Imagine a day where the thrill of horse racing collides with non-stop partying, celebrity glamour, and a massive economic lift for the entire state – that's the magic (and mayhem) of Melbourne Cup Day in all its glory. If you're wondering what makes this event so irresistible, stick around as we dive into the festivities that had everyone from politicians to punters letting their hair down.
Under the banners of national news and the heart of the city (check out more at https://www.theage.com.au/national and https://www.theage.com.au/topic/cbd-melbourne-6fxl), Melbourne Cup Day has this inexplicable pull that goes way beyond the cocktails flowing freely. It's not just about the drinks; it's the vibe that encourages folks to unwind and embrace the fun.
For celebrities, the draw is irresistible: gourmet bites, stunning outfits, complimentary perks, and for a lucky handful, even paid gigs to show up. Then there are the local 'melebrities' – Melbourne's own stars – who soak up all those goodies while basking in the admiration from out-of-town VIPs who come to pay homage on home soil. It's like a who's who of fame, where egos get a gentle stroke amid the excitement.
The everyday punters, numbering a whopping 84,374 who passed through the gates on Tuesday, head there to glam up in their finest, place a few bets, and sneak peeks at the high-rollers. Meanwhile, business bigwigs mingle under the guise of 'networking,' often with a drink in hand to smooth the conversations. And let's not forget the politicians, who keep a keen eye on how this crown jewel of the city's event lineup supercharges the Victorian economy – think millions poured into hospitality, tourism, and retail, creating jobs and buzz that lasts weeks.
But hold on – CBD didn't realize that alongside being Australia's premier events hub, Melbourne doubles as the ultimate dance battleground. And this is the part most people miss: the unexpected dance-offs that steal the show from the races themselves.
The top honor for grooviest mover goes to Sam Groth, the shadow minister who's no stranger to busting moves, channeling his energetic style from the LIV Golf bash in South Australia. As a retired tennis pro, Groth couldn't resist a spontaneous jig right there on the ground level of the Crown marquee. He shared the spotlight with Crown ambassador Bec Judd, a vocal advocate against home invasions, and her circle of former AFL stars, including husband Chris Judd and Tom Hawkins. For context, the Groths and Judds had just partied hard to DJ Dom Dolla's beats at that Adelaide LIV Golf event, where Groth stirred up some heat over using public funds for his travel and stay – a reminder of how taxpayer money can fuel personal fun, sparking debates on accountability.
Coming in a close second for dance flair was artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele, married to MONA museum founder David Walsh. She turned the dance floor at the Mumm tent into her personal stage, twisting and turning dramatically in a sky-blue gown and red stilettos, right in front of a live saxophonist. This came hot on the heels of her feature on ABC's Australian Story, which had the whole country talking about her bold life and art. To clarify for newcomers: MONA is Tasmania's edgy Museum of Old and New Art, known for provocative exhibits, and Kaechele once made headlines by taking a cheeky legal stand in Tasmania's Supreme Court to keep men out of the museum's women-only Ladies Lounge – a stunt that blurred lines between art and activism.
"She's not tipsy, folks," a nearby spectator assured CBD, "she's just vibing to that saxophone." Perhaps Kaechele was toasting jockey Jamie Melham's groundbreaking Melbourne Cup victory, the kind of underdog story that inspires dreamers everywhere.
One celebrant who was over the moon about Melham's triumph was Michelle Payne, the trailblazing first woman to win the Cup back in 2015 – a decade ago! She was spotted owning the dance floor alongside her brother Stevie, a heartfelt sibling duo channeling pure joy after years in the spotlight.
Shifting gears to the political scene, while federal MPs toiled away in Canberra on a sitting day, it left the runway open for Victoria's leaders to shine at Flemington.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll stepped up in Premier Jacinta Allan's absence (she skipped again, fueling whispers about her event priorities), kicking off in the Committee Room before bouncing between marquees. "I swung by Lexus earlier, and now I'm off to greet the Crown team," he shared. "It's all about backing our local enterprises that are out there promoting Melbourne's spirit today." See? We weren't kidding about the economic angle – events like this inject vitality into businesses, from caterers to designers, proving why governments love to tout the 'multiplier effect' on the economy.
