The iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival 2018 will be held from 3 -10 November at Flemington Racecourse, 6km north-west of Melbourne CBD and features four days of horse racing, fashion, entertainment, culture, food and wine all at one venue.
This spectacular event commenced in 1861 and has become so celebrated it has become a public holiday in Victoria with a combined attendance across four days over 350,000. It is the highlight of the sporting calendar for Victorians, Australians and many overseas visitors who are welcome to adorn their national formal attire.
Flemington Racecourse is one of the oldest and most beautiful racetracks in the world and is renowned for it’s fabulous roses, which are always in full bloom during the carnival. It is the largest public rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Each race day throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival has a dress code and flower dedicated to the day. A single bloom for your lapel can be sought from local florists and are also available to purchase on arrival to the track, arrive early so you don’t miss out.
Avoid the fashion faux pas when attending race days by ensuring you look the part and follow the race day fashion etiquette. Co-ordinate your outfit with the flower of the day and don’t forget; ladies, a hat, fascinator and clutch bag is a must, gentlemen it’s all about the key accessories that you wear i.e. bow tie, hat, pocket square. There are many do’s and don’ts of dressing standards on what you can and can’t wear, visit www.flemington.com.au to ensure your day at Flemington is the best it can be.
Day 1 – AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Saturday November 3
Considered perhaps the most prestigious day of the Carnival, being the first day everyone is eager and enthusiastic, there is an air of sophistication and anticipation. The dress code is traditionally black and white for ladies whilst men often choose to wear a grey morning suit and hat thus creating a style of glamour and elegance. Blue cornflower is the flower of the day.
Day 2 – Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday November 6
‘The race that stops a nation’, is always held first Tuesday in November and attracts over 100,000 race goers on the day. Considered Australia’s most significant annual Thoroughbred horse race, the richest two-mile handicap event in the world, with 2018 prize money valued over $7 million. The winner will receive $4 million in cash with the winning jockey taking home 10% of that. Even the 12th place getter will take home $150,000.
The Melbourne Cup trophy is worth a staggering $150,000 and is made from 18 carat gold, weighing nearly 3 kilos and awarded to the owner/s of the winning horse. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent placing a bet on this race alone, whether its by sweepstakes, bookmaker or TAB.
Dressing for Melbourne Cup Day is all about fashion with bright & bold colours, ostentatious headwear and standout accessories complimented with the yellow rose of the day. It’s a day where people ‘strut their stuff’.
Day 3 – Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday November 8
Traditionally known as ‘Ladies Day’ to encourage females to frequent the races in their feminine best attire showing beauty, style and grace. Hats and fascinators are a must and you may even be good enough to be crowned Queen of Myer Fashions on the Field. It’s also a great day for men to dress up, show off their own fashion style and socks are no longer a required item! The flower to adorn your most fashionable outfit is a pink rose.
Day 4 – Seppelt Wines Stakes Day, Saturday November 10
The final race day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, encourages families to partake, have fun and enjoy this family-friendly day out. As children are welcome, it is a more relaxed dress day and has become a big day for future fashion trendsetters.
You’ll need a red rose today and it is the perfect way to finish Melbourne Cup week with many free activities for children including fashions on the field for the younger set.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a fully ticketed event, pre purchase tickets on line and at some metro stations as tickets are not available at the racecourse. Remember to download the mobile Flemington Raceday Guide in the App Store to enhance your on course experience.
Attending this prestigious event is easy when staying at Waterfront Melbourne Apartments on the Yarra River. Water taxi transfers to Flemington Racecourse are on our doorstep and Southern Cross Station is just a ten-minute walk where you can catch a direct train to Flemington Racecourse Railway Station, taking less than 30 minutes. You will need a Myki card for this journey.
Besides taking an umbrella due to the unpredictable Melbourne weather, gentlemen ensure your pocket square compliments the right flower of the day and ladies pack a pair of flats as backup if you don’t think you can last the whole day in heels.