For the third consecutive year, James McDonald won the Ron Hutchinson Award for leading jockey over the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with 30 points, followed by Jamie Kah on 23 points, who finished the week with the most wins for Cup Week on six, and Blake Shinn on 22 points.
In the J B Cummings Award for trainers, it was Chris Waller who took the title for 2023 ahead of James Cummings and Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace both on 15 points.
Waller and the Maher/Eustace partnership were joined by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young with three winners for the week.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said he was delighted to welcome large crowds and exceptional horses to Flemington.
“The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival has delivered fantastic racing and everything that Flemington is synonymous for across fashion, food and entertainment,” Mr Rosich said.
“It’s been phenomenal to welcome big crowds for each day of the carnival, including thousands of interstate and international visitors, and to finish on a high with elite racing under blue skies on TAB Champions Stakes Day.
“TAB Champions Stakes Day has closed out yet another hugely successful Melbourne Cup Carnival, and we thank the 262,000 racegoers that have come through the gates of Flemington and everyone celebrating from home for being a part of it all.
“The VRC would also like to acknowledge all the hard work and commitment to Cup Week from all racing participants, our sponsors and partners, our entire workforce and all of our volunteers.
“We now look ahead to a fantastic summer and autumn program of racing at Flemington.”
The world-famous Birdcage Enclosure again played host to a roster of champions including Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador and Australian Diamonds Captain Liz Watson, Geelong great Tom Hawkins and his wife Emma Hawkins, Collingwood premiership player Isaac Quaynor, Olympian Peter Bol, Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen, VRC Ambassador and Paralympian Emma Booth, AFLW stars Sarah Hosking, Jess Hosking, Grace Egan and Eilish Sheerin for the VRC, actor Rachel Griffiths and social personality Ruby Brownless for Lexus, social personality Annalise Dalins with G.H Mumm, Australian cricket great Glenn McGrath and Australian Diamonds Netballer Jo Weston for TAB, and AFL players Ivan Soldo, Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe and Harrison Petty for Schweppes.
The greatest race week in Australia concluded with a flourish on and off the track. Spice Girl Melanie C, known to a generation as Sporty Spice, took to the stage at Palooza, Flemington’s newest festival-inspired entertainment offering, bringing her DJ set straight from Glastonbury and Ibiza to Melbourne. Melanie C also made an appearance in the famous Birdcage.
In its 61st year, Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field in The Park attracted stylish entrants across the first three days of Cup Week with the competition coming to a spectacular close on Kennedy Oaks Day.