A Birdcage fixture, ex-foreign minister and Australian National University chancellor Julie Bishop jetted in from London – fresh off a royal rendezvous with King Charles at St James's Palace for his charity, The King's Trust – and made a beeline for the Lexus marquee. It's like a field trip for grown-ups, and speaking of which, Nine Network personalities like Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo ditched their own branded tent to crash the upper level of Crown's setup. Not in the ultra-exclusive VIP zone, though – they rubbed elbows with everyday fans, aka their devoted audience, keeping things relatable.
Also in the mix was an influential cluster: former Governor Linda Dessau with her lawyer husband Tony Howard, plus CBD darling Janet Whiting, chair of the National Gallery of Victoria. They hobnobbed with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and ex-NAB exec Helen Silver, who's penned a key report on trimming public sector jobs. In tough economic times with budget squeezes, you might question if such lavish schmoozing fits – but hey, they're quick to pivot to how the Cup funnels cash into the state coffers, creating a ripple of prosperity. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this networking essential, or just an excuse for a good time on the public's dime? What do you think?
Bishop touched on her recent chat with the King, timed amid the ongoing saga with Prince Andrew (now Andrew Mountbatten Windsor), whose scandals keep tabloids buzzing. "Not a word was mentioned," she noted wryly.
For race day, Bishop rocked a vivid orange Leo Lin frock paired with a Nerida Winter fascinator, hailing the occasion's "lively community spirit." "What a fantastic way to mark a Tuesday," she enthused. She's thriving in her post-politics gig as a UN envoy and ANU chancellor, adding, "It's demanding work, but we're pushing ANU toward global top-tier status." That's bold confidence – or clever spin? Especially since an ANU staffer once called her 'hostile and arrogant' in emotional testimony to a parliamentary probe (details at https://www.theage.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5moes), claims she flatly rejects. This kind of backlash raises eyebrows: Can ex-politicians truly reinvent themselves in academia, or does old baggage linger?
At Flemington, hierarchies rule just like in Melbourne society at large. Skip the luxury Lexus rides or Crown's penthouse perks; the ultimate badge of prestige is a personal invite from Victoria Racing Club chair Neil Wilson to his elite Committee Room – prime real estate with the best views.
Savoring those spots were Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner and husband Glyn Davis, Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan, and Nine's top exec Matt Stanton. The room buzzed with Allan Labor cabinet members at a fancy seated lunch gazing over the mounting yard: Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos (perfect fit for the gig), Police Minister Anthony Carbines, and Economic Growth Minister Danny Pearson (naturally overseeing the fiscal perks).
Eager to flip the Liberals' string of election woes, Sam Groth teamed up in the Kirin marquee with party heavyweights Cindy McLeish and Evan Mulholland.
McLeish, a vocal Melham supporter, nailed a quinella bet by noon and cashed in big when Half Yours, ridden by Melham, crossed the finish line first – a savvy pick that turned heads and wallets happy.
Over in the TAB marquee, ex-Victorian Liberal president Michael Kroger commanded attention next to Michael Photios, the ex-NSW Liberal minister now a heavyweight lobbyist. Power plays like these underscore how racing days double as unofficial political summits.
And rarely does Melbourne Cup drama spill into federal question time in Canberra, but it did this time. Goldstein MP Tim Wilson, still griping from Derby Day about parliament clashing with Cup week, channeled Tony Abbott's repetitive flair, vowing no such overlap under a hypothetical 'Wilson government.'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fired back at Wilson, nodding to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's internal tussles: "Not sure about your backbench mates, but you're safe from this guy taking the top job." Wilson clapped back, echoing his earlier CBD chat, accusing Albo of 'punching down on Melbourne.' "Albanese gets Melbourne's culture all wrong," he insisted – for the umpteenth time.
But here's a controversial twist to ponder: In an era of work-life balance debates, should national duties ever trump a beloved local tradition like the Cup, or is Wilson right to fight for its sanctity? And what about the blurred lines between politics, partying, and public funds – does it boost the economy enough to justify the spectacle, or is it time for a rethink? Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you side with the revelers or the reformers? I'd love to hear if you've ever danced your way through a big event like this!
