Cup in 1876 on the Geelong three-year-old filly Briseis. Her handicap weight of 6st 4lbs (39.91 kg) was too light for the stable’s champion jockey, Tom Hales. The mount went to the stable boy. Like ‘Chifney’, Peter rode under a racing name, in his case ‘St Albans’ after the trainer’s stables. Family records show that Peter was eleven when he won, turning twelve a few days later. He was a fine rider, and nearly won the Cup again the following year.
There was no formal minimum age. Until 1883 no local rules of racing demanded that jockeys be licenced at all. Victoria’s Education Act compelled schooling until children turned 15 (later reduced to 14), but this did not prevent boys from riding in horse races. It did prevent them from entering formal apprenticeships until they reached school-leaving age.
Johnny Day was 16 when he won the 1870 Cup. Day had already achieved athletic fame in his own right from the age of eight as ‘the youthful pedestrian’. His father entered him in walking races and exhibitions, performing to paying and gambling audiences in Australia and England. In 1869 he was indentured to the irascible Flemington trainer, William Lang, for five years ‘to learn the trade or business of horse-jockey and trainer’. Surviving a horrendous race fall in autumn, Day recovered to ride Nimblefoot to victory in the Cup.
17 – yes, the son of Harry ‘Chifney’ Dawes. In the first 25 years of the new century, seven more teenagers won the Cup as jockeys. The youngest of these was Norman Godby – later a steeplechase rider who was 15 when his lightweight mount Lord Cardigan beat the champion mare Wakeful – in 1903. Bill Duncan and Jim Munro, who both continued as champions and each won a second Cup, were 18 and 19, respectively when they won for the first time: Night Watch, 1918, and Windbag, 1925.
That was nearly a hundred years ago. In the intervening period, teenage jockeys won the Cup just twice. Harry McCloud was 17 when he won on the outsider Colonus in 1942, in the depths of World War II. The inexperienced apprentice Ray Neville picked up the late ride on Rimfire in 1948 and won in a photo finish. He was 15 at the time, turning 16 the following week. The youngest winner since then was
Sam Davis (Lantern, 1864) and Billy Enderson (The Quack, 1872) were each 16 when they won their Cup. George Redfearn was 17 when he won the 1891 Cup on Malvolio for his trainer-father, James. So too was Bert Cripps (Tarcoola, 1893) riding for his father, Joseph.
The 1894 Melbourne Cup was won by Patron, ridden by Horace Dawes at the age of
Kerrin McEvoy, who was 20 for his first Melbourne Cup win, on Brew in 2000. Back in the very early colonial period, the oldest jockeys to win the Cup were in their early thirties. The age graph of winning jockeys has shown a significant rise since then.
Jockeys today start riding older, at heavier minimum weights. The emphasis now is on longer, safer careers and a professional
Mark Zahra is one of the oldest jockeys to win the Melbourne Cup. (VRC Collection)
attitude to physical fitness and wellbeing. After 2000, just four winning jockeys have been in their twenties; thirteen were in their thirties (including Kerrin McEvoy when successful on Almandin and Cross Counter in 2016 and 2018). Six winners were ridden by jockeys in their forties, most recently Mark Zahra, successful in the last two editions of the race.
Damien Oliver was 23 when he won his first of three Cups, on Doriemus, in 1995, and he was 41 for his third victory, on Fiorente, in 2013. Last year, the year of his retirement from racing, he had hopes of beating the age record set by Bobbie Lewis, who was 49 when he won his fourth Cup, on Trivalve, in 1927. Alas, Damien’s mount, Alenquer, finished 21st.
We’ll never see another Peter St Albans winning the Cup at age eleven. But with so many top-class jockeys still riding into their forties and beyond, the Lewis record at the other end of the scale is waiting to be broken. It’s just a matter of time.
FINDING a STABLE HOME
Some retired racehorses discover a new lifestyle when they swap the track to become beloved stable ponies.
By Sarah Marinos
From the moment he first set foot in the Flemington stables of trainer Troy Corstens, Spring Choice became a firm favourite with everyone who was part of the Corstens team and Malua Racing.
So, when the chestnut gelding ran his last race at Sandown in June 2021, Troy quickly stepped in to offer Spring Choice a new career and a forever home. Today he’s one of two stable ponies at the Corstens stable and he works alongside fellow former racehorse, Morrissy, who retired in February 2023.
“Troy always loved Spring Choice and when he retired because of tendon injuries, Troy asked the owners if he could keep him as a stable pony and they all agreed,” says
Will Larkin, Assistant Trainer at Malua Racing.
“Troy had a lot of respect for Spring Choice because he was tough and always tried to pick himself up after injury. I think it was always part of the plan to retrain him as a stable pony once his racing days were over.”
Stable ponies are the unsung heroes of the racing industry. Often a role taken on by racehorses after they finish their life on the track, each stable pony is carefully chosen to offer companionship and reassurance to younger horses. Their calm temperament and good nature are effective at soothing nerves in unfamiliar or highly-charged environments, such as the races.
“Spring Choice has always had a great
temperament. When he went out to work he got excited, but in the stable he’s always been a kind-natured, well-behaved horse. We could walk him round on a loose lead and he’d never get agitated,” said Larkin.
Before beginning their new role as stable ponies, horses usually require some re-training to adjust to their slower-paced lifestyle. First, Spring Choice was given almost a year to fully recover from his tendon injury. He spent time relaxing in the paddocks at Malua Racing’s property in Benalla before rebuilding his strength and mobility on the treadmill.
“Then we had to teach him to relax and to understand that not everything in his life was about speed anymore,” explained Larkin.
Stable ponies play a vital role in keeping racehorses calm and happy, both at the stables and on race day. (Molly Park)
“Every time he went out to the track at Flemington, he thought he was going out to run and he’d get excited because he loved racing. We had to teach him that he wasn’t there for that any longer and to change his mindset.
“Initially he wasn’t a lover of being next to other horses and he liked doing things on his own, but we trained him to get used to accompanying other horses by taking him in the trucks and standing him next to our other horses. He responded brilliantly and he’s still a stable favourite.”
Spring Choice shares his stable pony duties with fellow retired racehorse Morrissy. Each horse works for three or four months at Flemington and then spells in Benalla while their counterpart takes over at Flemington.
Morrissy was owned by Shane Morrissy who readily handed over the now eight-yearold chestnut gelding to Malua Racing when the horse ended his racing career last year. Morrissy’s even temper and patience made him an ideal candidate to become a stable pony.
“Morrissy wasn’t showing the same vigour so we decided it was time to retire him and Shane agreed he’d be an ideal stable pony because absolutely nothing fazes him. A bomb could go off nearby and he wouldn’t even raise his head from the grass! He doesn’t shy away from anything and we’ve always been able to saddle him up without even tying him up. He’s been that way since he was a two- and threeyear-old,” said Larkin.
“When he was at the races, he’d work himself up a bit behind the gate and he’d display some nervous energy, but at home he’s always been quiet, easy-going and is one of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever come across.”
Morrissy was quick to adapt to the stable pony role and didn’t require any special training to take on his new responsibilities. The only change in his routine, and that of Spring Choice, was a tweaking of their diet.
(Molly Park)
Both horses now eat a moderated diet, rather than the high-grain feeds that help boost energy levels that was needed when they were racing.
When they are on duty, Spring Choice and Morrissy walk to the racetrack with Malua Racing’s inexperienced and newer horses who may be nervous and need a calming, mature companion to ease their nerves.
“They walk out with our babies and first timers. It’s a long way from the stables to the racetrack – about a kilometre – and so there’s plenty of time for young horses or those with a bit of character to play around or get worked up if they’re that way inclined,” explained Larkin.
“Having Morrissy or Spring Choice walk next to them helps the younger horses settle as they make that walk. Otherwise there’s a real possibility that the horses will learn bad habits or be naughty and injure themselves or the staff.
“The younger horses are learning what their life is all about and having a horse like Morrissy next to them, who never reacts to anything, teaches the newer horses that they don’t have to worry about what is happening around them. He helps them relax and learn how to do things properly.”
Morrissy also walks horses to the gates during jump out sessions and he’s a calming travel companion when more inexperienced horses need to be driven to racetracks around the state. His personality has endeared him not only to his fellow stablemates, but to the team at Malua Racing.
“He’s definitely a favourite. He looks after us and we look after him. He’s been with us since he was a yearling and I spend every day with him. He loves being around people and he loves his carrots and getting a pat,” said Larkin.
“The stable pony role is a very important one and it’s great when our horses can remain with us in that role. We spend so much time with our horses and you develop such love for each and every one.
“When our horses are no longer fulfilling their role in racing and they retire, we always want them to enjoy a good life. Whether that is becoming a jumper or a horse that looks after other horses in the stables and paddocks, we want to find them a home where they will always be looked after.”
“The stable pony role is a very important one and it’s great when our horses can remain with us in that role. We spend so much time with our horses and you develop such love for each and every one.”
THE 1974 CUP
When you talk of great Australian jockeys, Harry White’s name quickly comes to mind. For those who grew up in the 1970s, there was no disputing his dominance – especially in the Melbourne Cup. Four wins in six years is some record, and it all began in 1974.
By Joe McGrath
It is 50 years ago since Harry White took the ride on Think Big to record his first Cup victory and the fourth of twelve for trainer Bart Cummings.
But leading into the Cup it was another Cummings horse that was all the rage. Namely, the high-profile Leilani.
High profile in that she was raced by prominent Melburnians Andrew Peacock and Ian Rice along with their wives Susan Peacock, later Sangster, and Elizabeth Rice. Andrew Peacock, ‘the colt from Kooyong’, was a prominent politician and Foreign Minister at the time under the Fraser Liberal government.
He would go on to lead the party and all but win the 1990 federal election. In racing terms, let’s just say, he lost in a photo by a ‘bob of the head’.
Similarly, Ian Rice was a successful businessman responsible for introducing the KFC franchise to Australian shores. He was a Melbourne City Councilor and would also become a dual premiership president of the Carlton Football Club in 1981 and 1982. He also ran twice for the position of Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
But back to the 1974 Melbourne Cup. Leilani was the 7/2 favourite fresh from victory in the Caulfield Cup and a star 3YO filly of her year having won the AJC Oaks in the autumn by 5 lengths.
Not much you couldn’t like about this near-black mare and with a campaign which also boasted victories in the Turnbull Stakes,
(VRC Collection)
Toorak Handicap and Mackinnon Stakes, she was the public elect.
With a re-allocated weight of 55.5kg –including a 3.5kg penalty for winning the Caulfield Cup – the handicapper didn’t miss her, but she looked well up to the task.
Think Big, on the other hand, was your typical Cummings New Zealand stayer targeted for one race and one race only. The Melbourne Cup. He struck ultimate form the Saturday before winning the Hotham Handicap (now The Archer, run in midSeptember) and with an attractive weight of 53kg for a 4YO gelding stormed down the centre of the track to beat the popular stablemate by a length.
At the 150th Melbourne Cup Symposium in Canberra back in 2010 highlighting the importance of the Melbourne Cup, the Honourable Andrew Peacock recounted in his dry, self-deprecating way, “I got over Essendon losing (by 83 points) the 1983 Grand Final when I was No.1 ticket holder – eventually … and managed to regroup after losing the 1990 federal election to Bob Hawke, despite recording more votes … but I never quite got over losing the 1974 Melbourne Cup with Leilani.”
Think Big had been on a handicapper’s preparation in the spring of 1974, racing with seven lead-up runs including The Metropolitan Handicap (last); Coongy Handicap (7th) and Moonee Valley Cups (8th). Until victory in the Hotham Handicap three days before, he hadn’t seen the winner’s stall since the Queensland Winter Carnival when securing the Sir Winston Churchill Stakes.
But this was a typical Cummings preparation of a horse programmed to peak on the First Tuesday in November. He was the previous year’s Flemington winner of the Carbine Club Stakes on Victoria Derby Day and only needed to get into the 1974 Cup field with a reasonable weight to be a serious threat. With a third in the Brisbane Cup to Igloo, Cummings knew he would improve and he knew he would get the two miles.
White was also in fine form and, along with Roy Higgins, was on a short list of Cummingspreferred riders. Bart was a very good judge of horse flesh but an even better judge of people – particularly jockeys!
“For White, Melbourne Cup history will record him as the joint record holder, with Bobbie Lewis, on four Cup victories. He had 24 rides in the race for four wins and no minor placings.”
In his autobiography titled, ‘Bart–MyLife’ , Cummings said of Harry White “As a rider, he had good soft hands and great patience.
“The more relaxed riders came from Victoria, in my observation, and none of them was more relaxed than Harry White,” he is recorded as saying.
In the same reference he reflected on the 1974 Melbourne Cup and his own fourth Cup victory, “Harry desperately wanted to get on Leilani in that Cup. We were having a bit of a jockey shortage at the time. Roy Higgins and Mick Mallyon were both suspended after infringements in the Caulfield Cup.
“And I’d booked Peter Cook for Leilani in the Mackinnon and the Melbourne Cup. Peter was the son of a great rider in Billy Cook (1941 and 1945 Cups) and at the time was emerging as one of the very good younger jockeys.
“I wouldn’t be moved on this and to Harry’s (temporary) chagrin, he had to ride Think Big. After the Hotham Handicap win, however, Harry began to have second thoughts; maybe he was on a good thing after all!,” Cummings added.
It was also the first of four Cup victories for owner Dato Tan Chin Nam who, with his famous checkerboard silks, would also part own and race Saintly (1996) and Viewed (2008).
Like several Cummings Cup winners, Think Big was bred in New Zealand, secured for $10,000 at the Trentham Sales. His sire Sobig was a winner of the 1964 Great Northern (New Zealand) Derby and would be
a strong source of stamina siring a number of quality stayers including 1972 Caulfield Cup winner, Sobar and star weight for age performer, So Called, a winner of the 1978 Cox Plate.
The victory was the third quinella in the race for Cummings and saw the emergence of White as an elite judge of pace and a quality rider of stayers, although in a career boasting three Newmarket Handicaps and four Lightning Stakes victories, he was just as adept to the short course at Flemington as he was at a distance.
In the 1974 Cup, Cummings recalled “White let him (Think Big) drift to the rear and at the half mile a number of tired horses were falling back on him from the front portion of the field. To his credit, White held his nerve and guided Think Big steadily through the weakening pack, avoiding the worst of the interference. But he didn’t get clear until the furlong.
“White said he didn’t give himself a chance until the 300-metre mark, when Think Big ‘was really starting to wind up, so I pulled him out wide, and hoped for the best’.”
For Cummings and White, it would be ‘déjà vu’ the following year with Think Big, only the third horse in the history of the race to win back-to-back Melbourne Cups. He’d carry 58.5kg to victory that year, the highest weight successfully carried in the Cup in the past 50 years.
They would also combine together in 1979 when another New Zealand bred horse, Hyperno, would duly salute, albeit narrowly, over Salamander ridden by Cummings’ ‘other’ rider, Roy Higgins. Higgins notably had the option on the winner.
For White, Melbourne Cup history will record him as the joint record holder, with Bobbie Lewis, on four Cup victories. He had 24 rides in the race for four wins and no minor placings.
It was a race that White said in one of his last interviews before his passing in October, 2022 “I felt like it was my race”. With four wins in six years, it was a claim hard to refute.
When asked about the result of the 1974 Cup, Cummings said, “I beat myself! I won’t deny it – a part of me was disappointed that Leilani got beaten. But it’s a nice consolation when the winner is the stablemate.”
BEHIND THE BID
Jonathan D’Arcy, a seasoned auctioneer with Inglis, faced a career-defining challenge: selling the daughter of legendary mare Winx at the 2024 Sydney Inglis Easter Yearling sale. With global attention and a world record in sight, D’Arcy navigated the intense spotlight, showcasing his expertise amidst unprecedented media interest and a bustling auction floor.
By Michael Manley
Jonathan D’Arcy had six weeks to prepare to sell Winx’s daughter at the Sydney Inglis Easter Yearling sale and as a seasoned auctioneer with the eyes of the world watching he knew would have to be at the top of his game.
D’Arcy was honoured to wield the gavel and was at his unflappable best when he sold the daughter of Pierro and super mare Winx to Debbie Kepitis’ Woppitt Bloodstock for a world record sale price for a yearling filly of $10 million.
“I’ve been working for Inglis for 37 years and I’ve never seen the general public so interested in a sale of a horse and rightly so, as Winx was Australia’s darling. It was a great honour for Inglis to have been selected to sell her and our entire team worked together to ensure a great result for her owners,” D’Arcy said.
As the sale approached, the atmosphere took on a surreal quality with a flurry of noise and activity, and the auditorium doubled in size. Unbeknownst to D’Arcy, behind him in the pre-parade ring, hundreds of stud staff from every stud working that day had gathered, lining the path as the filly made her way to the sale ring.
“Amazingly even with all the crowd and all of that activity, the moment she walked into the ring there was complete silence. It took my breath away for a moment – you could have heard a pin drop.”
The sale began, and the bids flew thick and fast.
“As with any auction, you don’t know what’s going to happen – the opening bid was $2 million and then they just flew around. Suddenly, we’re at four or five million then six, eight and nine and then $10 million.
“In the lead-up to the sale I’ve not seen any yearling garner as much attention as the Pierro–Winx filly. She was on the front page of major newspapers, and she was also being paraded on the nightly news bulletins.”
He knew it would build to a crescendo on sales day but even he was taken aback by what transpired.
“The number of media here was extraordinary. The build-up was something like I’d never seen before which I suppose is understandable with the filly being out of the remarkable mare Winx who is a household name.”
“It all happened very quickly. It was great theatre. We had five or six serious bidders trying to bid at various times but the two main combatants, Debbie Kepitis and American John Stewart bidding over the phone to Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster took over.
“It’s something I’ll look back on and enjoy more in time to come. On the day it was pretty stressful,” D’Arcy admitted, emphasising his need to maintain control of the auction and ensure both transparency in bidding and the filly’s comfort in the daunting environment.
“When the hammer came down at $10 million, I asked the crowd to hold their
applause until the filly had left the ring.”
Six weeks before the sale, the auctioneer learned that he would have the honour of auctioning the Winx filly during the catalogue preparations. D’Arcy considered this opportunity one of the two greatest highlights of his career, the other being his role in conducting the first virtual thoroughbred sale during COVID-19 in 2020.
