Caulfield’s most magnificent affair has reached its finale, culminating in an extraordinary Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Day, enlivened by sensational Group 1 racing and premium race day experiences.
The crowds showed up in droves as 24,289 burst through the turnstiles to immerse themselves in one of racing’s most highly anticipated days with history made as Durston and Michael Dee were added to the list of greats having won the $5 million Group 1 Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup.
Durston has today delivered an upset in the $5 million Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup (2400m) after galloping past his more fancied rivals in front of a heaving crowd.
Among Caulfield’s spectacle of activations across the course, Cup Day backers were treated at every turn.
The Moët was popping, cocktails were flowing, food plentiful, entertainment abundant, and the atmosphere electric, as special guests were treated to a spectacular day trackside, wined, and dined by Melbourne’s finest offerings including St. Hubert’s, Bar Aperitivo, and Champagne House presented by Moët & Chandon, located within the glittering new corporate and VIP precinct, The Avenue.
The Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Ambassador Olympia Bellchambers arrived in a pop of colour alongside partner, Thomas Bellchambers. Other Friends of Caulfield spotted trackside included MRC Style Stakes Ambassador, Rozalia Russian, with her partner and hospitality mogul, Nick Russian, Australian Actor and TV presenter, Daniel MacPherson, model and designer, Nadia Bartel, celebrity stylist and MRC Style Stakes Judge, Lana Wilkinson, Melbourne model and influencer, Rebecca Harding, fashion icon and designer, Effie Kats and sporting heroes Australian Surfing Champion and Olympic medallist Owen Wright and Australian long-distance runner and Olympian, Stewart McSweyn.
Racing Spectators were back and more stylish than ever, with bright and bold ensembles of Hot Pink, Bright Orange and Kelly Green dominating the day.
Many entered the incredible Style Stakes competition, flaunting their most fashionable frocks. Most of the ladies were captured wearing beautiful headpieces and although times have changed and this is no longer a prerequisite or strict rule, it seems that headwear is still popular amongst most and a great way to style from head to toe!
The panel of expert judges including Jason Grech, Lana Wilkinson, Melissa Singer, and Joey Scandizzo were left with a tough task to crown their winners. When all was said and done, David Galea took out 2022’s Best Fashion Moment while Sue Lichti claimed Best Member Fashion Moment, seeing each sent home with a cool $10,000.
The Melbourne Racing Club is ecstatic to have welcomed racegoers back to experience an unforgettable race day like no-other, capping off what has been a phenomenal 2022 Caulfield Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival.
By Melinda Sullivan
