Over 100,000 racegoers are expected to attend Emirates Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington, on the first Tuesday in November, with the race that stops a nation™ to be run at 3pm (AEDST).

Nine internationally trained horses will be vying for the $6.2 million in prize money on offer in the world’s richest handicap, the Emirates Melbourne Cup, although it is Fiorente, trained by the first lady of racing Gai Waterhouse, which is currently favourite with the TAB.

The exclusive Birdcage enclosure will play host to local and international celebrities including VRC and Emirates international guest Kate Upton, VRC international style guest Coco Rocha, and Geri Halliwell at Emirates; Charlotte Dawson at Lexus;Dita Von Teese at Myer; Roger Sanchez at Lavazza; Danielle Spencer, Pia Miller and the Moulin Rouge Dancers at G.H. Mumm; and DJ Andy Murphy at Schweppes to name a few.

VRC international style guest Coco Rocha will arrive at Flemington at 11.40am for a media call at the Birdcage Bar – located between the Herald Sun Marquee and The Perch on the Birdcage front row. Coco Rocha will be available for photographs and interviews during this time.

Guest of VRC and Emirates Kate Upton will arrive at Flemington at 12.30pm for a media call at the Emirates Marquee. Kate will be available for photographs and interviews during this time.

The traditional pre-Emirates Melbourne Cup entertainment will feature Lucy Durack from musical theatre productions Wicked andLegally Blonde the Musical, and David Hobson from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang singing a the duet Dare to Dream, followed by Durack’s solo of the Australian National Anthem.

At the conclusion of the performance the Emirates Melbourne Cup will be carried in by Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassador and winning jockey John Marshall, who won on Rogan Josh in 1999.

In the fashion stakes, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day is the day to make your strongest fashion statement with bold looks and colours.  In the stunning Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure, hosted by Jeff Banks and Melissa Hetherington, the Women’s Racewear competition continues, followed by the invitation-only Design Award, to be judged by a panel of experts including the VRC’s International Style Guest Coco Rocha, Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Rebecca Bramich, Kate Waterhouse, Dita Von Teese, Leona Edmiston and Myer Ambassador Lauren Phillips.

This year’s competition boasts a coveted prize pool valued at more than $400,000, including a brand new Lexus IS 300h F Sport valued at $75,459.

General admission ticket holders will receive an enhanced experience with Timmy Trumpet performing alongside the Nova Domeand Johnnie Walker Whisky Bar at Hill Square, pampering from the Swisse Wellness Day Spa hosted by Lleyton Hewitt, a VIP marquee experience at Yellowglen House, decadent cocktails at the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, complimentaryJulius Marlow Shoe Shine Stations, gourmet fare from the My Kitchen Rules Laneway and Merrywell pop-up, and views of the Winning Post in the new James Boag’s Premium Celebration Deck Bar.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival will also offer free entry to children under 16 and accompanied by an adult.

Limited tickets to Emirates Melbourne Cup Day are still available and must be pre-purchased from Ticketek outlets or website, Federation Square or Flinders Street, Southern Cross or North Melbourne train stations.

The Emirates Melbourne Cup Post-Race Media Conference, featuring the winning trainer, jockey and connections, will take place in the Media Centre at approximately 3.30pm.  Space is limited and media must contact Marcus Williams in the Media Centre prior to 2.30pm to request access.

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