Due to Covid restrictions, the Inglis Easter Sales couldn’t accommodate horses or people on-site. This prompted the decision to innovate with a virtual auction, a groundbreaking initiative at the time. Over two days, Jonathan D’Arcy and fellow auctioneer Chris Russell conducted the entire Easter catalogue sale, streamed globally for bidders to participate remotely via online platforms and phone.
The event achieved remarkable success, with high-profile horses such as Home Affairs changing hands. Inglis proudly set the precedent as the first to implement a virtual sale globally, a format subsequently adopted by companies worldwide.
“We’re proud that Inglis was the first to do a virtual sale anywhere in the world,” said D’Arcy.
He emphasised the essence of selling a yearling lies in accurately gauging its value.
“If you think a horse is worth $100,000 and the reserve is $25,000 as an auctioneer you should be doing everything in your power to get it to the higher value,” he said. “You have to stress to bidders that the horse is worth more money and you’ve got to give reasons as to why it’s worth more money.”
As an auctioneer, D’Arcy sees his role as persuasive rather than coercive.
“We can’t make people bid; we can only encourage them. If something is slipping through the cracks hopefully something, we say can get them more interested in having a bid at the time.”
D’Arcy acknowledged that when he sells a yearling, he is aware that potential buyers often know as much if not more, about the horse in the ring than he does.
“At Easter, we’re selling horses by the best stallions out of great mares, and they are all great types. You’ve got an educated audience with the buying bench made up of trainers, agents and owners,” he observed.
The Pierro-Winx filly in the sale ring – a moment that garnered complete silence.
INGLIS BANNER
Solidifying a partnership that has flourished for more than 25 years, Inglis and the VRC announced earlier in 2024 that they will be extending it for another four years.
This will also see the inaugural $500,000 Inglis Banner (1000m) introduced at Flemington during the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Inglis Banner joins the racing elite on TAB Champions Stakes Day, complementing the $350,000 Inglis Bracelet during Cup Week and the $1 million Inglis Sprint at the Flemington Racing Spectacular. These prestigious races are exclusively for horses purchased through an Inglis sale.
This race, with a $200,000 Inglis Pink Bonus incentive, marks a significant milestone for both the company and the industry.
“We’re selling upwards of 250 horses a day, taking around two minutes for each horse, so you don’t want to waste time saying something meaningless.”
As a result, the process is streamlined, and no time is spared.
“Most of the time you introduce the lot number, and who prepared it. You might mention briefly if there’s been a recent update in the family or the stallion’s progeny but basically, we are calling the bids within 20 seconds of the horse entering the ring.”
Before finalising each yearling catalogue, D’Arcy’s team meticulously reviews every horse. They might have seen every yearling at least two or three times and had pre-sale discussions with the vendors about which sale would best suit their yearling.
“That’s part of our job as bloodstock consultants, to maximise the sale price of each horse. There are horses which could get into the Easter sale but would be better placed at the Melbourne Premier because that particular sire doesn’t have as many yearlings in Melbourne, or the horse isn’t in that stallion’s top ten at the Easter sale.”
D’Arcy explained that he and his fellow auctioneers only learn the horse’s reserve from the vendor when the yearling walks into the ring, although they have a general sense of the vendor’s expectations from prior discussions. Additionally, they are permitted to bid on behalf of the vendor, which serves as a valuable tool.
“If the bidding slows or stops, we have the right to have a bid on behalf of the vendor as you’re trying to land the bidders on the reserve. It’s a juggling act for auctioneers, however, the more auctioneering experience you gather, the easier it becomes to manoeuvre the bidders onto the right leg.”
Shifting the focus to the broader industry, D’Arcy expressed his ongoing amazement at the resilience of the Australian Thoroughbred breeding sector. “There are great returns if you have successful breeding stock like a champion sire or a black type producing mare. It’s been a very strong upper end of the market in 2024, the higher end of both the yearling, broodmare and weanling are as strong as ever.”
However, he noted that it has been getting tougher at the lower end, with increasing costs and changes in buyer strategies. “Twenty years ago, someone might go and buy a horse at the Melbourne Premier Sale for $50,000 and give it to a trainer to train, paying all the expenses and racing the horse themselves. Today, that same person is probably investing the $50,000 but is taking 10 or 20 percent of a couple of horses with a trainer as they prefer to spread their risk and share the training fees with other owners.”
He also pointed out that many country trainers are opting to buy tried horses in the bimonthly Inglis Online Digital Auctions rather than purchase yearlings that would require 6 to 12 months of education before racing. “They are paying $20,000 to $60,000 for horses which may have had a couple of runs for a big city stable before being sold online. A country trainer can buy it, sell it to clients and it can be racing in two weeks. It’s a quicker time frame for these smaller trainers to get people involved.”
Jonathan D’Arcy’s career highlights the dynamic and resilient nature of the auction industry, from orchestrating the recordbreaking sale of Winx’s daughter at the 2024 Sydney Inglis Easter Yearling auction to pioneering virtual sales during challenging times. His pivotal role in these milestones reflects his dedication and expertise, helping shape the future of thoroughbred auctions globally.
Jonathan D’Arcy asked the crowd to hold their applause until the Winx filly had left the ring.
$1,000,000
THE SERIES
PinkBonus
$2,000,000 Inglis Millennium
$400,000 Bonus*
$1,000,000 Inglis Sprint
$200,000 Bonus*
$500,000 Inglis Banner
$200,000 Bonus*
$500,000 Inglis Nursery
$200,000 Bonus*
*to the first eligible horse home
The Pink Bonus Series is for horses fully paid up for the Inglis Race Series and registered as minimum 75% female owned.
THE 1994 CUP
The Melbourne Cup has countless special stories in Australian sporting history. The 1994 edition of the race is one of these, marked by the unexpected victory of Jeune, a horse many had written off, and the jubilation of jockey Wayne Harris, who seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
By Celia Purdey
Jeune, the striking chestnut son of Kalaglow, etched his name into Australian racing history with a powerful and unexpected victory in the 1994 Melbourne Cup. Originally trained in the UK, Jeune had already made a mark with wins like the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, but it was under the guidance of David Hayes that his potential truly flourished.
The 1994 Melbourne Cup was run in damp conditions for the third consecutive year, with the famous Flemington rails obscured by a sea of umbrellas. Jeune, owned by Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Racing, was not considered a top contender at 16/1 odds. Many jockeys, including first-choice Shane Dye, had passed on the ride, doubting the horse’s ability to handle the two-mile distance. Wayne Harris, however, was eager for a chance, having battled back to the saddle after a brain tumour threatened to end his career.
Harris, who referred to himself as ‘Johnnyon-the-spot’, was the one who ultimately took the reins. “I only picked up the ride on the Saturday night when the barrier draw was done,” he recalled. “Two or three jockeys knocked it back.”
Despite Jeune’s reputation for being hard to handle, Harris managed to keep the horse relaxed throughout the race, travelling comfortably midfield. As the field turned for home, Jeune surged forward. Harris found himself in an unexpected position – at the front, far earlier than planned. “My God,
(Mark Wilson/Fairfax Images)
what have I done?” he thought, fearing an early move might spell disaster. But Jeune answered all doubts about his stamina with a decisive victory, finishing the race in 3.19.00.
Harris, who had never ridden Jeune until that day, proved that experience and judgement are invaluable. “To think I’d never been on his back before and to jump out and be able to ride him how I wanted to … I think everyone in racing – jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, strappers … all want to be part of a Melbourne Cup winner and I got my chance on that occasion,” he reflected.
The win was not just a triumph for Harris, but also for David Hayes, who had recently taken over the Lindsay Park operation from
did not end on the track. In 1996, Jeune was syndicated to stand at Lindsay Park Stud, where he made an immediate impact as a sire. His progeny included several Group winners, most notably the Caulfield Cup-winning Mummify. Jeune’s influence on Australian racing continued through his successful offspring, cementing his status as both a champion racehorse and a prolific sire.
Among his offspring was On A Jeune, who finished second in the 2005 Melbourne Cup, missing out on victory behind Makybe Diva in her historic third Cup win. Jeune passed away in 2006 at the age of 16 from heart failure, but his legacy continues to resonate in Australian racing. Harris helps keep this alive
his father, Colin Hayes. David’s decision to fit Jeune with pacifiers for the Cup, after a disappointing Cox Plate run, proved to be a masterstroke. Hayes also recognised that Jeune needed a rigorous racing preparation to bring out his best, a strategy that paid off handsomely.
Jeune’s Melbourne Cup victory was the crowning achievement in a stellar season that included four Group 1 wins and earned him Horse of the Year honours. But his legacy
in his role as an ambassador for the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. He has the opportunity to share his story with new audiences, reliving the joy he felt on that November day in 1994. “It’s something we just wish everyone could have in their life, a day like that,” he said.
“Jeune’s Melbourne Cup victory was the crowning achievement in a stellar season that included four Group 1 wins and earned him Horse of the Year honours.”
(Mark Wilson/Fairfax Images)
RACING’STimeless TITLES
There is a rich history behind the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s iconic race names. Over the years, names and sponsors have evolved, from the Darley Champions Sprint’s multiple changes since 1960 to the VRC Champions Mile’s former identity as the Cantala Stakes. Yet, races like the Maribyrnong Plate retain their historic allure while celebrating new champions.
By Andrew Lemon
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is steeped in tradition – and yet it is always new. This spring the race is being run for the 164th successive year. It has been on a Tuesday, with the rarest exceptions, since its fifteenth edition, in 1875. That year the pattern was set: the Victoria Derby on the opening Saturday, the Cup on Tuesday, the Oaks on Thursday, and a final Saturday. Around those pillars of tradition, other races have come and gone. They have changed their names, race days, conditions. Champions Stakes Day, the final day of the carnival, has been transformed since 2022 and now carries three Group 1 championship races which are new and yet steeped in history. There was, after all, a grand Australian Champion Race held at Flemington as early as 1857, four years before the first Cup. Racing purists will know that many big sponsored Flemington races carry official ‘registered’ names, clues to the past. The 1200-metre Darley Champions Sprint, for example, is registered as ‘the Victoria Racing Club Stakes’, and has carried many different names since its inception as a Derby Day feature sprint in 1960. That year the New Zealand mare, Karina, beat a brilliant field down the Straight Six in a race sponsored by a cigarette company. It has had numerous changes of name and patron since.
“Racing purists will know that many big sponsored Flemington races carry official ‘registered’ names, clues to the past.”
The VRC Champions Mile carries the registered name ‘the Cantala Stakes’, and this 1600-metre challenge traces back to 1919. In that year the VRC upgraded its Derby Day mile, the Coburg Stakes, to honour Septimus Miller, who had served as Chairman for eleven years. Miller asked for it to be the Cantala – the name of his grand home on Dandenong Road, Caulfield. He personally donated a gold cup trophy to the first winner.
The Cantala name went into eclipse in 1960 when the big mile switched to the final day. Many VRC sponsors have had their names on the race subsequently: George Adams, Ampol, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, Emirates. In 2016 it shifted back to Derby Day as the Kennedy Mile before finding its new home on Champions Day.
The TAB Champions Stakes of 2000 metres is registered as the ‘L.K.S. Mackinnon Stakes’, a race that for decades was the Derby Day weight-for-age curtain raiser to the Melbourne Cup. Long before it became the Mackinnon it was the Melbourne Stakes, first run back in 1869. It took its new name in 1936 as a tribute to the late Lauchlan Mackinnon, dominant VRC Chairman for twenty years. Champion victors are too numerous to list here, but they include 21 Melbourne Cup winners. Phar Lap won it three times, as did Wakeful. Tulloch won in 1960, So You Think in 2010.
Bart Cummings regularly used the Mackinnon as a prelude to his Melbourne Cup onslaughts. With later trainers opting for different preparations, the VRC in 2016 repositioned the Mackinnon to the final day as a 2000-metre showdown, becoming the TAB Champions Race in 2022.
The longest race on Champions Day is the Group 3 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes of 2600 metres. Its history is more complicated than any other. It connects to one of the earliest races held at Flemington, the three-mile Queen’s Plate of 1854 – but in monarchical terms, this is not a direct line of succession!
Let me explain: the Queen’s Plate (its stake money provided by the crown in the
What is a Black Type Race?
‘Black Type’ in racing describes the highest class of races. It comes from the practice in thoroughbred sales catalogues of printing in bold type the names of relatives in a horse’s pedigree who won at that level. From 1979, ‘Principal Races’ were ranked as Group (or Grade) races, Group 1 being the elite. Below Group 2 and Group 3 stands a further level of ‘Listed Races’ that also qualify as ‘black type’.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival brings together more black type races than any other week in Victoria’s racing calendar.
shape of the Victorian government) gave way to the Flemington Plate, which in turn became the Canterbury Plate (named after the retiring Governor), which in 1895 became the C.B. Fisher Plate (named after a famed VRC Chairman). And in 1979 the Fisher Plate came to an end, deposed by the VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which previously reigned over the Flemington autumn carnival.
Indeed, the modern Queen Elizabeth Stakes began its story as a rich autumn weight-for-age contest when the young Queen Elizabeth II visited Flemington for the first time, in February 1954, attracting a huge crowd. Cromis, ridden by Jack Purtell, won the race. It continued as an autumn feature through to 1979, sometimes a quality handicap, until shifted to spring. Hyperno won the first spring edition of the race, days after taking the Melbourne Cup.
To confuse matters further, there have been occasions when, first, the Fisher Plate and, later, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes were replaced by the Queen’s Cup, an event that, since its inception in 1927 (as the King’s Cup), traditionally rotated around the six state capitals. Soulcombe won the race at Flemington as the Queen’s Cup in November 2022, just weeks after the death of the Queen.
Look behind so many of the ‘black type’ races at the Melbourne Cup Carnival and you will find similar layers of history. Race names,
some continuing as ‘registered names’, remind us of past heroes and heroines including Carbine, Wakeful, Rising Fast and Empire Rose.
Too often overlooked in the hubbub of the modern Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the most historic races of them all, and one which has barely changed in purpose, name and concept. The Maribyrnong Plate is today a Group 3 race over 1000 metres up the straight, for two-year-olds, to be run this year on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day. It was first run on Derby Day in 1871.
You could almost call the Maribyrnong Plate the first sponsored race at Flemington, for it was originally just for colts and fillies purchased at the Maribyrnong Stud yearling sales. This famous farm was a mile upstream from Flemington. The following year the race was opened to all two-year-olds. It became a huge betting event as young equine unknowns made their track debut.
Like the other historic Cup carnival races, the Maribyrnong Plate boasts winners – fillies and colts – who developed into champions. Among them, in living memory, are Bel Esprit (sire of Black Caviar), Testa Rossa, Canny Lad, Rancho Ruler, Baguette and Vain. Earlier champion Plate winners included Heroic, a century ago, and the 1896 Melbourne Cup winner Newhaven.
History evolves, is made, is shaped. You can’t buy it.
From Queen’s Plate to Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Queen’s Cup
As a November race at the Melbourne Cup Carnival
1863-72
1873-74
1875-94
1895-1968
1969
1970-73
1974
1975-78
1979-84
1985
1989-2014
2015
2016-2021
2022
2022-24
Queen’s Plate (previously run in autumn, 1854–62)
Flemington Plate
Canterbury Plate
CB Fisher Plate
Queen’s Cup
CB Fisher Plate
Queen’s Cup
CB Fisher Plate (series ended 1978)
Queen Elizabeth Stakes (previously run in autumn, 1954–79)
Queen’s Cup
Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Queen’s Cup
Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Queen’s Cup
Queen Elizabeth Stakes
The King’s Cup and the Queen’s Cup at Flemington
Penfolds Victoria Derby Day
Group 1: Coolmore Stakes 1200 metres
Penfolds Victoria Derby (3YOs)
2500 metres
Empire Rose Stakes (fillies and mares) 1600 metres
Group 2: Wakeful Stakes (3YO fillies) 2000 metres
The Damien Oliver Handicap 1400 metres
Group 3: Carbine Club Stakes 1600 metres
Rising Fast Stakes 1200 metres
The Vanity Stakes 1400 metres
Begonia Belle Stakes 1100 metres (mares 4YO and upwards)
Lexus Melbourne Cup Day
Group 1: The Lexus Melbourne Cup 3200 metres
Group 3: The Maribyrnong Plate (2YOs) 1000 metres
Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes 1400 metres
Listed: Batman Stakes 1800 metres
Springtime Stakes 1400 metres
Melbourne Cup Day Plate 1800 metres
Crown Oaks Day
Group 1: Crown Oaks (3YO fillies)
2500 metres
Listed: Red Roses Stakes 1100 metres
Chester Manifold Stakes 1600 metres
GH Mumm Century Stakes 1000 metres
TAB Champions Day
Group 1: The Darley Champions Sprint 1200 metre
The VRC Champions Mile 1600 metres
The TAB Champions Race 2000 metres
Group 2: Matriarch Stakes (mares 4YO and upward) 2000 metres
Group 3: Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2600 metres
Listed: Always Welcome Stakes 1200 metres
POWERING PERFORMANCE
Many factors go into ensuring that a racehorse is healthy, strong and in peak performance – and the right nutrition is one piece of the puzzle.
By Sarah Marinos
The engineers at Feedtech collaborated with Toby Liston to design a feeder that sits on the back of an ATV and is operated by the driver via a controller in the ATV cabin.
Located a short drive from Randwick Racecourse, Michael Hambly is the third generation of his family to run a business that recognises the vital link between what a racehorse eats, and their performance on the track.
It’s a connection that fascinates Hambly and, in the past few years, it has led him to develop a multi-million-dollar custom feed plant. The plant uses the latest technology to create bespoke products that feed some of the thoroughbred industry’s top performers.
Hambly and the team at Kensington Produce also rely on an experienced equine nutritionist who works closely with trainers to discuss individual horses, their growth stage and their training program to then formulate a precision feed with exactly the right balance of nutrients.
“When my grandfather bought out his partner in this business in 1955, he’d go down to the train station and unload rail carts of hay onto a single truck,” said Hambly.
“Now we have our own custom feed plant and our own mill that has allowed us to create a better-quality product. Feed isn’t just feed. It’s not the only factor, but it certainly plays a role in helping the trainers whom we work with to get the results they’re looking for on the track.”
For Hambly, finding the right quality ingredients, such as oats, is an involved and rigorous process that begins at the start of the growing season in November.
