Tens of thousands have already arrived at Flemington Racecourse to celebrate the final day of the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) Melbourne Cup Carnival, enjoying the sunshine with family and friends on Emirates Stakes Day.
Emirates Stakes Day is headlined by two $1 million Group 1 races – the Patinack Farm Classic, which was won by the Darley-trained Mental, and the Emirates Stakes at 3:00pm.
Fashionable youngsters aged six to 17 years will take to the catwalk in their finest racing attire for the popular Emirates Stakes Day Fashions on the Field.
Families have set up picnic rugs on Flemington’s front lawns, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Emirates Stakes Day.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Maribyrnong Plate was taken out by Direct Charge, the Momentum Energy Trophy won by Good Charge, the Antler Luggage Handicap awarded to Sertorius and Eximius claimed the Hilton Hotels Stakes.
At The Zone, children of all ages have been enjoying a variety of activities on offer, including art and craft, mini golf and face painting. X Factor winner Reece Mastin will entertain crowds with a special performance at 3:20pm, including a meet and greet for fans.
The Bureau of Metrology is predicting a warm afternoon, with crowds of more than 60,000 expected to turn out for the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
By 2:00pm more than 36,000 had travelled to Flemington by train, with many more arriving by road, air and sea.
At 2:30pm the Lloyd Williams-owned Fawkner was favourite for the Emirates Stakes at $4.80 with The TAB.