A crowd of 98,823 people watched outsider Fiveandahalfstar win the 2012 AAMI Victoria Derby in a thriller at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse today.
Damian Oliver steered the Anthony Cummings-trained colt to victory ahead of Super Cool and Rawnaq, with favourite It’s A Dundeel unable to place. Today’s win was Oliver’s third AAMI Victoria Derby crown and he dedicated the win to his brother Jason who died ten years ago.
The brightest star among a host of celebrities trackside was Swisse Vitamins’ guest Nicole Kidman, who created a buzz in a stunning L’Wren Scott dress and hat by renowned milliner, Stephen Jones.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Dale Monteith said the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival was a fitting start to Australia’s most anticipated week of racing.
“Melbourne turned on the weather for a successful AAMI Victoria Derby Day with a crowd well above that of the last couple of years,” said Mr Monteith.
“Today’s exceptionally high standard of racing and good behaviour from the crowd patrons has heightened anticipation for the remainder of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”
Melbourne’s public transport system handled the increased demand well as more than 55,000 patrons travelled to Flemington by rail.
In a day which saw four Group One races contested at Flemington, racewear fashion competed with thoroughbreds for the crowd’s attention.
Lisa Wellings from Sydney took out the Women’s Racewear Daily Final in a gold Toni Maticevski tailored dress with sleeves. Wellings accentuated the stunning outfit with beige and black millinery 30’s inspired millinery.
First runner-up Elise Crews from Pascoe Vale epitomised Derby Day in a structured black and white asymmetric dress with black millinery. The classic trend continued with a pearl bracelet and earrings.
St Kilda’s Emma Gooding was 2nd runner-up dressed in a Toni Maticevski modern black and silver dress. The outfit was teamed with a modern millinery twist, a black mask that fell beneath the eyes teamed with vintage jewellery.
Myer Fashions on the Field continues on Emirates Melbourne Cup 2012 Day with Women’s Racewear in the morning, followed by the invitation-only Design Award, with VRC International Style Ambassador Philip Treacy joining the judging panel.
The VRC is expecting a strong crowd at Flemington on Tuesday for the running of the 152nd Emirates Melbourne Cup.