“We have a network of growers across Victoria and NSW and we ask for samples of their oats. We examine the colour and smell and ask questions about how those oats will be stored over the next year – will they be in grain bags, in a bunker mixed with other feed, or in an airtight silo that will be aerated to maintain quality?” explained Hambly.
“We shortlist the best three or four samples on that basis and they are then tested in a laboratory. The test results are analysed by our equine nutritionist who looks at things like the mineral content, starch content and the levels of proteins and digestible energy. We select our suppliers based on those results.”
The supplies of lupins, fava beans, sunflower seeds, barley and hay chosen by Kensington Produce also go through a similar selection process.
“Once we’ve chosen our lucerne hay, oaten hay and wheaten hay, we send it to our mill to cut and package into chaff. We include a QR code on the side of the bag that can be scanned to display the feed testing – it provides customers with traceability and consistency of product,” said Hambly.
Trainers who want customised feed speak with the equine nutritionist to discuss the optimum formulation for each horse, based on their particular needs at that time. For example, the nutritional requirements of a horse who is racing compared to a horse going out to spell will be very different.
At the plant, a customer’s specific feed information is entered into a computer and the individual feed is then prepared within a gram of accuracy. When ready, the feed is stored in a transportable bin and prepared and delivered to customers within 24 hours. The quick turnaround and delivery and the rigorous ingredient selection process ensure horses can feast on the freshest feed.
“The feed has to be highly palatable and formulated to the gram to ensure horses are healthy and perform at their best,” said Hambly.
“One lady we began supplying custom feed to a few months ago has won as many races in that short time as she previously won in an entire 12 months. She’s doubled her win rate. Of course, the feed won’t be the only factor, but I think it has helped.”
At Three Bridges Thoroughbreds in Eddington in central Victoria, Toby Liston breeds and raises champions on a 1,200-acre property. With about 150 horses to care for at any one time, the twice-daily feeding routine used to be time-consuming and laborious.
“It was a two-person job and involved a lot of lifting of 20 kilo buckets of feed. There are obvious OH&S issues with that, and it was particularly difficult on winter mornings when temperatures get to around minus 2 degrees,” said Liston.
Liston was convinced there had to be a safer, quicker and easier way to feed his horses and a couple of years ago he began sketching designs for an automatic horse feeder. When he’d progressed the design as far as he could, Liston googled companies that might be able to transform his idea into reality.
Combining expertise from an equine nutritionist and technology, the team at Kensington Produce creates custom feed for the racing industry.
That’s when he discovered Feedtech Feeding Systems in Tatura, Victoria, and met Feedtech Sales, Marketing & Operations Manager, David Collier. The business has specialised in designing, engineering and manufacturing feed systems since 1995, originally for the dairy industry and then for sheep and cattle.
“We’ve always thought there was a market for the equine industry and then Toby called and I went to his farm to meet him and to discuss ideas,” said Collier.
Liston didn’t want the feeder to be towed by an ATV on the back of a trailer because there was a risk that yearlings and young horses could get between the ATV and the trailer, causing an accident. Instead, the engineers at Feedtech collaborated to design a feeder that sits on the back of an ATV and is operated by the driver via a controller in the ATV cabin. After some intense trial and error
and refinement of the design, the feeder is now available to purchase.
One model has two 200-litre hoppers, and a smaller version has a single 200 litre-hopper. Controlled entirely from inside the cabin and no longer requiring any heavy manual lifting, the operator can pre-set up to four categories and feed amounts from the comfort of the ATV cabin.
“You calibrate the unit beforehand to work out how much feed it will drop and that can be varied. For example, if you’re in a yearling paddock first and then in a paddock with mares, you can pre-set varying amounts of feed for the yearlings and the mares. They each get the right amount of feed with the press of a button,” explained Collier.
“You can pre-set varying amounts of feed for yearlings and mares. They each get the right amount with the press of a button.”
Liston was one of the first people in Australia to start using the ATV horse feeder and he says it has saved him time and money. The feed run is now a one-person job, rather than a two-person role, and it has saved staff from lifting heavy buckets of feed. He says it has also cut back on waste as the precise amount of feed is delivered each time.
“Every morning and afternoon, we were probably feeding our horses an extra 200 grams of feed and the cost of that adds up. With the horse feeder, that doesn’t happen. We know exactly how much feed our horses are getting,” said Liston.
“We have a little ATV buggy imported from Japan, we call her Black Betty, and we put the feeder on the back of that. On winter mornings, it might be frosty outside but the cabin is nice and warm and an important job, but one that was laborious, has now become an enjoyable part of the day.”
(Image courtesy of Feedtech)
HEALING Champions
Reaching the top as an equine or human athlete demands talent, dedication, good training, and mental strength. Recovering after a serious injury is even tougher and we meet some of the experts that are there to help.
By Michael Lynch
Lee Evison has been involved in the rehabilitation of more than 3,000 horses from all over the world. Some recover well enough to race again, while others become family pets or live out their days in less strenuous pursuits than racing.
Evison’s strike rate is high: “We have had plenty of winners of group races and most days of the week there are horses running somewhere in Australia that we have helped to rehabilitate,” he said. He has worked with horses trained by champions like Chris Waller, Ciaron Maher, Peter Moody, Tony Gollan, and many others.
Injuries to tendons require a meticulous and prolonged process of recovery and rehabilitation. When a horse injures a tendon, the initial treatment phase involves addressing the inflammation and preventing further damage. This acute phase, typically the first 21 days post-injury, is crucial.
Catching the injury early improves the horse’s chances of a speedy recovery. “When you get them in the first 21 days of an injury, when they are still in that inflammatory or acute phase, it is very easy to fix them. It’s a very straightforward process, and the results are excellent,” said Evison.
During this period, the tendon is still in the inflammatory stage and easier to treat effectively. If the injury is not treated promptly, the tendon begins to remodel, leading to the
development of scar tissue. As the tendon thickens, the recovery process becomes more complex and prolonged.
Rehabilitation involves a combination of controlled exercise and medication. Controlled exercise is essential to restore flexion to the joints and stretch the tendon to regain its motion. “You have to get the tendon to a stage where they consolidate under a certain level of loading. Once they do, that’s the right time to give them a bit of a spell,” said Evison.
The final stages of rehabilitation typically include getting the horse up to working at even time, which prepares them for the rigours of training and racing. Once they reach this stage, they are handed back to the trainer with detailed instructions for continued care and training. This careful balance of exercise and rest, along with appropriate medical interventions, is key to ensuring a horse can return to the track without the risk of reinjury.
“Medication is part of what we do, maybe 20 per cent of it, but the controlled exercise is probably the most important part.”
This meticulous approach to equine rehabilitation is mirrored in the recovery process for human athletes in the racing industry.
Dr Ben Barresi M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P., a Melbourne-based sports medicine doctor, is the chief medical officer for Racing Victoria and has supervised the rehabilitation of many different kinds of rider injuries.
“From the moment an injury is recognised on race day they are very well managed at the venue. We have first responders, paramedics, and experienced race day doctors who service meetings and have been doing it for decades. They are very well supported by transport staff and our race day stewards, and they all work really well as a team,” he explains.
“There is also very close communication throughout the process – from when the injury is first sustained and during the rehabilitation phase – between welfare staff and the VJA, with Matt Hyland, Matt Pumpa, and Ron Hall.
“Once hospitals have done their assessments of an injury, they can send me a
“We can get very wide and knowledgeable advice early on to coordinate appropriate care in the least invasive way for our jockeys.”
copy of the X-rays or a photo, and I can look at them online. I can think about what might need to happen, if they need surgery or not. We can get very wide and knowledgeable advice early on to coordinate appropriate care in the least invasive way for our jockeys.”
Planning the return to action is key. “Often, they have to wait for injuries to heal, but when the injuries are sufficiently healed, they can start an active program under the supervision of a physiotherapist or a suitably qualified therapist, starting with light exercise or, if they can, running.”
Riders with leg injuries can’t run, but even then, says Barresi, they can work on their upper body strength using weights. “When
they can stand, they might be able to do some work on a bike, some swimming or hydro exercise, walking in the water, running in the water.”
“There are different activities you can plan to keep them fit and stimulated while they are recuperating, but always with the jockey at the centre of it all. Then we start to map out goals to get them back to more activity.
Some more fitness work, modified work, some work back at the stable, then some work handling horses and, when they are well enough, some work back on horses. They will start with some slow work on track, some faster work/gallops, jump outs, before getting them back to the races.”
Jockeys work closely with health professionals after an injury to return to the track.
HERE’STHINGSWHERE GET INTERESTING
THE 2004 CUP
In 2004, Makybe Diva captured the hearts of racing fans by breaking records and becoming the only mare to win the Melbourne Cup twice. Her win that year was incredible enough, but little did the world know that this victory was writing an extraordinary chapter in the history books.
By Celia Purdey
From the moment Makybe Diva stepped onto the track for her first race – a 3YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres at Benalla in July 2002 – her trainer David Hall recognised her potential. Although she didn’t win, finishing fourth, her unlucky run hinted at the talent that would soon unfold. Initially, Makybe Diva struggled with her lanky, undeveloped frame, likened to a daddy long legs spider, and took time to acclimate and mature. Despite these early challenges, she continually improved with each preparation, growing stronger over time.
After guiding the horse to her first Melbourne Cup victory in 2003, David Hall relocated his Melbourne stable to Hong Kong, entrusting the mare to Lee Freedman. Hall later reflected that he thought the move to Freedman’s farm environment was actually pivotal to the mare’s continued success.
Under Freedman, Makybe Diva’s form in 2004 reached new heights, even surpassing the performances that had made her a standout the previous spring. In just two seasons with her new trainer, she evolved from a solid stayer into a multifaceted champion. She not only excelled in sprints against top milers but also established herself as a formidable weightfor-age contender.
Makybe Diva’s triumph in the 2004 Sydney Cup under 56.5kg, combined with her secondplace finish in the Caulfield Cup to Elvestroem, set the stage for a historic attempt at a second Melbourne Cup victory. This would not only
(Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)
make her the only horse to win two Melbourne Cups and a Sydney Cup in the space of a year, but also the only mare to claim the iconic race twice.
The atmosphere at Flemington on Cup Day 2004 was electric, despite the pouring rain, as anticipation mounted. Could the mare achieve the seemingly impossible?
Glen Boss, Makybe Diva’s trusted jockey, once again employed a patient strategy, keeping her close to the rail and towards the back of the field in what some called a virtual replica of her race the year before. As they rounded the final turn, Boss urged the horse forward, and she responded with a breathtaking burst of speed. In the final few
hundred metres, she surged past her rivals, edging out Vinnie Roe to win by 1.3 lengths.
Carrying weight record for a mare of 55.5kg, Makybe Diva had defied the odds and etched her name in racing history once again. Greg Miles’ iconic call echoed through the grandstands: “And she’s going to do what no mare has ever done! Makybe Diva wins it again!”
This victory was not only a testament to Makybe Diva’s exceptional talent and resilience but also a moment of sheer joy for Glen Boss and Lee Freedman, who, despite their elation, couldn’t have anticipated just how much more the mighty mare had to offer.
“The atmosphere at Flemington on Cup Day 2004 was electric, despite the pouring rain, as anticipation mounted. Could the mare achieve the seemingly impossible? ”
(Nick Laham/Getty Images)
STABLE to TRACK and BACK
A thoroughbred racehorse’s day is meticulously structured, reflecting the care and precision required to maintain peak performance. From the early morning check-ins to the pre-race preparations and post-race recovery, each step is crucial in ensuring the horse is ready for the track. This routine on a race day highlights the dedication of the team involved, showcasing the balance between training and care that supports these elite athletes in their pursuit of racing excellence.
By Celia Purdey
4:00am
The foreman arrives and switches on the lights. The horse’s feed bins and temperature are checked to start the day.
4:30am–7:30am
The horse has a light breakfast and undergoes exercise, which could include a walk, treadmill, or trot. They are then shampooed, and the legs and feet are inspected. Any pre-race checks are carried out, including a trot-up for the trainer or vet. Rugs are replaced.
7:30am–8:00am
The stable is cleaned, water is refilled, and the horse enjoys some quiet time in their box.
Travel preparation
The horse is brushed, has their feet oiled, and travelling boots and rugs are applied. Race gear (bridles, blinkers, bandages etc), colours, and papers are loaded onto the truck or float.
Travel to the races
Travel time depends on the location – it could be up to two to three hours for country tracks or mere minutes for a Flemington-based horse running at their home track. In large
float trucks, strappers are able to travel in a separate compartment with full view of the horse to monitor their behaviour on the journey.
Arrival at the races
Upon arrival, the horse is assigned a stall, and settles in. They have a walk with their strapper and may be requested to give a urine or blood sample for testing. The trainer or assistant takes the colours to the jockeys’ rooms, and stewards check the horse’s microchip, brands and markings against the papers.
Pre-race preparation
Around an hour before the race, the jockey weighs out. The trainer or assistant collects the saddle, saddlecloth and padding, and brings it down to the horse’s stall to meet the strapper. The strapper grooms the horse one more time in preparation for the race. The trainer or assistant arrives with the saddle and together they fit the saddle, the strapper fits the bridle and any head gear they are required to wear, and the horse is given an opportunity to wash out their mouth. The strapper is given a bib to wear that matches the horse’s saddlecloth and carries the horse’s number.
The horse then walks with the strapper in the pre-parade ring.
Twenty minutes before race
Clerks of the course call out the horses. The horse walks with the strapper to the mounting yard and gets into number-order position. The trainer gives the jockey final instructions in front of the owners, then helps the jockey to mount the horse.
Five minutes before race
The horse is taken to the barriers, warmed up, and waits for the gates to open.
Race time
The horse and jockey warm up on the way to the barriers, enter their allocated barrier when called, and wait for the gates to open.
Post-race
The horse returns to the mounting yard, where the jockey dismounts and unsaddles. The strapper starts recovery by walking the horse, offering a quick drink, and washing them down. The horse then receives a longer walk and drink, and their recovery is monitored including the recovery heart rate and any issues with the shoes or legs.
Return to stables
Around 30 minutes after the race and once the horse is fully recovered, the horse is prepared for the journey home. Travel boots are reapplied, gear is collected, and the trip back to the stables begins.
Back at the stables
Upon return, the horse might be offered the chance to roll in the sand rolls or back in their box. They will likely have ice boots applied to their legs, possibly a clay poultice, hay, feed, water, and any medication, as necessary. Plans are discussed for the horse’s recovery and future training.
Evening
The horse is rugged and stabled for the evening.
Team Effort: The Experts on Call
Farrier
The farrier is responsible for the care of the horses’ hooves. This includes trimming and shoeing to ensure optimal hoof health and performance. Most racehorses are reshod every four weeks, and will wear aluminium plates once they are ready to race. Most stables will have their farrier attend daily to look after all of the horses they have on site.
Equine Veterinarian
The vet monitors the horses’ overall health, addressing any issues or treatments. They provide routine checks and manage any emerging health concerns to maintain peak condition.
Equine Physiotherapist
The physiotherapist focuses on preventing injuries and enhancing performance through stretching, heat and ice therapy, and core stability exercises. They also aid recovery as the horse’s body adjusts to the athletic demands of a racing preparation, and assess the horse’s range of motion, gait, and response to palpation to ensure proper care and recovery.
Equine Dentist
An equine dentist conducts examinations, diagnoses dental issues, and performs treatments such as cleaning, filing, and correcting dental abnormalities. They may also use dental imaging (X-rays) to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
GETTING to KNOWGrace
Grace Ramage’s love of racing began as a little girl. She’s now turned that passion into an all-encompassing career.
By Sarah Marinos
When racing commentator Grace Ramage covers events at Caulfield, she is at the place where her passion for the sport began. There, in the old grandstand, Ramage spent many happy days with her dad, listening to him discussing the form and performances of the horses.
Back then, Ramage had no idea that she’d build a successful career in the racing industry – first as a form analyst and journalist and then working alongside her husband, Ben Hayes, at Lindsay Park Racing. Lindsay Park has about 240 horses in training and Ramage brings her expertise to identify which horses are best suited for which races, and how to optimise their chances of securing a win.
“I’ve loved the sport and the theatre of going to the races since I was in primary school – watching the horses in action was what I looked forward to every weekend,” recalls Ramage.
“Dad isn’t in the industry but loved the sport and he’d take me to the races most Saturdays and instilled my love of thoroughbreds. Caulfield was our home track and it’s special when I return to the places where Dad and I would watch the races together.
“Now my job puts me in the mounting yard interviewing the owners and jockeys, but it’s very nostalgic to remember being in the old grandstand just past the winning post with Dad. We’d sit at the top level during the middle of winter and there’d be hardly anyone there but us.
“Or we’d stand at the old pre-parade ring and I’d pick the horses I liked the look of. That’s where I began to build my knowledge and started to understand the intricacies and nuances of the sport.”
Ramage was an all-round sports fan and while she dreamed of a career as a sports broadcaster, her first job after university was in the financial services industry with Ernst & Young.
“One of the partners at EY, Glenn Carmody, is a board member of the VRC and he will vouch that my favourite part of my job was being entrusted to set up the in-house tipping competition!” laughs Ramage.
While working as an accountant, Ramage had what she describes as a ‘sliding door moment’. She met racing commentator, Jason Richardson, at a function and they began talking all things racing. Her knowledge of the industry was obvious and Richardson told Ramage about a new TV racing channel, Racing.com, that was looking for journalists.
“He put me in touch with the lead producer and they realised that, while I didn’t have any broadcasting or journalism experience, I knew a lot about racing. The first time I did a live cross to camera I thought I’d have a panic attack!” says Ramage.
“That role took me to amazing places. I covered the Hong Kong international races and was on air during the Winx years – what a privilege it was to work on the Winx story. I remember we ran a piece called ‘Beaten Jockeys’ and after the Group 1 races I’d stand at the scales and get comments from the beaten jockeys.
“I did that on Winx’s second Cox Plate win. That day Winx beat Hartnell pretty convincingly and there’d been a real media storm in the lead-up to the race about which horse would win. James McDonald rode Hartnell and he arrived at the scales after being beaten by Winx and I remember the awe on his face at what Winx had achieved, although at that stage nobody quite realised what a freak she was.”
Ramage spent seven years with Racing.com and still works for media outlets,
Grace, Ben Hayes and Mr Brightside.
“I’ve loved the sport and the theatre of going to the races since I was in primary school – watching the horses in action was what I looked forward to every weekend.”
but she now juggles those commitments with working at Lindsay Park alongside her trainer husband, Ben, and her brother-in-laws, Will and JD Hayes.
