Flemington in full bloom

With over 260,000 attendees expected across the four days of the Carnival, Flemington is poised to once again become a global showcase of world-class racing, fashion, entertainment, and culinary excellence.

Rogers highlights the Carnival's universal appeal, noting, “The Melbourne Cup Carnival offers something for everyone. It uniquely intersects various passions: for sports fans, there’s world-class racing; for music lovers, we have incredible headline acts; and for fashion enthusiasts, it’s the only Carnival with its own fashion category, featuring a $370,000 prize pool. Food and wine lovers will also be delighted with the exceptional offerings available.” This year, the increase of younger racegoers adds to the vibrant atmosphere, as she observes, “This Carnival provides a fantastic experience for a younger audience to enjoy Flemington.” In fact, 44% of general admission ticket buyers are between the ages of 18 and 30, highlighting a refreshing demographic shift.

Behind the scenes, a monumental effort ensures a seamless experience for patrons. James Reid, Executive General Manager of Operations, shares insights into the preparations. “Approximately 14,000 people are on-site, including security, cleaners, gardeners, caterers, and other supply partners, ensuring everything is ready for tomorrow.” This year, approximately 18,000 bottles of champagne, more than 20,000 chicken sandwiches, and half a ton of crayfish from Western Australia will be served. Reid also emphasises the importance of safety. “With tomorrow's forecast in the mid-20s, we encourage patrons to dress appropriately for the weather and to drink plenty of water, with lots of free water stations available on-site. We also have plenty of hats in our merchandise range for those who may forget theirs. With an anticipated 80,000 people attending Flemington tomorrow, public transport is the best option. However, for those who choose to drive or rideshare, we advise allowing plenty of time to arrive.” He also expressed gratitude to agencies such as the Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, who have worked tirelessly with the VRC to ensure a safe event.

DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan echoes Reid’s suggestions around the importance of celebrating responsibly, stating, “DrinkWise aims to ensure that everyone attending the Melbourne Cup Carnival has a safe and enjoyable experience.” He encourages attendees to “leave the keys at home” if they plan to drink, reinforcing the commitment to safety and ensuring that the excitement of the Carnival can be enjoyed responsibly.

For racing enthusiasts, Liam O’Keeffe, Senior Manager Flemington Racecourse, provides expert insight into the track’s readiness. “The Flemington course is currently rated a Good 4, and for Derby Day, the running rail is set in the true position.” Additionally, he highlights the wind conditions as a tactical factor for jockeys to consider tomorrow; “The wind will create a headwind for horses on the home turn, which jockeys will need to account for.”

Looking ahead to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, the forecast shows a pleasant 22 degrees, which is ideal for both the horses and participants. O’Keeffe and his team will apply plenty of water throughout the weekend to maintain the track’s quality. They will also mow more than 40 hectares of turf on the course and adjust over 10 kilometres of running rail over the next week, to ensure everything is in top condition for the horses.

Flemington’s iconic roses add an extra layer of magic to the Carnival atmosphere and Senior Manager Grounds and Gardens Mick Ryan shares his dedication to the stunning floral displays, even after 35 years on the job. “It’s been a fantastic year for roses at Flemington, thanks to Melbourne’s weather. Back in August, I was quite nervous after pruning 16,500 roses, especially since it was the warmest August on record. However, the results have been rewarding. This week, the weather calmed down, which helped immensely.” Ryan and his team’s process for the roses began in April, culminating in the biggest reveal at 3:05pm on Tuesday. “The dedication of my team of 21 gardeners has been exceptional; they’ve put in long hours tending to the 18 hectares of lawns and over two-and-a-half kilometres of hedging. We’ve also incorporated about 3,000 temporary flowers to enhance the grounds,” he said. The iconic rose arbour, which was refreshed a few years ago with new roses, is also looking beautiful, with Ryan admitting it gave him “goosebumps”.