As a form analyst she prepares pre-race reports on their horses’ chances at specific races, outlining the best tactics for and doing post-race analysis to see what went well and what could be improved. Ramage also works closely with the bloodstock team, travels to sales and liaises with owners.
“I look at each horse and race, look at what horses will do well, analyse running times and whether the race will be fast or slow, and analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the barrier draws,” explains Ramage.
With Lindsay Park Racing colleague, Fiona Blair, Grace is also co-founder of podcast series, Ladies Who Punt that demystifies the language and intricacies of racing and encourages more women to embrace the sport.
“It decodes the sport and explains concepts like why jockeys carry different weights, the different types of race classes and how a Group 2 race compares to a listed race. We want to educate women so they can participate more fully in the sport,” says Ramage.
Ramage is also championing women’s involvement through Lindsay Park Ladies –all-female syndicates that have been part of Lindsay Park for the past decade.
“It’s another way to encourage more women to become involved in racing. Women don’t need a lot of money to buy a share in a racehorse and it’s a way of having fun with like-minded ladies who enjoy the sport,” she says.
AMAZING AWAITS
LANDMARK BY LEXUS
Every Lexus experience is the embodiment of amazing. So, for our seventh year as principal partner of the Victoria Racing Club and Melbourne Cup, we’re hosting the most amazing trackside event of the season.
LANDMARK by Lexus is a vibrant expression of wonder. Every level invites guests to discover an exquisite world,
with dining by exciting culinary creators, interiors by leading designers, and installations by renowned artists. Set to a backdrop of perfectly crafted floral displays.
2024 promises to be another unforgettable year at Flemington, with LANDMARK by Lexus at the heart of it all. Giving race-goers the amazing experience they’ve come to expect.
PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Blachford
MAKINGNew TRACKS
In professional racing, and skill converge, the transition out of the saddle can be as challenging as any race. For athletes like Casey Bruce and David Taggart, retiring from their careers as jockeys marked not just an end, but a pivot towards new paths and unforeseen opportunities.
By Michael Sharkie
When Casey Bruce hung up the saddle and put a full stop to an 18-year story as a jockey, she knew she had ridden in her last race. There would be no coming back.
Her body was in one piece, but it was tired and sore. During her career she had been one of the heavier female riders on the circuit, years of extreme discipline to make weight had taken its toll.
“I still loved the sport, and, in my head, I wanted to compete, but I knew my time was up,” said Bruce. “It was time to take the next step in my career. I’ve been lucky in that respect that I had an idea of what I wanted to do and how I could stay involved.”
As she wound down her riding career Bruce had been introduced to the world of media and event hosting by her late fatherfigure and highly respected media presenter, Rob Gaylard. As a master of ceremonies and regular Fashions on the Field judge, Bruce is well known on the country cup carnival circuit, but her current role is proving to be her most satisfying yet.
Bruce is a trainer and assessor for Skillinvest, a TAFE and skills training provider that works with Racing Victoria to provide and support programs for track riders, stable hands and apprentice jockeys.
“It’s been a great pivot for me. I love my job, especially working with young riders,” Bruce said.
“I travel around assessing our trainees on the job at stables all over the state. I ride out with them, observe them in the workplace, I’m there to give advice and guide them through. When you’ve got your L-Plates on you need that extra help. The senior jockeys working out of the stables have a big workload so getting time with them can be tricky. I’m wholly and solely there to help the young riders.”
Bruce was aware of Australia’s skilled rider shortage during her career as a jockey, but her eyes have really been opened to the demand
“I’m proud to be a mentor in the industry and to still be a part of it.”
on the system through her role at Skillinvest. Every day she visits stables that are looking for more skilled labour and talks to trainers who are keen to recruit a competent track work rider.
“There is a shortage. It’s very difficult for young riders coming through, there are so many gifted riders in other disciplines around the country, but racing requires a different skill set that often goes against the way they’ve learned to ride in the equestrian world. It’s not easy to make the change,” Bruce explained.
“Trainers want a ready-made rider but these students need room to make mistakes and develop. Ideally there would be a halfway option where they could get the experience to develop.”
In March 2024, Bruce was awarded the Spirit of Racing award by the Victorian Wakeful Club, recognising her contribution to the sport and the valuable work she does with Skillinvest to further the cause of women in racing.
“It’s getting better for young women in the sport but there is more to be done. I’m proud to be a mentor in the industry and to still be a part of it. Do I miss riding? Hell yes I do! But I don’t miss what I had to sacrifice to do it.”
For former jockey David Taggart, the transition to a life after racing came suddenly and painfully, and not in a way that he had ever expected.
The victim of a race fall that changed his life forever, there were times when Taggart wondered if he had a future at all. Today, he is resurrected and has found a new life behind a microphone.
“When I think about the last 16 years of my life, it’s been an absolute roller coaster,
one with a lot of dips to be honest. Gratefully, things are getting a lot better,” he said.
As an apprentice jockey Taggart had been part of a dream team group; Damien Oliver, Patrick Payne, Brett Prebble and Taggart were the fresh young stars of the Australian racing scene and collectively they took the early 1990s by storm.
Taggart himself landed five of his six career Group 1 wins before he turned 22 years old. Lucrative contracts in Asia beckoned and the winners flowed freely; he was young, at the top of his game and on top of the world.
“We’ll never see a school like it again, think about what those jockeys went on to achieve. You’re talking about the cream of Australian racing for most of the next thirty years,” Taggart said.
“I rode my first Group 1 winner as an apprentice for Bart (Cummings) down the Flemington straight, it doesn’t get much better than that does it? But that was a long time ago.”
While most of his contemporaries were afforded the luxury of retiring on their own terms, Taggart’s career came to a crushing end in 2007 when a race fall at Stony Creek shattered both of his ankles. Ten separate operations over the next three years would send him plummeting into depression, battling mental demons as well as crippling chronic pain and wondering how it all went so wrong.
“I knew I was finished as soon as I hit the deck that day. The pain was unbearable. It was the worst time of my life. I was basically laid up in bed for six years. I lost my marriage, my family, it all just spiralled out of control,” he said.
“One day you’re out there riding, doing what you do best, the next day you’re totally useless. It was very hard to deal with.”
In 2016 a racing media company contacted Taggart to make a short film about his fall. He reluctantly agreed, not wanting to expose his situation to the public; little did
he know it would be a decision that would change his life.
“Saying yes was the best thing that happened. The doco got some traction and a month or so later G1X called again and asked if I wanted some work in their call centre. Just a day or two a week, four hours a day which was all I could physically handle, ringing punters on their database and talking racing.
“People remembered me which gave me such a lift. My confidence grew, I felt better, I started working more hours and it all snowballed from there.”
Rumours of Taggart’s cheeky and at times candid calls began to circulate and soon he was offered fill in spots on SEN radio, partnering with sports identity and horse breeder Simon O’Donnell and former top hoop Simon Marshall on a panel show called The Odds Couple. From those humble beginnings an unlikely star was born.
Casey Bruce pictured in her racing days. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images); and receiving the 2024 Wakeful Club Lady of Racing Award. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
“I’ve never been short of a word and that helped, once I got my confidence back things started to happen. Now I work with SEN Track, have been for a few years now. I can do three to four days no problem, talking form and sharing the excitement of racing,” he said.
Taggart is one of SEN Track’s most popular identities and is still shocked when racing fans stop him for a photo and to tell him how much they enjoy his work.
“I’m so happy and just so grateful for the opportunity. As a young jockey I would always take whatever ride I could get so I could prove myself. Coming back to work was no different, once I got started, I just kept saying yes,” he said.
“It can be tough for athletes to find work after they retire, and if they are forced due to serious injury it’s even worse. My advice to anyone who is a bit lost after their career comes to an end is to just say yes, take the opportunity and run with it. Doing that saved my life.”
David Taggart’s riding career came to a sudden end, but he has now found his place in racing media. (Stuart Hannagan/Getty Images)
HIDDENroles of RACE DAY
A day at the races is the culmination of meticulous planning and coordination by dedicated professionals working behind the scenes. From handicappers to stewards, and from jockey managers to racing managers, many individuals ensure that race meetings run smoothly and safely.
By Patrick Bartley
The Jockey Manager
Jockey manager, Mark Guest, manages Sydney-based James McDonald, arguably the world’s best jockey. McDonald, or J-Mac as he is better known, commands many of the best rides in the nation, but it doesn’t make Guest’s job any easier.
Guest took on McDonald as a client in 2015. “I only have two clients now, James (McDonald) and Fred Kersley. But James is my central client, and I can’t tell you how many hours we spend booking rides for him. Mondays are our busiest days. I can be on the phone for up to seven hours debating or going through lists of possible rides. But don’t get me wrong, on Monday, we discuss rides for two weeks ahead. His rides for Wednesday and Saturday have all been pretty much settled.”
Managing the high demand for top jockeys like McDonald highlights the essential role of a jockey manager. “We’re always working two weeks ahead, such is the demand from all stables. We’ll get lists, offers from some of the best stables in Australia wanting James for their horse, but we sift through the lists and discuss everything together. I like to think it’s a partnership, and we’re striving for one thing: success.”
The pair often debate about McDonald’s ride preferences, exploring alternative options to ensure they make informed decisions.
“It’s healthy, and I don’t think James hired me to be a ‘yes’ man. Of course we’ve got it wrong, but that’s racing.”
Occasionally, they adjust rides based on barrier trials or specific offers, but overall, McDonald’s schedule remains quite fixed. Juggling interstate or international commitments can lead to long days, requiring meticulous planning, including travel arrangements.
Guest enjoys the interaction with McDonald, who he believes has one of the great minds for not only storing data but being an excellent judge of form. “He’s professional to the end, and honestly, if James wasn’t riding, he would be one of the great form students you will find. He does his own form and is meticulous in finding every little idiosyncrasy his mount has. For example, he’ll note where the speed will be coming from, or if there will be races that are devoid of pace. You can see why his success has been so great,” Guest said.
Guest, under New South Wales racing rules, cannot bet on his client’s horses in any race staged in that state. “The betting side of things doesn’t really worry me. I enjoy the planning and the thought process behind booking rides,” he said.
“If James wasn’t riding, he would be one of the great form students you will find. He does his own form and is meticulous in finding every little idiosyncrasy his mount has.”
The Handicapper
Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper, David Hegan, heads up one of the hardest-working departments in the sport. Hegan and his team handicap more than 2,000 horses each week, covering 10 to 14 race meetings, including those in Tasmania. It’s a confronting workload that demands precision and dedication, explains Hegan.
“Every Sunday, we begin putting the fields together for the following week. Under the email system, horses start being nominated from the previous Friday, so by Sunday afternoon, we have a significant field for the runners.
“It’s not just a matter of arriving on Monday, looking at the nominations, and putting the handicap on a race meeting. It’s a lot more complicated than that and a lot more time-consuming. Yes, Sunday and Monday are the hectic times, but then, of course, not far behind those days is Wednesday when all the weekend acceptances are released.”
Hegan and his team are meticulous in their sorting through to determine the handicaps, dedicating many hours to
studying replays and data. This task leaves him little free time, but there is a sense of achievement when everything is finished, especially the major races.
“You always have to be looking ahead and studying all of the states’ Saturday race meetings, as a safeguard for a winner in Adelaide or Sydney coming over the border to compete in a race in Melbourne. We make a point of going to the Saturday races in Melbourne to look at the horses in the mounting yard, then watch their races and make a quick mental note of their performance.”
The spring and autumn carnivals present a whole different challenge. “Interstate horses coming to our carnivals are okay as I’ve pretty much got a handle on those, but for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, we’ve got to delve into a lot of countries overseas, view their performances, and weigh up the strength of the company they are racing against. Then, the taxing job is putting together the handicaps for a race like the Lexus Melbourne Cup, which is a world-class event,” he said.
It’s a demanding job, but Hegan believes that the strong teamwork within his department is key to managing the workload effectively.
“You always have to be looking ahead and studying all of the states’ Saturday race meetings.”
The Stewards
Another group of men and women that are the backbone of planning race meetings are the Victorian stewards. They oversee all race meetings in this state and from 8 o’clock on every race day morning, stewards arrive and are in total control of the fixture.
First, stewards will walk the track to determine its condition, ensuring it is safe. They then return to their room to sort through mundane matters such as trainers who may have left their silks at home, requiring a replacement set. Trainers may also report that their horse travelled badly and request an inspection by the veterinary steward before the horse races.
A steward will oversee each horse prior to the race, examining their brands and scanning for the horse’s microchip. If these do not match those lodged in the computer, the horse is immediately withdrawn. This examination is crucial as errors in the past have resulted in the wrong horse being brought to the races due to a mix-up by the stable.
Stewards spend the day questioning jockeys about horses that have suddenly lost form or gained form and talking to riders who may have interfered with other runners. If they find that interference did occur, the same panel
will decide whether a suspension or a severe reprimand is applicable. They will also closely monitor use of the whip and penalise any breaches of the whip rules.
Stewards also intervene in disputes between owners and trainers, but on race day, their key job is often determining the outcome of an objection by one jockey against another when lodging a protest. A protest can see a second horse become first and the winner moved to second, impacting millions of dollars in wagering. The stewards review head-on, side-on, and helicopter views of the race to find the just result.
They hear evidence from the riders and trainers, then declare the protest upheld or dismissed. Stewards ensure safe racing, maintain fair play, and oversee the significant turnover of betting worldwide. Australian stewards are known as the best in the world, and their presence at any race meeting confirms this.
“Stewards walk the track to determine its condition, ensuring it is safe.”
The Racing Manager
Sharnee Rose transitioned from a marketing and sales background to a racing role nearly a decade ago. She is now the racing manager for Mornington trainer, Clayton Douglas, and his stable of 26, including world-champion sprinter Giga Kick. This all-encompassing role involves helping with horses, staff problems, marketing, accounts, and liaising with owners.
“It’s an interesting role. I started as a business marketing manager with an importing company and now I’ve done the full circle to an important role with Clayton’s stable. It’s a role of many parts, allowing Clayton to concentrate on getting the horses right without being distracted by other aspects,” Rose explains.
Rose travels to races, saddling and strapping horses herself when necessary. She also markets the stable, introduces new owners, and keeps track of pre-trained horses. “I liaise with the current owners and try to introduce new owners to our business. We have a bookkeeper who handles the accounts, and we always monitor our horses’ progress, notifying owners when they’re coming to our base at Mornington to continue their path to the races,” she said.
“While we are a small business, we are a successful one.”
T hePeople’s CUP
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour (LMCT) has evolved into a powerful symbol of hope, community, and generosity. It unites regional and rural Australia, forging strong bonds as the Tour brings the coveted Cup to even the most remote and often overlooked towns.
By Celia Purdey
The magic of the LMCT lies in its ability to bring hope and excitement to regional Australia. For many towns, the Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Melbourne Cup’s legacy. The Cup doesn’t just pass through; it leaves a lasting impact. Schools, hospitals, and aged-care centres become gathering points, where the Cup becomes a symbol of unity and community pride.
When small towns host the Tour, they embrace it with enthusiasm. Locals line the streets for parades, children dress up in jockey silks for school visits, and Fashions on the Field events take centre stage at community gatherings. The visit unites the community and reinforces their affection for this cultural icon.
A visit from the LMCT can also revitalise entire communities. In Boulia, central Queensland, where the Cup visited during the Boulia Camel Cup, the event was more than just a race; it was a celebration of local culture and resilience, reminding even the most remote communities that they are part of a larger national story.
The LMCT National Sweep further strengthens community bonds. By allocating a starting gate for the Melbourne Cup to 24 rural and regional destinations, the Sweep brings the thrill of the race to towns like Macedon, which in 2023, won $50,000 for their local charity, Living Legends.
One of the most poignant stories from the LMCT National Sweep emerged during the
2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival, highlighting the profound impact of the Tour. The South Australian community of Kangaroo Island, reeling from devastating bushfires, drew barrier 12 in the National Sweep – Twilight Payment’s winning gate. Moved by the community’s hardships, Twilight Payment’s owners, represented by Nick Williams and Gerry Ryan, matched the $50,000 prize, bringing the total to $100,000. The funds were directed to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), providing a critical lifeline to the island. This act of generosity transformed despair into joy for a community rising from the ashes.
The LMCT is more than just a trophy tour; it’s about the people and their stories. It celebrates the heart and soul of Australia, where the Cup’s visit sparks joy. The Tour highlights the power of shared experiences, reminding us that the Melbourne Cup unites us all.
The Tour also offers the chance to meet legends of the Cup – ambassadors who gain as much from the experience as the communities they visit. Their involvement adds a layer of connection, enriching communities and creating lasting memories.
As the Cup continues its journey, it will touch more lives, raise more funds, and create more memories. This journey celebrates not just a race, but the communities that make Australia what it is – a nation of diverse, resilient, and generous people.
“The LMCT is more than just a trophy tour; it’s about the people and their stories. It celebrates the heart and soul of Australia, where the Cup’s visit sparks joy.”
HERE’STHINGSWHERE GET INTERESTING
THE 2014 CUP
When Protectionist galloped to victory in the 2014 Melbourne Cup, he not only became the first horse from Germany to take home the prestigious trophy but also cemented the race’s status as a truly world-class competition. His victory was not just a win for Germany but a celebration of the fusion between European and Australian racing traditions.
By Celia Purdey
Historically, the Melbourne Cup has been steeped in Australian racing traditions, which often included lead-up races. This approach, embodied by champions like Saintly and Jezabeel, was thought essential for a Cup-winning preparation. However, as the global racing scene evolved, so did the strategies for preparing horses for this prestigious event. By the time Protectionist entered the scene, the merging of these racing philosophies had become more sophisticated. Trained by the renowned Andreas Wohler, Protectionist was a product of the European approach, which emphasised the quality of training over numerous lead-up races. Wohler’s expertise was complemented by the insights of Australian Bloodstock’s founders, Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett.
Murrell and Lovett, who had previously come close with Lucas Cranach in 2011, saw potential in Protectionist during a modest race in Hanover. Despite an injury setback, their perseverance paid off. The innovative deal they struck with Protectionist’s breeder, Dr Christoph Berglar, allowed the horse to be trained in Europe while ensuring he would compete in Australia under the Australian Bloodstock banner.
The 2014 Melbourne Cup was a defining moment. Protectionist’s victory was not just a result of superior training but also strategic thinking. The decision to run in the Herbert Power Handicap as a lead-up race, rather than the Caulfield Cup, was a carefully
(Racing Photos)
crafted compromise between hemispheres. This approach, blending European training methods with an Australian lead-up strategy, resulted in one of the most convincing Melbourne Cup victories of the modern era.
Jockey Ryan Moore’s masterful ride was another crucial element. His cool and calculated performance ensured Protectionist navigated through the field with precision, securing a victory with a time of 3:17.71 – the fastest since Media Puzzle in 2002. The win showcased Moore’s exceptional skill and solidified the international dimension of the Melbourne Cup.
Following his Melbourne Cup success, Protectionist remained in Australia for a year
before returning to Germany, where he added another Group 1 win to his record in the Von Berlin at Hoppegarten in 2016 then heading to a career at stud.
His success at Flemington was not a standalone triumph but rather the beginning of a legacy. Australian Bloodstock has built upon this success, securing another Melbourne Cup win with Gold Trip in 2022 and entering three horses in the 2023 edition of the race.
Protectionist passed away in November 2023 after suffering a fatal injury in his stable in France but despite his untimely death, his legacy endures.
(Hamish Blair/AAP)
GLOBAL APPEAL
For jockeys, riding abroad is not just a professional pursuit – it’s a quest fuelled by dreams of glory on the world stage. From Hong Kong to Flemington, the allure lies in the opportunity to compete in some of the most renowned racing arenas and to chase the pinnacle of success at events like the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
By Brad Waters
James McDonald’s and Romantic Warrior’s triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1 2000m) in Hong Kong in April 2024 cemented the horse’s reputation as one of the world’s finest gallopers. (Lo Chun Kit/Getty Images)
History is full of successful raids in all sorts of vocations, from the military annals to the business world and sporting arenas. The Lexus Melbourne Cup is no different.
Getting from Sydney to Melbourne or to Flemington from New Zealand was once a huge undertaking for horses, trainers and jockeys but the world’s unwavering drive to go further and faster led to the shrinking of the racing planet.
New Zealanders mastered the transTasman raid in many Melbourne Cups, but the internationalisation of Australia’s greatest race led to northern hemisphere travelling feats that outstripped those of our antipodean cousins across the ditch.
Since Irish stayer Vintage Crop claimed Australian racing’s ultimate prize for Ireland in partnership with trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Michael Kinane, another eight stayers have traversed the world from Ireland, Japan, England and Germany to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
But opinions remain divided about whether it is better to use a local jockey or to fly in a rider to guide international runners over the demanding 3200m of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Four international Melbourne Cup winners, Media Puzzle (2001), Rekindling (2017), Cross Counter (2018) and Twilight Payment (2020) had the services of local jockeys.
Overseas horses have a month to settle into Melbourne as they complete the Australian government’s equine quarantine requirements at Werribee while trainers sometimes fly in to soak in the Melbourne Cup Carnival on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day three days before the great race. Other trainers head to the Breeders’ Cup in the US before heading to Flemington or home.
Jockeys do not enjoy such luxuries, as the demand for the world’s top riders only grows, facilitated by easier travel to the sport’s biggest carnivals. A jockey might find themselves in the US for the Breeders’ Cup, then swiftly jet off to Australia, catching the quickest flights available for the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Another rider could compete in Japan or Hong Kong on the Sunday before boarding a plane bound for
Melbourne, sometimes solely to ride in the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Australian-based jockeys such as Jamie Kah, Damian Lane, Blake Shinn and James McDonald regularly head straight from riding in either Sydney or Melbourne on a Saturday to fly to Hong Kong or Japan for a rich race.
It is not only a financial lure for the world’s best riders to make rushed trips overseas for Group 1 races, but also the fact that winning a Hong Kong Group 1 race or a Japanese contest at the highest level looks wonderful on a jockey’s record and could create opportunities, like a rich contract to ride in Hong Kong or Japan for months on end. A professional sportsperson’s underlying need to test themselves against the best of their peers is also part of the reasoning.
Soaking up pressure in an unfamiliar arena on a horse of which they can only have limited understanding is part of the deal, but the world’s leading jockeys master the unknown. French duo Gérald Mossé and Christophe Lemaire overcame alien circumstances to win successive Melbourne Cups on Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011).
Mossé knew Americain’s traits after riding Alain de Royer-Dupré’s stayer in previous races but coped with the sometimes raucous surroundings of the Geelong Cup before
Jamie Kah made history as the first female jockey to win a major Hong Kong race, guiding Voyage Bubble to victory in the HK$12 million Classic Mile at Sha Tin in 2023. (Lo Chun Kit/Getty Images)
prevailing at Flemington. Lemaire won the Cup for trainer Mikael Delzangles on his only day riding at Flemington.
Visiting French jockey Mickaëlle Michel would love to emulate her illustrious colleagues but decided to take a longer path to riding in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Michel had ridden in twelve countries, including the US, Japan, France and Italy before arriving in Australia in January.
Michel said Mossé and Lemaire were thrilled to hear she had decided to have a shot at one of the world’s most demanding environments for jockeys – a place where
there is constant expectation and no favours from rival jockeys in some of the tightest contests in the sport.
“I know Gerald Mossé and Christophe Lemaire well, and when I told them I was going to move to Australia they said I’m very lucky and they hoped I would have the chance to ride during this carnival,” Michel said.
“Not many French jockeys have come to Australia to ride in the Melbourne Cup. We’ve seen many English jockeys and jockeys who are Australian and moved to another country like Hong Kong, but it would be good for a French jockey to ride in the race again.”
Michel was quick to post her maiden Australian winner at Flemington within a week of arriving in Melbourne when she guided $81 shot Southern Fire to a win down the famous straight six in January. That victory eased Michel’s anxiety, but still left the tough task
of establishing herself on the Victorian racing scene, finding her place among some of the deepest riding ranks on the planet.
Michel’s work ethic has meant that she has seen more of Victoria than a host of the travel program Postcards, heading to towns such as Edenhope, Horsham, Moe, Tatura and Ararat in an effort to secure herself more opportunities with stables.
Thankfully, Michel said she has loved seeing plenty of her new home.
“I was lucky to win my first race in Australia after only one week and I really enjoy riding at every racecourse here because the turf is always a very good quality,” Michel said.
“Many people from here tell me I’ve seen more of Victoria than they have, and they have lived here for their whole lives. I have to say it’s a lot of driving in Australia, but I really enjoy the country and I’ve driven to
From right: Gérald Mossé and Americain claimed Melbourne Cup victory in 2010 (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images); Gérald Mossé (left) and Christophe Lemaire (right) before the 2013 Melbourne Cup (Vince Caligiuri/ Getty Images); Christophe Lemaire’s winning moment in the 2011 Melbourne Cup (William West/Getty Images)
“Not many French jockeys have come to Australia to ride in the Melbourne Cup... it would be good for a French jockey to ride in the race again.”
some parts like Towong or Swan Hill and the country is beautiful.
“I love Melbourne but I also love being out in the real Australia. I think I’m really lucky.”
It is riding at Flemington’s four-day carnival, especially being part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, however, that is one of the primary reasons Michel decided to continue her career in Australia.
“If I hear a trainer from France has a horse to run in the Melbourne Cup, I will do my best to call them and tell them I would be the best jockey they can have on the horse because I’ve been here for six months now.
“I’ve been in different places for the big events, but I think every country has its own different fans and crowds. I’ve heard about the Melbourne Cup crowd and I’m really looking forward to seeing it and feeling their energy.”
Mickaëlle Michel had her maiden Australian win at Flemington on Southern Fire within a week of arriving in Australia, signalling great things to come. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
Backing them ALL the WAY
From addressing injuries to navigating the complexities of their profession, the Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA) advocates for jockeys, providing essential resources, and fostering a community where every rider’s voice is heard. It empowers jockeys to ride with confidence and security.
By Patrick Bartley
The Hyland name is synonymous with racing. Pat Hyland, a legendary jockey with 30 Group 1 wins, achieved the prestigious ‘grand slam’ – the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, and Golden Slipper. His legacy in the industry continues through his children, including his son Matt, a former jockey who now serves as the CEO of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association (VJA).
Matt Hyland believes that the VJA has grown into a powerful organisation catering to the unique needs of jockeys. “We have grown and grown, but so has the industry over the last two decades. Fortunately, we have worked hard to build an excellent organisation,” Hyland said.
With around 170 Victorian jockeys being joined by visiting jockeys from all over the country and the world, robust systems are essential. “Our structures are in place, and the association has grown, more importantly, into the areas that jockeys need so much in this day and age,” said Hyland.
“At any time, we have 170 Victorian jockeys, including jumps jockeys, senior jockeys, and apprentices.”
The association maintains high standards and operates on a self-funding model. A portion of each ride’s fee contributes to the association’s finances, which are managed sustainably. Given the current number of rides and the association’s healthy financial status, there is no need to adjust the contribution amount despite changes in riding wages.
Hyland and his jockeys are proud of their status as a representative body and recognise that their association is a significant stakeholder, as important as the owners, trainers, stable staff and punters who all contribute to the racing ecosystem.
The safety of their members is one of the VJA’s top priorities. “We have great stewards who ensure there are as few injuries as possible. They understand the need to combat careless riding and maintain safety standards. We have a good relationship with them.”
If members sustain injuries, they and their families receive support. The organisation takes pride in its robust support systems and, with the assistance of a dedicated part-time welfare officer, effectively addresses various issues faced by the jockeys.
Support extends further to current riders, however. “We have a safety net for our retired members, supporting jockeys struggling with retirement and finding it difficult to transition.”
Working alongside Hyland is Matt Pumpa, operations manager for the Victorian Jockeys’ Association. A former successful jockey, Pumpa rode more than 700 winners before an injury ended his career in the saddle. Determined to stay in the sport, he found a new path coaching jockeys in Singapore before returning to work for the Hayes family. Pumpa’s talent for coaching led him to his role at the VJA.
“It’s great working with jockeys of all ages and backgrounds. My role involves being present at the races, addressing any concerns about the track or other issues. Having been a jockey helps me understand their problems better.”
The VJA’s commitment to the wellbeing and safety of jockeys remains unwavering, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. With leaders like Hyland and Pumpa at the helm, the association continues to navigate the complexities of the racing industry, advocating for riders and fostering a supportive community where every jockey can thrive.
“The organisation takes pride in its robust support systems and, with the assistance of a dedicated parttime welfare officer, effectively addresses various issues faced by the jockeys.”
Matt Hyland, CEO of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association. (Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
SETTING the ODDS
As a third-generation bookmaker, David Beirne has racing in his blood General Manager of Trading at TAB, he’s spent over six years leading the Fixed Odds business. Having learned from his father and grandfather, Beirne combines tradition with modern data to navigate the complexities of major races like the Melbourne Cup. He reflects on Cup Week’s grand final atmosphere, the unique challenge of setting odds for the race, and some memorable moments from his career.
How long have you been in the job, how did you get started, who taught you the business?
I’ve been in Racing all my life and I am a third-generation bookmaker. Both my grandfather Keith and my father Dominic were on-track bookmakers and my father is still very much involved in the racing industry to this day. I learned a lot of form study through formative years from him and there are many fundamental bookmaking principles which he utilised back in the eighties which are still relevant today.
For the job itself, I’ve been in my current role leading the TAB Trading team (the Fixed Odds business) for six years in TAB proper for eight. I started out in 2008 in Bill Hurley’s online betting business Sportsbook which evolved into Luxbet.
How busy is Cup week for TAB? Trainers and jockeys view it as their Grand Final is it the same for the traders?
Cup week is the culmination of a significant amount of work throughout the year by the team and given its place on the mantle as our highest turnover race it really does have a Grand Final feel about it. Delivering on a great experience for our customers that week is paramount, and as you can imagine the swings of that big race can have a big impact on our overall results. So just like the nation, for the few minutes it is run it even stops our trading team who are glued to the screen like all of our customers.
What makes the Melbourne Cup so unique?
The Cup has a number of elements which makes it such a complex puzzle. The race being a handicap straight away has the intent on giving every horse in the race the best chance to succeed. Then the fact it is one of the rare races in the year over two miles also means that lining up staying form has a mix of data and intuition. Finally, the fact it attracts such a global field with international raiders makes it a fascinating form race trying to line up so many different races and paths to glory.
When do you start working on it?
How far out do punters want the futures market available? How do you stay on top of likely runners from overseas? We sell on the race for a whole year, so not long after the current Melbourne Cup is run and won we will be setting up a new market for the next year. What is attractive about the race is the talkability throughout the stages of the year. You start with the existing proven runners who may have run in the prior Cup (or nominated and just missed), then move to anticipating what emerging stars could do.
For the overseas contingent, we have team members more dedicated to international racing so they are covering the clock and keeping an eye on races and even news about potential Cup prospects and changing the book in real-time.
How much of setting odds is based around data these days and how much is intuition?
Pricing for the Cup, especially throughout the year, is a great combination of art and science. The accessibility of data in the modern era through terrific services, databases and form guides available to punters and bookmakers alike, is definitely something that has meant pricing and ratings are data-led or at a minimum backed by data. For the uniqueness of a big race like the Cup, we do need to forecast the progress of runners and which races they may be targeted to, so there is absolutely value in
David Beirne, General Manager Trading
people who are able to read the play away from raw datapoints.
Is there a tried and true formula to finding the winner that you’ve relied on?
A particular lead-up race or time of the year the runner should be finding form?
The modern Melbourne Cup can really be won from all directions. I would typically still look at the notable lead-ups such as the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Mackinnon and the Lexus Archer, which can be helpful in seeing both our domestic chances and those international stayers who may be having their first and only Australian run heading to the Cup. But there have been a few winners
in the last decade who have won the race straight off the plane, so perhaps the best formula is simply finding quality horses who have recent ratings that outperform their allocated weight.
Do you have favourite punting anecdote from your Cup trading experience?
It’s hard to forget different storylines from different Cups, not only from the races themselves but all the operational and betting activity behind the scenes. I could go into interesting angles for each year to be honest, but funnily enough the two that spring to mind have been good results for our customers (not us!). A starting point is
always Prince of Penzance’s 2015 victory (Michelle Payne on board at 100/1) where given the high price point and a significant amount of sentimental money meant we were left licking our wounds. Secondly, Verry Elleegant’s 2021 win stands out to me and not just because she ran one of the best Cup races we’ve seen in recent history. The memorable nature of that Cup for us was the runner-up Incentivise, who was backed even prior to winning a BM78 at Ipswich in June at $101. Having won the Caulfield Cup and starting one of the shortest price favourites since Phar Lap, you could say there was some sighs of relief when he ran a gallant second.
A race born fromhistory
Bill Gibbins transformed inspiration from a WWI story into a celebrated racing event. This inspiration led to the revival of the Jericho Cup, a race rooted in ANZAC history, that now holds a cherished place in Australian turf folklore.
By Trevor Marshallsea
Everybody loves a good story. And if it’s a true tale, outstripping fiction, of the deeds of people – or horses – it’s even better.
Some 10 years ago, Melbourne businessman and racing enthusiast Bill Gibbins was gifted a book. Its story centred on the Light Horse brigade in the Middle East in World War I, paying particular mind to an unbelievably brave and tough gelding. The book had the same title as the horse, using the name that typified the irreverent humour of the ANZACs: Bill The Bastard.
Bill – Gibbins, not the horse – did what most of us do. He declared he’d read it, and sat it on his bedside table. Six months later, it still hadn’t been touched. Finally, prodded by its provider, an abashed Gibbins opened it up.
“It just hooked me from page one,” he says. “What an amazing story!”
The book, by Roland Perry (chronicler of other Australian titans including Don Bradman and army commanders John Monash and Harry Chauvel) focused on the horse whose headstrong ways spawned a nickname weaving disdain and respect at once.
Standing 17 hands, remarkably large among the walers that bore the light horsemen, Bill The Bastard served at Gallipoli, where one of his tasks was to carry the body of war hero John Simpson, of Simpson’s Donkey fame, from the battlefield.
Bill later carried four Tasmanian soldiers to safety at once at the Battle of Romani, in Egypt in 1916. And he played a starring role in one of the greatest yarns of the conflict, the memory of which is, thanks to Gibbins, kept vividly alive today.
Late in the war in September 1918, as Allied forces sought to finally crush their Ottoman foes, Light Horse commander Chauvel planned a major offensive to break through the enemy’s defences near the Palestine coast, ride north and defeat two of their armies.
“The field are no champions, but they’ve got the guts and determination of bush horses, which sums up what the Light Horse walers were all about.”
As some 34,000 light horsemen and their mounts gathered under the cover of the orange groves of Jaffa, Chauvel needed the enemy to suspect nothing was afoot. To make them believe most troops and horses were far
from that critical region, a ruse was planned that was so quintessentially ANZAC you couldn’t make it up.
A race meeting! In the middle of the desert! Ostensibly a morale-building recreational exercise for battle-weary troops, it would look like the real deal. Five races would be held, there’d be clerks of the course, stewards, authentic-looking racebooks, and of course bookmakers. To make it seem even more fair dinkum, like the Turks themselves, none of the ANZAC soldiers in attendance knew it was staged as a decoy tactic. And, lending more authenticity, there was plentiful beer and, consequently, the occasional punch-up.
As the bemused Turks watched from a distance, the meeting played out before some 10,000 spectators: 5,000 British and Indian soldiers, 1,000 ANZACs not required in Jaffa, and 4,000 bribed locals.
The feature would be a three-mile (4800m) event. After various names were suggested – the Cairo Cup, and even an amalgam of Palestine and Melbourne contriving the Palbourne Cup – the event was titled the Jericho Cup, partly so the Turks would know roughly where it would take place.
After a torrid battle across the desert sands, and stones, the Jericho Cup was won, of course, by Bill The Bastard. The ruse worked exquisitely. The troop build-up at Jaffa continued unfettered, leading to that last,
Jericho Cup Day at Warrnambool Racecourse is not just about the races, but the history of the ANZACs as well. (Jay Town/Racing Photos)
famous, triumphant drive north of the Light Horse. Bill, unable to be returned to Australia, eventually died in 1924 aged 21, and was returned to Gallipoli where his headstone can still be found, at Walker’s Ridge.
The tale moved and inspired Gibbins. The trucking industry heavyweight had led community events before. In 1988, he organised the Two Ton Run, a charity relay footrace around Port Phillip Bay for Australia’s bicentenary. He reprised it in 1992, raising money for the country’s Olympians heading to Barcelona. In June 2021, Gibbins was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his support for people with disabilities, philanthropic generosity and significant service to horse racing.
This was due to his role in the Jericho Cup, which, in 2015, he decided he’d like to revive. He wanted to make it a three-mile event just for ANZAC-bred (Australia and New Zealand) horses.
“I thought, ‘Someone’s got to do it’. It’s such a good story,” the now 77-year-old says. After a couple of briefly-pursued ideas, involving Flemington and Ballarat, the perfect setting for his vision was found: Warrnambool.
It already hosted a famed race of quite some length – the 5500m Grand Annual Steeplechase. With a little tweaking, and of course the removal of the jumps, the Jericho Cup could be held on roughly the same
course, starting clockwise, extending off the course proper through neighbouring paddocks and, after a right turn on lap two, ending the Melbourne way.
Because of starting stall positioning, while it was the longest flat race in the land, it wouldn’t quite match the 1918 feature’s distance, coming in at 4600m.
But since its first edition a neat century after the original, it has grown to carve a cherished niche amongst the turf folklore of this nation, with a strong New Zealand flavour as well.
Manifesting Gibbins’ wide-reaching, inclusive vision, the field for the Jericho Cup, which is a benchmark 90 event held on the fourth Sunday after the Melbourne Cup, is drawn from across the two nations.
Ten staying events guarantee their winners a start. This includes eight in Australia and two in New Zealand, with points towards a starting berth awarded to the first three Australasianbreds home. These begin with the Jericho Cup Consolation, and include contests from Albany to Riccarton, Mt Gambier to Gawler, and Wagga to Beaudesert.
Aspirants can also earn points in any TABcovered Australasian race of 3000m or more, which encompasses some 20 events.
“People laughed at first and said, ‘You won’t get a field. It’s Australasian-bred horses only’,” Gibbins says. “I said, ‘I won’t say how high quality it’ll be, but we’ll get a field alright’.”
Which evokes what the Jericho Cup has come to mean. If you want blue bloods, watch a Cox Plate. If you want a wonderfully conceived, poignantly executed tribute to the men of the Light Horse, around which their descendants can converge each year and remember, go watch the delicious battlers’ banquet held each early summer at Warrnambool, 13,500km from Jericho.
After six editions, growing crowds and increasing renown, Gibbins is justifiably proud.
“It just keeps feeding off itself. Each year it gets stronger and better,” says Gibbins, who put up the $300,000 prizemoney himself for the first four editions, before Racing Victoria stepped in.
“The field are no champions, but they’ve got the guts and determination of bush horses, which sums up what the Light Horse walers were all about.”
The Jericho Cup commemorates the men of the Light Horse Brigade. (Jay Town/Racing Photos)
Augmenting the equine slog are the commemorations of the light horsemen, and their sacrifices, which have drawn tears from many a hardened racing participant, descendants or not.
“I think it just captures the imagination, with all the history,” Gibbins says. “With 25,000 light horsemen in the first World War, one in 50 modern Australians have a direct link to them as descendants. But when I talk to people in racing, it’s more like about one in five.
“It stands to reason. They were horse people 100 years ago, and those families are still in horses now.
“I get emotional hearing Advance Australia Fair at the footy. And what happens at the Jericho Cup is very similar, just the feeling you get about it. It’s unbelievable.”
The Jericho Cup now has a legion of zealous devotees, including Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde, who won its third edition
in 2020 with the Kiwi-bred Count Zero.
“It’s just a wonderful concept, with real meaning,” he says. “As opposed to some of the pop-up money races, this has got real history attached to it. We’re honouring people in our history with the race.
“Bill Gibbins had the foresight to create it and stick to its values, and he’s got to be commended. I remember there were people who didn’t see how it could work, but it’s grown and grown.
“You can go as a family and be really interested. They display the waler horses, have people dressed up as Light Horsemen, recounting some of the stories. ANZAC Day meetings have some commemorations, but this is on another level.
“It attracts horses from all states and New Zealand. It’s just brilliant. Once you come along once, you’ll say, ‘I’m locking this in, year after year’.”
“But since its first edition a neat century after the original, it has grown to carve a cherished niche amongst the turf folklore of this nation, with a strong New Zealand flavour as well.”
Jockey Luke Williams celebrates after his win in the 2020 Jericho Cup on Count Zero. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
THE 2019 CUP
The 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup is remembered as a race that defied expectations. Anticipation had been high for an international triumph, but it was Vow And Declare, the only Australian-bred, owned, and trained runner, who stole the show.
By Celia Purdey
The 2019 Melbourne Cup was a race that many expected to be dominated by international competitors. With a strong contingent of overseas imports, the Australian hope seemed faint. Yet, in a turn of events that electrified the nation, Vow And Declare, a horse bred, owned, and trained on home soil, surged past the finish line to claim victory. This triumph became a symbol of local resilience and hope.
Vow And Declare, ridden by jockey Craig Williams, became an underdog story. For breeder and part-owner Paul Lanskey, the journey to this historic moment began over a decade earlier in 2008, when he purchased a chestnut mare named Geblitzt. While Geblitzt enjoyed success as a sprinter, Lanskey, envisioning greater achievements, decided to take a different approach with her progeny. Mating her first with Group 1-winning stallion Star Witness, Lanskey produced Lycurgus, a horse that performed admirably on the track. However, seeking a stronger staying influence for Geblitzt’s next foal, he chose the Coolmore stallion Declaration Of War, a decision that led to the birth of Vow And Declare.
The rangy chestnut colt, overlooked at the 2017 Inglis Classic Sale and initially passed in for $45,000, would go on to exceed all expectations. The Melbourne Cup victory was the culmination of a year-long campaign marked by impressive performances, including the Queensland Derby and the Tatts Cup. By the time Cup Day arrived, the horse had positioned himself as a genuine contender,
(Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
though few could have predicted the drama that would unfold.
The race was a thrilling spectacle, in a finish that saw less than half a length separating the top four runners. The postrace drama only added to the excitement, with Frankie Dettori’s mount Master Of Reality being demoted from second to fourth following a protest, solidifying Vow And Declare’s place in history and handing maiden Melbourne Cup victories to both jockey Craig Williams and trainer Danny O’Brien.
For Williams, the victory was particularly sweet, coming after 14 attempts at winning the coveted Cup. He had come close in the past, most notably in 2011, when he was
“I feel incredibly blessed to have a horse good enough to be in it and then for him to be ridden so beautifully by Craig. The last hundred metres he wouldn’t give in and put his head out on the line, and now we have won the Melbourne Cup.”
The story of Vow And Declare did not end with his Melbourne Cup victory. In the years that followed, he continued to demonstrate his staying power, featuring in the iconic race three more times in 2020, 2022, and 2023. In June 2024, he added another chapter to his legacy by winning the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm for the second time, five years after his first victory in the same race.
to ride the eventual winner Dunaden, only to be suspended before Cup Day. The disappointment of that missed opportunity made his triumph aboard Vow And Declare all the more special.
“It was a privilege to ride him today,” an emotional Williams said after the race. “We had a difficult barrier draw, but we trusted him. We knew what he could do. I’m so grateful to be given the opportunity… I will really enjoy this.”
Trainer Danny O’Brien was equally elated. “I really can’t believe it,” he said.
This win was especially impressive given that it marked only his second victory since the 2019 Melbourne Cup, a testament to his resilience after overcoming a serious tendon injury that nearly ended his career.
As a nine-year-old, Vow And Declare may be unlikely to contest another Melbourne Cup, but his place in Australian racing history is secure. His journey from a modest sale ring to the pinnacle of racing success remains an inspiring tale, one that continues to bring immense joy to his connections and racing fans alike.
“For Williams, the victory was particularly sweet, coming after 14 attempts at winning the coveted Cup.”
(Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
From DUBLIN to DOWN UNDER
Irish music icon Ronan Keating reflects on three decades of chart-topping success, his enduring love for Australia, and what he is most looking forward to when performing at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Thirty years in the music industry is an incredible achievement. How do you stay motivated and passionate after all this time?
Simply put, I love what I do. To be able to release and perform my music for the past 30 years is not something I take for granted. I realise what a privilege that is, so the motivation and passion is still as strong as the first day I started.
You’ve balanced a successful music career with roles as a broadcaster, TV presenter, actor, and charity campaigner. How do you juggle these?
It’s sometimes tricky. I did seven years of breakfast radio in the UK and that definitely took its toll a little with all the early mornings. That’s finished now and I’m enjoying spending many more mornings with the family.
You’ve had numerous chart-topping hits, both with Boyzone and as a solo artist. Can you name a couple of songs that hold the most personal significance for you and why?
In terms of Boyzone, I always love to perform You Needed Me live. I’m happy to fly the flag for Boyzone when I do my solo shows, and that song is such a great, classy song.
Then I guess you just can’t ignore how special When You Say Nothing At All is. It’s the song that kickstarted my solo career and I can’t imagine ever doing a live show without it.
Your wife, Storm, is Australian and you have many Australian fans. Has your connection to Australia influenced your music and career?
We’re actually moving down to Australia later this year for a few months, so I’m definitely going to look to do some writing and recording with folks I’ve met there over the years.
You have visited the Melbourne Cup Carnival before. Do you have any standout memories of those visits?
I grew up in Ireland where horse racing is part of our culture, so we have a lot in common in that sense. That being said, the sheer scale of the Melbourne Cup is something that’s hard to understand until you’ve experienced it. I’d heard them say it’s ‘the race that stops a nation’ and it truly is. I can’t wait to experience it all again, especially with the chance to perform at Flemington.
No doubt you’ll be cheering home any Irish horses that may run in the Melbourne Cup. Do you have any personal connections to horse racing? I used to have a part ownership in a few horses, but now I’m just happy to watch and have the odd flutter. I will definitely be looking for a couple of bets on the Irish runners.
Your music has a way of connecting with people across generations. What kind of atmosphere and emotions do you hope to create for the crowd at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day?
I’m sure it’s going to be a great day. The racing crowd is great as everyone is there to have a good time. I’m sure they’ll have had a few drinks and will be singing and dancing along to all the hits.
CELEBRATING 180 Years of WINEMAKING
In 2024, Penfolds’ celebrates 180 years of excellence – achieved through an alchemy of art and science. Since the very beginning, Penfolds commitment to quality has been underpinned by the art of blending and attesting all wines are connected through a consistent and recognisable ‘House Style’; the ultimate expression of a time-honoured and distinctive tradition of finding the best grapes to make wine from the very best regions.
Today, this philosophy extends beyond Australia, to the bountiful soils of California,
Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and China. Penfolds continues to ‘Venture Beyond’ – through the passing of time, wine innovations have become great traditions as old and new generations continue to mark moments and create their own stories … with a glass of Penfolds in hand.
And so – almost two centuries since inception, Penfolds continues to write new chapters and proudly remains one of the world’s most revered winemakers … now and for ‘evermore’.
Marking Penfolds’ 180th Milestone
Alongside The Penfolds Collection 2024, a commemorative Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2021 was released to honour Penfolds’ 180th anniversary milestone. Made from the outstanding 2021 Coonawarra vintage, the 2021 Bin 180 is a classic Penfolds wine, displaying the structure of Cabernet and the richness of Shiraz… Balance, power, and beauty. Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 10 and Shiraz from Block 5 are the source of Penfolds Bin 180. These blocks are some of the oldest and most symbolic plantings in the region and are consistent contributors to Grange, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon and Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Our goal was to craft a landmark wine to acknowledge Penfolds’ 180th Anniversary… Compellingly – the lure of outstanding parcels in barrel availed from the stellar 2021 Coonawarra harvest. Fatefully – testament to a pre-ordained and magical Australian varietal union – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Resultingly – Penfolds 2021 Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz,” said Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago.
Celebrating 60 years of Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon
A wine celebrating 60 years since its first release (1964). Named after the iconic jet that took it to the world, Bin 707 is a cabernet reflection of Grange. First vintaged in 1964, it was Penfolds first commercial release of a single cabernet-based wine, and was linked to then Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert’s dream of making a great Australian red wine that could last at least 20 years.
Full-bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 holds a significance among generations of wine collectors and today a secure place among the ranks of the world’s finest cabernets. A masterclass in pure fruit, structure and balance.
Bin 707 is only released in exceptional vintages when fruit of the required style and quality is available. The winemaking blueprint for Bin 707 is almost identical to Grange. Partial barrel fermentation and maturation in new American hogsheads. Although each vintage will develop in different ways, reflecting the growing season and winemaking decisions of the time, most have the capacity to age for 30 years or more.
“Indeed, we’ve come a long way. We have a long way to go. Volume One at 180 years is now complete, and the journey continues…”
Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
Penfolds Evermore
Since Penfolds beginnings in 1844, Penfolds has merged science, art and innovation, using the catchcry “1844 to Evermore”. It’s a nod to our famed history, while looking to the future, to “what’s next”. It describes how we want to collaborate, partner, support and give back to the communities where we do business: honouring tradition while leaving a positive mark for generations to come.
As we look forward to the next 180 years, Penfolds is proud to introduce “Evermore” –our first community and sustainability platform.
Evermore is our commitment to making a positive contribution towards a world where future generations can thrive and reflects our aspirations as a global winemaker, employer, and leader to leave a lasting, positive impact on the places, communities and people we are connected to.
A global initiative focusing on the regions we make wine, Australia, China, France and the USA, Evermore aims to create and support positive change by focusing on delivering programs and activities under three strategic priority areas: Community and Culture, Future Winemaking, and Toward Sustainability.
To find out more visit penfolds.com/evermore
BRINGING to the PLATEcreativity
Ross and Sunny Lusted have long been celebrated as one of Australia’s most influential hospitality duos, renowned for their blend of culinary excellence with artistic expression. During the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Ross will be the special guest chef in The Byerley, bringing his innovative approach to dining to Flemington.
By Celia Purdey
Born in South Africa, Ross Lusted’s early years were enriched by the vibrant flavours and aromas of his homeland. He was immersed in the sensory delights of fresh produce, charcoal cooking, and traditional Malay cuisine, characterised by its distinctive spices and bold flavours. These experiences planted the seeds of a lifelong fascination with food and cooking.
After immigrating to Australia, Ross’s culinary journey began when he honed his skills under the mentorship of chefs David Thompson and Neil Perry.
Despite achieving success in Australia, Ross felt a desire to broaden his horizons and develop his own culinary identity. In 2000, he made the decision to leave the kitchen, and spent the next ten years travelling the world, exploring different cuisines and cultures.
Alongside his wife Sunny, who brought a wealth of experience from the luxury hotel and resort industry, Ross travelled extensively, living in countries such as Croatia, Montenegro, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This allowed him to delve deep into various cultures, studying their cuisines, cooking techniques, and dining customs firsthand.
During this period, Ross and Sunny collaborated with Aman Resorts, contributing to the development and opening of numerous luxury hotels around the world. This experience not only enriched their understanding of global hospitality standards but also exposed Ross to numerous flavours and culinary philosophies which has informed his own unique approach to cooking.
After almost decade abroad, Ross and Sunny returned to Australia with fresh ideas and plenty of inspiration. In 2011, they opened The Bridge Room in Sydney, which quickly became known for its creative and elegant food and was awarded Restaurant of the Year and three hats by The Good Food Guide
Ross’s creativity isn’t confined to the kitchen; he’s also a talented sculptor and ceramicist. This artistic side influences
his cooking, making his dishes as visually appealing as they are delicious. For Ross, dining is about more than just taste; it’s a full sensory experience that includes the ambiance, design, and service, all carefully considered.
The Lusteds are also passionate about nurturing the next generation of culinary talent, believing that education and hands-on experience helps young chefs understand the craft of cooking.
In 2020, Ross and Sunny opened Woodcut, located in Crown Sydney. Inspired by their global travels and a celebration of Australian produce, the restaurant showcases the beauty of simple cooking techniques –fire, steam, smoke, and ice – to create dishes that are both soulful and refined.
The Good Food Guide recognised this commitment to excellence with a prestigious hat, affirming Woodcut’s place as a culinary institution.
Continuing their culinary journey, the couple recently expanded their horizons to Melbourne with the announcement of two new venues: Marmelo and Mr. Mills. Marmelo draws inspiration from the coastal cuisines of Portugal and Spain, offering a vibrant dining experience that reflects Ross’s dedication to authentic, ingredient-driven cooking. Complementing this is Mr. Mills, a stylish basement bar serving classic Iberian-inspired snacks and inventive cocktails, exemplifying the Lusteds’ flair for creating dynamic and inviting hospitality spaces.
Passion IN EVERY DISH
Stephen Nairn’s culinary passion and expertise have established him as a key figure in Melbourne’s vibrant food scene. As the guest chef in The Chairman’s Club at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, he will showcase his innovative and collaborative approach.
By Celia Purdey
Stephen Nairn, the Culinary Director behind Omnia Bar and Bistro, Yugen Dining, and Yugen Tea Bar, is driven by a deep love for food, his team, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. His approach to cooking goes beyond ingredients – he creates dishes that are a perfect balance of flavours, turning each plate into an experience for all the senses.
Nairn’s journey in the culinary world began in Glasgow, where he learnt in some of the city’s finest restaurants. His early experiences laid the foundation for a career that would take him to London and eventually to New York, where he honed his skills at the prestigious Eleven Madison Park. Initially planning a short stay in Melbourne, Nairn found himself captivated by the city’s vibrant food scene, and he stayed. He rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef at Vue de Monde under Shannon Bennett and later served as Head Chef at Estelle by Scott Pickett.
Today, Nairn’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. He oversees three distinct dining experiences, each with its own unique culinary identity. At the double-hatted Omnia, he has crafted a bistro atmosphere, where ingredients are showcased in innovative and exciting ways. Yugen, his underground restaurant on Chapel Street, is celebrated for its modern Japanese cuisine and sensorydriven experience, featuring a variety of offerings like an extravagant cocktail bar and a cosy omakase. Nairn’s leadership is evident in every detail, from selecting the finest seasonal ingredients to crafting dishes that tell a story.
It is through collaboration with local suppliers, such as his partnership with Mark Foletta, a farmer, forager and winemaker from Benalla, that Nairn finds such unique, highquality ingredients. These ingredients might range from Alpine gum honey and cherrywood to less familiar wild fungi like grey ghosts and crab brittlegills.
This emphasis on locally sourced, exceptional produce highlights Nairn’s commitment to showcasing the best of Australian flavours.
He values hands-on learning and
This approach is reflected in every aspect of Nairn’s restaurants. He is involved in every step of the process, from sourcing exceptional ingredients to ensuring that each dish not only delights the palate but also resonates with the senses. His passion for culinary excellence is matched only by his dedication to creating memorable dining experiences for his guests.
A LEGACY BREWED INTO EVERY SIP
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian beer, few brands resonate with the same depth and authenticity as Furphy. Whilst youthful in its brewing origins, Furphy’s heritage dates back to the late 19th century and continues to captivate Australians with its rich history, enduring quality, and unique character. If you’ve ever savoured a Furphy, you’re not just enjoying a beer; you’re experiencing a piece of Australian history.
The Origins of Furphy
Furphy’s roots trace back to 1864, when it was founded by John Furphy. Originally, the Furphy name was associated with their pioneering efforts in the manufacturing world, from blacksmithing, wheelwrighting and eventually an iron foundry. Whilst John had success with numerous machinery products, one product in
particular was continuing to find success – the Furphy Farm Water Cart. A product borne of necessity; the cart provided a much-needed solution for efficiently transporting water. John Furphy was the first to see the possibility of manufacturing a single item that combined water tank and a cart to transport it. With significant drought in between 1895 and 1902 the water cart quickly established itself as a vital piece of equipment.
Over time, these water carts were so widely recognised that they became part of Australian folklore. During World War I, soldiers would gather around Furphy Water Carts when having a drink. The manufacturer’s name on the ends and sides of the tanks led to soldiers describing rumours, embellishments and tall tales as “furphies”, leading to the term “Furphy” becoming synonymous with an entertaining story or rumour.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Brew
In 2014, Little Creatures Brewery in Geelong is built with stainless steel fermenters supplied by Furphy. Intrigued by the industrial and cultural legacy of this quintessentially Australian family, the Furphy organisations and the brewers collaborated on brewing a beer that was a celebration of their unique history and called it Furphy Refreshing Ale. What sets Furphy apart from other beers is not just its storied past but its commitment to quality and tradition. Furphy’s flagship beer, the Furphy Refreshing Ale, is a testament to this commitment. It’s crafted with a blend of Victorian-grown barley and hops, which contribute to its crisp, clean taste and well-balanced flavour profile. Since then, the beer has become an instant classic and the Furphy brand has grown to be enjoyed all over Australia.
Crack one. Tell one.
As dates on the local fashion calendar go, few rival the anticipation that surrounds the Victoria Racing Club Melbourne Cup Carnival. Exceptional racewear style transcends the mere selection of a dress, suit, or hat – it becomes a sartorial celebration of creativity and expression. Every year, it’s a rare opportunity to play with fashion in all its nery and most importantly, something everyone can be part of. e essence of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is elegantly encapsulated in the tradition of dressing up. is ritual elevates it beyond the boundaries of the racecourse into something truly magical. From meticulously curated ensembles to the most imaginative millinery, the Melbourne Cup Carnival showcases Australian style at its nest. It is a re ection of who we are – a vibrant blend of diverse cultures, exceptional creativity and innovative thinking.
ese qualities will once again take centre stage during the Carnival’s esteemed Fashions on the Field competition. With a history spanning more than six decades, this iconic contest expanded its reach last year by welcoming digital entries from around the globe, transforming it into a truly accessible and inclusive international fashion moment. It remains a highlight of the season, and I eagerly await what 2024’s Carnival will unveil.
Each year, the individual race days serve as a canvas for both established designers and emerging talent to present their brilliant visions. It’s one of the few times and places in Australia you can see trends and the mood of the zeitgeist re ected in real time, on real people. ere’s truly no place like it.
If you’re seeking inspiration for your own race-day wardrobe, Vogue has curated an exclusive edit for this season within the following pages. Included is a selection of the boldest hues to the most re ned prints, as well as impeccable summer suiting and gracefully tailored silhouette options. Our message is to embrace the elegance, make it your own and enjoy being part of the fashion ritual of Melbourne Cup Carnival.
After all, dressing up is meant to be fun.
Edwina McCann, Editorial Director and Publisher, Vogue Australia
HIGH-STAKES STYLE
Celebrate Spring Carnival fashion with our definitive guide to fresh, new-season styling. From bold red hues, to festive florals, and just the right amount of sparkle, everything you need to elevate your spring racing wardrobe is right here.
Left : Wynn Hamlyn dress. Gucci belt, worn as headband. Saint Laurent earrings and cuff.
Right : Gucci jacket, scarf, necklace and bag. Leo Lin pants. Anna Rossi Jewellery earrings.
Channel the effortless elegance of the 70s with dreamy dresses and tailored jackets (left) in a style ideal for Stakes Day. Pay homage to the romantic, folksy vibe of the time with accessories in muted tones, like apple green, subtle gold and earthy brown.
Make an instant impression on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day in an avant-garde silhouette in a single, bold colour – nothing says confidence like crimson red. Pair it with a mid-height or kitten heel, and an understated barrette for the perfect combination.
Leo Lin dress. Swarovski earrings. Charles & Keith shoes.
Put a contemporary twist on race-day fashion by choosing separates that redefine elegance. A larger-than-life skirt in sophisticated navy is modernised with soft blue accents, creating a chic, on-trend statement.
Sandro top and skirt. Abigail Fergusson Millinery hat. Swarovski earrings and bracelet. Studio Amelia bag and shoes.
This season, floor-length styles in an A-line shape are a must-have. Create shape with a sleek belt or fitted skirt for a flattering finish, and complete the look with sculptural headwear to add just the right amount of drama.
Left : Scanlan Theodore top and skirt. Millinery Jill beret. Swarovski earrings. Mulberry bag. Jimmy Choo shoes.
Right : Acler dress. Abigail Fergusson Millinery headpiece. Mulberry necklace. Gucci belt. Saint Laurent shoes.
Highlight your feminine side for TAB Champions
S takes Day by embracing ear thy tones in oversiz ed
st y les Opt for accessor ies
silk pieces or layered, oaty featuring natural bres – like
handbags in wic ker and rope, or headpieces made of woven leather – to ele vate your look
Left : Es se bla zer a n d skir t Ford Millin er
Right : Aje
Jasmin
Take centre stage at Fashions on the Field and celebrate the glamour that is the Lexus Melbourne Cup. A floor-length gown adorned with sparkling embellishment is a fashionforward choice that brings a sense of occasion to the event. Opt for minimal, elegant accessories to balance your ensemble.
Maticevski dress. Scanlan Theodore fascinator. Swarovski cuff. Gucci shoes.
a oaty style that highlights this
Another winning combination ideal to wear on Crown Oaks Day is the sof t, feminine silhouette of a pleated dress L ean into the pleated trend with season ’ s cinched-waist tailoring For added fashion points, pair a pleated piece with an abstract pr int in a pinkish hue and weave the colour through your accessories.
Le
Vivier
For the very finest in Penfolds Victoria Derby Day dressing, opt for a sculptural dress or pants-suit in a monochromatic palette. Stick with the dress code for the day – black and white is a must – and combine the two for a look that is all about sophistication. Go for cute, shape-focused accessories, like pointed heels, an extralong bow or textured clutch.
Left : Maticevski dress. Somewhere Here fascinator. F+H Studios earrings. Roger Vivier shoes.
Right : Carla Zampatti top and pants. Stephanie Spencer bow. Jasmin Sparrow earrings. Swarovski ring. Roger Vivier bag. Maje shoes.
TRACKSIDE TRENDS
This Spring Carnival, race-day style is all about making a statement. From bold prints to demure pastels, embrace the season’s top trends for a chic, head-turning trackside look.
BLOCK IT OUT
Make a statement this Spring Carnival by embracing the colour-blocking trend. For an eye-catching ensemble, go for head-to-toe colour in a bold hue, like hot pink, grass green or – this season’s favourite shade of red – crimson. Structured tailoring works well when wearing a block colour, as does simple, chic accessories.
Self-Portrait dress.
Maison Michel Paris beret.
Ferragamo bag.
Roland Mouret dress.
Magda Butrym shoes.
Isabel Marant earrings. Bode hairclip.
Amina Muaddi shoes.
Valentino Garavani top and pants.
PRETTY IN PRINTS
Bring your race-day out t to life by choosing a perfect print in whimsical orals or chic polka dots. Mix di erent motifs for an eclectic look or a single print head-to-toe for maximum impact. Choose lightweight fabrics in classic cuts, and pair with minimalist jewellery to allow the print to take centre stage.
Emilia Wickstead dress.
Rodarte dress.
Dolce & Gabbana skirt.
Valentino Garavani bracelet.
Jennifer Behr hairclip.
Dolce & Gabbana shoes.
Alessandra Rich Gucci headband.
Judith Leiber bag.
Jacquemus shoes.
Roxanne Assoulin earrings.
Nina Ricci top.
VERY DEMURE
Channel your most demure self with an elegant mix of soft pastels and monochrome neutrals. Delicate bows, classic tailoring and luxurious silk fabrics create a re ned, feminine look perfect for trackside fashion. Opt for modest silhouettes in sophisticated shapes and vintage-style jewellery to evoke an understated charm.
Simone Rocha bag.
Completedworks earrings.
Manolo Blahnik shoes.
Self-Portrait dress.
Rebecca Vallance dress.
Alessandra Rich dress.
Bernadette dress.
Stella McCartney jacket.
Celine sunglasses.
Gohar World necklace.
Clio Peppiatt headband.
Amina Muaddi bag.
Jaeger-LeCoultre watch.
FASHIONABLY SUITED
Elevate his racewear by selecting a pale-coloured suit in a lightweight material, such as linen and cotton. Pastel shades or muted neutral tones o er a fresh, modern and fashionable feel. Pair with re ned accessories – a sleek watch, a patterned pocket square or stylish sunglasses – to add personality and air.
shirt.
Etro tie.
Dunhill jacket. shoes.
Tom Ford jacket and pants.
SAINT LAURENT
Maison Michel Paris hat.
Christian Louboutin
Richard James tie.
Bottega Veneta sunglasses.
Tom Ford pocket square.
PERSONAL BEST
Dressing for the races offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase your style. The challenge lies in balancing individuality with elegance. With the right tips, you can create a look that is both authentic and appropriate for the occasion.
By Kirstie Clements
Most people are aware that a day at the races means an opportunity to dress up, but for some, the idea can be overwhelming. However, dressing for the races is not a time to step out of your personal style zone, but rather a chance to explore and extend looks that you already love.
Sydney-based stylist and menswear expert Kim Payne offers her advice. “Choose an outfit that feels quite ‘dressed’ and gives you a real sense of occasion.”
Payne suggests researching the traditional codes for each race day (such as black-andwhite for Penfolds Victoria Derby Day or wearing a yellow rose lapel for the Lexus Melbourne Cup) and then playing on that. “I think that beautiful suiting, such as wide-leg pant with a double-breasted jacket could work on any race day, in any colour. You could then easily match the headpiece and accessories back to the suit, so it is just one single tone,” she suggests.
For those who are nervous about millinery, Payne suggests trying a bejewelled headband, or even a series of beautiful hairclips, worn in a cluster. “That’s something that would turn heads and looks quite fabulous and sophisticated”. The more minimal the better.
If you’re going for the first time, it’s safer to opt for something quite simple and lean towards being more covered up. Think Amal Clooney as an inspiration, an international style-setter who always looks so chic and appropriate. Or take some cues from Kate Middleton, David Beckham and Zendaya, who recently all sported some classic, pulled-together looks at Wimbledon.
A current Spring trend that is racing seasonready is matching sets. There are gorgeous sets around, such as chenille knit skirts and jackets with piped edging, or tailored jackets with ribbons and bows, worn with elegant pussy-bow blouses, skirts or tailored shorts. They are a wonderful alternative to a dress.
It’s always liberating, and ultimately more stylish, to dress for your body shape and age, so if you feel more comfortable in trousers or a knee-length skirt, that’s always the best option.
When it comes to headwear, hats are front and centre in fashion at the moment. But don’t feel pressured to wear a big, fantastical bright-coloured creation with a gigantic feather to the races if hats are not usually your thing. You could opt for something much lower key, such as a lovely Deauville-style straw hat – fabulous worn with linen – or a simple straw boater with a black ribbon, Brigitte Bardot-style. The bonus is that a classic hat in this evergreen style can be worn at multiple events, not just to the races. Not everybody has the budget or the inclination to buy an entirely new outfit, or even accessory, to wear on only one occasion.
This also applies to the gentleman on course – how can they make a fresh style statement at the races without purchasing an
entirely new suit? “Most men will have a jacket, so even if you wore a good chino with the jacket, you’ve got something that creates the idea.”
Adding something to the lapel of your jacket, such as a different flower for each race day, is a simple solution. “Look at what you can put on the lapel,” says Payne. “Create something fun – a colourful pocket square and a matching tie.” In terms of suiting, Payne recommends the linen double-breasted styles that are everywhere right now. “I like the idea of tonal layers, a linen shirt with the suit, and maybe with a vest as well.”
Sunglasses are also an easy way to update a favourite suit. “If the budget is stretched, you can refresh your look with a great pair of aviators. If that’s not your image, some classic tortoiseshell frames.”
While it sounds obvious, it’s also important to dress for the weather, as there is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable or cold when you’re in for a long day. Although you may have a dazzling outfit planned, if there is rain, wind or conversely, blazing sun, you will need to adjust your accessories to suit rather than suffer through it. Have a smart trench coat on standby, a wide-brim hat, shoes you can walk in, and plenty of sunscreen. Winning already.
CLASSIC meets CONTEMPORARY
Few modern events still have their own set of sartorial rules. But as racing’s most glamorous spectacle returns, is racewear style about to undergo a shake-up?
By Anna Byrne
Racing fashion has entered a new era. Royal Ascot’s historic appointment of Daniel Fletcher as its firstever creative director has ignited a global conversation around the evolution of racewear.
Keeping the fashionable crowd on its wellheeled toes, Fletcher’s mission to modernise the Ascot dress codes – while preserving traditional elegance – suggests a broader shift in how race day fashion is approached worldwide. And it begs the bold question: Will this new direction spark a style revolution at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival?
Of course, at the heart of the Melbourne Cup Carnival are our own signature style traditions. Derby Day’s classic black-and-white combination, Cup Day’s vibrant colour palette, Oaks Day’s embodiment of ladylike glamour, and Stakes Day’s relaxed yet refined approach are more than mere dress codes – they are a celebration of the event’s rich legacy.
As the Cup Carnival approaches, stylists, celebrities, and racegoers face a thrilling opportunity to reinvent these traditions and rewrite the sartorial playbook. Fashion hearts are a flutter as trailblazing meets timeless, with the style stakes higher than ever.
Celebrity stylist Suzy Eskander (pictured right) is known for blending traditional race day attire with a modern touch, skillfully navigating the nuance of dress codes beyond the classic norms.
Having dressed high-profile clients including Emma Freedman, Lucia Damon and
Demi Brereton (for this year’s Royal Ascot), Eskander says this year’s racing style should embrace a fresh perspective that is less predictable and gives tradition a trend-led jolt.
“I love styling for the Melbourne Cup Carnival – I love the tradition, millinery and the themes of each day, combined with a touch of modernity, fresh interpretations of the dress codes and styling combinations,” she says.
“I focus on integrating contemporary accessories like modern heels, sunglasses, jewellery and statement handbags to conceptualise the themes I want to interpret,” Eskander explains.
But the stylist also cautions that less is sometimes still more.
“As a general rule, to modernise a look, you need to style it back and not overdo it with too many colour combinations, accessories, or elements that compete for attention,” Eskander says.
“Highlight one standout feature and let the rest of your outfit complement it. For instance, if you’re wearing a wide-brim hat, keep the rest of your look simple and structured. If you’re experimenting with bold colour clashes, avoid excessive frills and details. Alternatively, if you opt for cut-outs and shorts, balance the look with a classic pillbox hat to maintain a touch of conservative elegance.”
Courtney Moore, who has been competing in Fashions on the Field for over a decade, is known for bringing her unique vision to race day fashion. Having participated since 2013, Moore is well-versed in balancing traditional race-day elegance with modern trends.
“I love to examine current trends and draw inspiration from runways in Paris and Milan, as well as my favourite social media influencers,” she says.
Two standout moments for Moore include her 2015 Derby Day look – a striking onesleeve, laser-cut dress paired with a chic boater hat – and her 2016 ensemble, which earned her the title of national Fashions on the Field winner.
“The top was a standout, and my mother designed a stunning hand-beaded hat with
cutouts to match. The millinery and top combination made the outfit truly unique.”
For those looking to add a contemporary edge to their race-day attire, Moore advises focusing on millinery, accessories, and hairstyles. “Bows are on-trend this season and can be styled both modern and classic,” she says.
Considering the current cost-of-living crisis, it’s no surprise that there’s a rising demand for racewear that offers durability and versatility. By translating contemporary trends for the track, racegoers have more potential to repurpose their ensembles for various occasions – from workwear to weekends and even weddings.
Eskander forecasts several seasonal trends will elevate trackside glamour to dazzling new heights this year.
“This season brings a resurgence of lace, velvet, and metallics, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit,” she says. “Sheer fabrics are also making waves, with semi-sheer pants and long blazers being perfect for Derby Day, especially when paired with a wide-brim hat.”
“The 60s mod look is back, featuring micro minis and classic pillbox hats, while dresses with hoods offer a fresh twist. The ballet-core trend is also strong, with delicate lace, embroidery, and wispy tulle skirts, complemented by stylish and practical kitten heels.
“In millinery, expect to see continued popularity of rosettes and bows, alongside sleek fedoras and sculptural pieces with unique fabrications. Wide-brimmed cloches and minimalistic thick-wrapped bands are also set to make an impact. I’m also hoping for a rise in cowboy hats, reflecting the growing Western trend,” she adds.
So, whether you’re waltzing in with a whimsical wide-brim or stepping out in a sleek, sculpted silhouette, revel in the racewear reinvention this year where trailblazing meets tradition.
“Fashion hearts are a flutter as trailblazing meets timeless, with the style stakes higher than ever.”
Twists on Tradition
Penfolds Victoria Derby Day
Who said black and white had to be boring? Embrace high contrast with bold monochrome prints, asymmetric silhouettes, and sleek headwear that can take you from finish line to fine dining.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Day
The race that stops the nation demands a splash of colour. This season, embrace tip-to-toe tonal harmony by layering different tones of the same hue, such as bold reds, bursts of berry or zesty lemon.
Crown Oaks Day
Traditionally a day for feminine allure, Oaks Day now invites a modern touch. Opt for sharp suiting such as waistcoats, playful prints and dramatic silhouettes that effortlessly shift from the racetrack to stylish brunches or evening events.
TAB Champions Stakes Day
Embrace the relaxed family atmosphere with soft tailoring that exudes ease and sophistication. Wide-leg trousers, breezy maxi silhouettes and wide-brim hats bring charm and versatility to a race-day look.
Trophy PIECES
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the perfect excuse to up the style stakes, but it doesn’t have to mean an entire – or costly – wardrobe overhaul. By updating a key item you probably already own, you’ll place yourself firmly in the winner’s circle.
By Kirstie Clements
Starting with white White dominated the international runways this year, seen in everything from gauzy sun dresses to a creamy white pantsuit. A pure white dress is the perfect starting point for accessories. Try a summery raffia bag, straw hat, and strappy sandals. Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, with its black-andwhite dress code, is the perfect backdrop. Opt for a more formal hat, black slingback heels, and a clutch bag, playing up to the theme.
skirted
Full skirts are a breezy spring option and lovely for the races, worn with a pointy-toed 1950s-style heel. Beautiful when paired with a frilly, feminine blouse, or a cropped tailored jacket, it’s a classic silhouette simply made for a hat, like a Christian Dior sketch come to life.
Florals for spring. Really?
Florals have always resonated with Australian women, as indicated by the immense popularity of fashion labels such as Zimmerman and Alemais. Floral applique is also very on-trend, with sheer organza or fabric flowers sprinkled across blouses, dresses and skirts. When things get too flowery, balance the look with something more tailored, such as a mini cropped trench coat or pinstriped blazer.
Full
Stepping out
The fashion gods have granted us a reprieve from plastic Crocs and rubber slides this season providing a beautiful selection of dainty shoes. Mesh is still big in ballerina flats and mules, while ankle straps have become popular on flat and mid-heeled shoes. Pointed toes have made a huge comeback and the kitten-heel slingback, probably one of the most refined shoes ever designed, is still front and centre, in bright red satin, pale pink or jungle green.
A sense of whimsy
There is no environment more perfect than the Melbourne Cup Carnival for a whimsical bag. This is one accessory that you can take a risk on, and really shows a sense of the wearer’s personality. The now-famous JW Anderson pigeon clutch worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That is one example. The best part about a whimsical handbag is that it does not have to be designer; it can be a much-loved vintage piece, from any season or decade.
Bags of style
There are so many options when it comes to handbags that it is impossible to dictate which one is “on trend”. The best bag is the one that suits you and perfectly complements your outfit. Suffice it to say, some bags are not the best options for the races: work bags and totes are too oversized and cumbersome, and cross-body bags are too casual. More practical new-season options include bucket bags, 70s-style small, structured handbags on a long strap and the return of the clutch. Snakeskin has also made a welcome comeback in small squishy bags that tuck under the arm or as solid frame handbags. Embossed leather is also popular (as in mock crocodile), and Gucci burgundy, that staple of the 70s, is set to shine again. Natural fibres are also hugely popular and while a beach basket would not look quite right trackside, a smaller woven bag in leather, raffia or straw is perfect for Spring. Bottega Veneta offers stunning versions that look like woven palm fronds but are actually made of butter-soft Italian leather.
What’s in the jewellery box?
Pearls, à la Coco Chanel, are firmly back. Here’s my biggest tip – no one cares if they’re real! Floral jewellery is also big, including coloured rhinestone chokers in naïve daisy shapes and pretty oversized flower drop earrings such as red poppies or white orchids. Wide, solid statement bangles and big metallic cuffs make a stylish, dramatic statement worn with a sleeveless dress, and chain jewellery has gone big, gold and bold, especially in necklaces.
The eyes have it
If you’re looking for a quick seasonal accessory update, sunglasses are the easiest option. Sunglasses are the easiest option. Wrap-around sunnies (and let’s face it, mullets) are making a comeback for the guys, with super-hip versions from Gentle Monster, Ray-Ban, and Off-White. It seems Australian racing was setting the trends all along.
HATS to HIGH FASHION
Coco Chanel, an icon of the fashion world, began her journey not in Parisian ateliers but in millinery. Her early experiences, including a fascination with equestrian style, helped shape her groundbreaking designs.
By Celia Purdey
Coco Chanel pictured in the early 1950s. (Apic/Getty Images)
Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883 in Saumur, France, Coco Chanel’s early life was a stark contrast to the opulence and fame that would later define her world. After losing her mother at a young age, Chanel and her sisters were placed in an orphanage at the abbey in Aubazine. The strict and simple surroundings of the orphanage deeply influenced her later designs, as it was here that Chanel learned to sew – a skill that would become the foundation of her career.
At eighteen, Chanel left the orphanage and moved to Moulins, a town in central France, where she found work as a seamstress by day and a cabaret singer by night. It was during this time that she acquired the nickname ‘Coco’, a name that would become iconic.
In 1904, Chanel met Étienne Balsan, a wealthy textile heir and avid horse breeder and polo and racing enthusiast. Balsan’s estate, complete with a private stable, became a pivotal backdrop in Chanel’s life. She frequently rode alongside Balsan, often wearing menswear for its comfort and functionality. This exposure to the equestrian world, with its emphasis on practicality and style, deeply influenced Chanel’s design ethos.
Recognising Chanel’s creativity, Balsan helped the budding designer to launch a hat boutique on the first floor of his residence on Boulevard Malesherbes. Chanel’s initial hat designs mirrored the structure of riding helmets and often drew inspiration from the polo uniforms she saw on Balsan’s estate. It was during this time that she formed a new acquaintance, Arthur “Boy” Capel, a British polo player.
In the hat shop on Boulevard Malesherbes, Chanel’s talent began to blossom. Her creations, influenced by her equestrian experiences and her innate sense of style, were a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by elaborate, often fussy headwear. She embraced clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality, reflecting the practicality of riding attire. This allowed women to move more freely and express their individuality, a concept that resonated with the modern, independent women of the early 20th century.
Chanel also drew inspiration from menswear, incorporating fedoras and boaters into her creations, challenging traditional
gender norms. Her hats quickly gained popularity, particularly among the actresses of the Parisian theatre and the fashionable women at the racetracks. These high-profile endorsements elevated her brand and helped establish her as a rising star in the fashion world.
In 1913, with Capel’s financial backing, Chanel expanded her business by opening a boutique in Deauville. It was here that she began to experiment with clothing design, using jersey fabric – a material previously used for men’s underwear – to create comfortable yet stylish garments. This move, inspired by the ease and movement of sportswear, marked the beginning of her transformation from a milliner to a fashion designer.
Her ‘Coco’ breeches quickly became a sensation, with the designer herself photographed wearing them at polo events. During World War I, practicality led women to embrace pants even more, cementing this new fashion statement. While she never married, Chanel maintained her close relationship with Capel, whose world of horses still influenced her work. From the rhombus stitching on her iconic bags reminiscent of saddles to the tailored male-inspired button-down shirts and riding boots designed for women, Chanel remained true to her original inspirations. Her designs graced the pages of magazines like Vogue, often with an equestrian theme, and she continued attending polo matches to watch Capel.
By the 1920s, Chanel’s brand was firmly established, and her influence extended beyond hats to fragrance, with the launch of Chanel No. 5, and to fashion, with the introduction of the iconic LBD, or little black dress.
Even as she entered the world of high fashion, Chanel’s beginnings and her love for horses remained central to her designs. And although her hat designs evolved to incorporate more elaborate elements like feathers and ribbons, the essence of practicality and elegance always remained. Her signature boater hats, known as a ‘Deauville hat’, with their wide brims and simple grosgrain ribbons, became as iconic as her little black dress, symbolising timeless style and sophistication.
Chanel’s iconic Deauville hat was the inspiration for the Chanel Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week in Paris. (Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Coco Chanel at the Chester Races in 1924 with The Duke of Westminster. (Phillips/Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
FromPearls to PRISCILLA
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Millinery Association of Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that spans the full spectrum of millinery, from classic hats to avant-garde designs. Its annual gala provides an opportunity for members to gather from across Australia, celebrate their achievements, and crown the winners of the Design and Student Awards.
By Celia Purdey
(All images provided by Wendell Teodoro)
Set against a backdrop of grandeur and history, the 30th Anniversary of the Millinery Association was celebrated in style. The association partnered with TAFE NSW for the event, as it is the sole provider of a Certificate qualification in Millinery, showcasing their commitment to the industry. TAFE educators and association members Andrea Cainero, Head of School at the Fashion Design Studio (FDS) in Ultimo, and Penelope Gervaise, who teaches Entertainment, Design, and Illustration at the Design Centre Enmore, organised the event.
Cainero was the winner of last year’s Design Award, so is aware of just how special the night is.
This year’s gala took place in the historic Muse building in Sydney, formerly home to
the Powerhouse Museum. One hundred and twenty guests including milliners and millinery enthusiasts from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia enjoyed a curated exhibition of entries from the Design and Student Awards. More than 70 hats were on display, showcasing the breadth of talent from the millinery community.
The Design Award saw a record 58 entries, each interpreting the theme ‘Pearls’. Judging these diverse designs was a challenge, focusing on design, technical skill, and wearability. The panel included Rick McGill, Kerrie Stanley, Andrea Cainero, and Donny Galella.
Bronwyn Shook of The Millinery Department was the talented winner, with a stunning piece titled ‘A Galaxy of Wisdom’,
celebrating the association’s anniversary with a creative and thoughtful design.
A theatrical milliner whose work spans theatre, film, and television, Shook began with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She specialised in millinery after a grant and apprenticeship with Jean Carroll OAM. After 12 years working with Carroll, Shook took over the business upon her retirement. Next year marks 25 years in millinery and nearly 30 years in costume design.
Shook has collaborated with leading theatre companies and earned accolades for her designs. “The problem-solving aspect of millinery keeps me motivated,” Shook reflects. “Each project is a new challenge, and there’s always something new to learn. Seeing my work on stage or screen is immensely rewarding.”
Her winning design not only reflects the elegance of pearls but also encapsulates the collective wisdom and support within the millinery community. “I have been really lucky in my career to have learnt from and been supported by some incredible milliners whose work I admire greatly,” she said.
Shook’s piece transforms the traditional image of pearls from oceanic treasures into celestial symbols. Moving beyond maritime associations, she drew inspiration from the night sky. “In a competition you really need to find a way for your entry to stand out,” Shook notes. “That’s what led me to try and find a different interpretation, and ultimately, create what looks like the sky at night, using the pearls as the stars.”
The creation process involved customdyeing fur felt and silk satin to achieve a deep midnight blue, setting the stage for her celestial theme. Shook meticulously mapped out the placement of ‘stars’ using a unique technique – printing a galaxy image, punching star placements, and testing the layout before cutting into her materials. This thoughtful preparation ensured the final piece accurately reflected her vision.
Shook crafted a Breton-style brim and a shallow dome crown, designed to sit at the back of the head and create a halo effect.
“I wanted it to appear as though the stars were circling the wearer’s head,” she explains. Embedding pearls into the felt, rather than placing them on the surface, allowed for a multi-dimensional effect that captured light from various angles. Tiny crystals added to the design enhance the illusion of twinkling stars.
A final whimsical touch was the addition of a tiny astronaut figurine, discreetly perched on the crown of the hat. This playful element, visible only from the back, reflects Shook’s love for detail. “I really love the element of surprise and wanted to add a little bit of fun to my piece,” she says.
Shook’s experience in theatrical millinery continually informs her design approach. “My theatrical work really helps me to create pieces that are truly unique. I’m not necessarily focused on what is in fashion right now. I’m more interested in creating something that stands out from the crowd,” she notes. “It is mostly through competitions that I get to really push my design skills.”
Shook remains optimistic about the future of millinery. “I think that Australian millinery is some of the best in the world,” she observes. “There are so many milliners at the top of their game who are coming up with new and interesting ways to interpret millinery. The future certainly looks bright.”
This optimism is echoed by the impressive entries for the Student Award, which highlight the vibrant and innovative spirit shaping the future of millinery.
The 2024 theme, ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’, inspired a dazzling tribute to a cinematic icon. For winner, Aheleas ‘Archie’ Kotsopoulos, the theme immediately evoked the unforgettable image of the giant high heel atop the bus with Felicia Jollygoodfellow, portrayed by Guy Pearce in the film. This scene set the stage for a creative vision that was both bold and reflective.
Bronwyn Shook of The Millinery Department won the Design Award with a stunning piece titled ‘A Galaxy of Wisdom’. The design symbolises the collective wisdom within the millinery community, with the pearls acting as celestial symbols. (Wendell Teodoro)
“I was instantly drawn to the scene where Felicia sits on the high heel,” says Kotsopoulos. “I wanted to capture the wind sweeping through the silver fabric, reflecting a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy setting challenges for myself and pushing boundaries, and I believe my design achieved the vision I had imagined.”
The design process was a meticulous journey. The headpiece began with a pillbox base fashioned from sinamay, shaped with a visor constructed from millinery wire and crinoline, symbolising the bus’s windscreen and grill. The challenge was to replicate the wind’s movement through silver fabric. To achieve this, Kotsopoulos used millinery wire to create a frame draped in silver lamé. By sewing multiple lines and inserting fishing line into the fabric, a flowing, windswept effect was realised – a feat accomplished over two weeks of intensive craftsmanship and experimentation.
Kotsopoulos has a background in fashion and fashion jewellery, with more than 20 years’ experience in the field. Driven by his passion for creativity and a desire for new challenges, he decided to broaden his skills and explore the art of millinery. “I have always been passionate about craftsmanship, and I believe millinery offers the artistic freedom to experiment with shapes and materials. Taking the concept from idea to finished product and seeing it appreciated by others is deeply satisfying and rewarding,” he says.
Looking forward, Kotsopoulos envisions a vibrant future for the industry. “I believe that millinery is making a strong comeback, with many existing and new brands infusing their designs with unique twists and interpretations. While they may not always follow traditional methods, millinery is a canvas for each designer’s imagination. We are all striving for innovation and originality, and I am always excited to see new creations that emerge.”
For the Student Award theme ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,’ winner Archie Kotsopoulos captured the iconic image of Felicia Jollygoodfellow on the giant high heel, evoking a sense of freedom and adventure through his bold design. (Wendell Teodoro)
FRESH from START to FINISH
This spring, Flemington is set to shine once again as a beacon of glamour and sophistication. To ensure racegoers look their best throughout Cup Week, Runway Room, an Australian-made cosmetics brand renowned for its ageless and ethical beauty solutions, will set up three exclusive pamper stations across the course.
By Celia Purdey
Alex Fevola fondly recalls the early days of her beauty services business, especially the vibrant atmosphere during spring racing season. “We’d start so early in the morning to provide hair and makeup services for girls heading to the races. The energy was fantastic, and many of those racegoers became loyal clients,” she reminisces.
In a full-circle moment, Fevola’s Runway Room brand will be featured throughout Cup Week with pamper bars located in The Birdcage, the Atrium, and the Chairman’s Lounge. These stations will offer racegoers the chance to refresh their look or indulge in a beauty treat between races. “We want to ensure that everyone feels their best,” Fevola explains. “Our team will be on hand to provide complimentary touch-ups and personalised beauty advice, so each guest leaves feeling fabulous and confident.”
Fevola’s journey in the beauty industry began in her role as a makeup artist before branching into photography. Her unique blend of skills allowed her to create complete looks
– from makeup and hair styling to capturing the final vision through the lens. Specialising in weddings, model portfolios, and actors’ headshots, Fevola cherished the transformative effect of her work on clients, which inspired the creation of Runway Room.
“We connected the dots between makeup and hair styling, making it accessible for everyday occasions,” she notes. Driven by a passion for delivering exceptional beauty experiences, Fevola’s beauty services brand evolved to also become a makeup range that marries affordability with premium quality. “We keep the price point reasonable while using premium ingredients and packaging,” Fevola says.
ALEX’S TIPS to be RACE READY
1 . Achieve a radiant complexion
Embrace a fresh, dewy look. Focus on a glowing complexion with products that give a luminous finish.
2 Start with a quality primer
A high-quality primer, like the Glow Primer, is essential for a smooth base. It ensures your makeup lasts all day while giving you that radiant effect.
3 Opt for lightweight foundation
Choose a light, breathable foundation that provides coverage without feeling heavy –perfect for the daytime.
4 . Select cool-toned eyeshadows
Go for shades of lavender, grey, and soft pastels. These tones are ideal for spring and complement a range of skin tones.
5 Choose lip colours wisely
For Derby Day, consider a bold statement lip in vibrant shades like bright orange-red or magenta. For Oaks Day, softer pastel tones, like a beautiful coral pink, are elegant and chic.
6 Avoid matching your lipstick exactly to your outfit
Use contrasting shades to enhance your look – pair a nude palette with a bold red lip or a red dress with a more subdued nude lip.
7 Choose mineral loose powder
For a flawless skin finish, mineral loose powder is a great choice. It helps create an even and polished complexion.
8 . Never skip sunscreen
On race days, protecting your skin from UV rays is essential. Apply sunscreen as the first step in your makeup routine.
9 . Pick the right tools
Use a soft, fluffy brush like the Glow-Up Brush for a flawless application. Avoid stiff brushes that can apply too much product. A wellblended, soft finish is key.
10 . Embrace a peachy glow
Create a radiant complexion with a peachy bronzer across your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Enhance your look with blush and highlighter on your cheeks and eyes for a cohesive glow.
11 . Go for natural brows
This season favours softer, more natural eyebrows. Instead of heavy, dramatic brows, use a brow pencil or gel with a light hand to define and fill in your brows for a subtle look.
12 Consider individual lashes
For a natural yet voluminous finish, opt for individual lash clumps rather than full-strip lashes. They provide a seamless look and just the right amount of volume for day events.
Melbourne Cup Carnival, 1965
The iconic image of Jean Shrimpton captures a moment in Australian fashion, highlighting the rapid changes taking place in the ‘60s.
Jean Shrimpton held her head high, smiling, whilst women looked at her and men gazed upon her. This was a breath of fresh air, and a new chapter in fashion history was born.
