A Day of Glamour, Inspiration, and Entertainment with British singer Craig David.
Yesterday, the Crown Palladium was once again transformed into a spectacular display of Spring Racing elegance, as over 1,250 guests gathered for the highly anticipated annual Crown Oaks Club Lunch. This year’s event was hosted by Samantha Armytage, from the reality series “The Golden Bachelor,” and joining her, the ever-charismatic James Bracey.

The event was graced by special guests, including tennis legend Jelena Dokic, who captivated attendees with her inspiring journey, and Kishwar Chowdhury, a beloved MasterChef alumni and Good Friday Appeal Ambassador.

Among the notable attendees were VRC Chairman Neil Wilson, VRC CEO Kylie Rogers, and the ever-inspiring Michelle Payne OAM, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Former Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson, Livinia Nixon, Sylvia Jeffreys, and Alex Fevola also added to the star-studded line-up, making the day a true celebration of elegance and success.





As guests relished exquisite culinary delights and sipped on fine wines, they were treated to a delightful musical interlude by British singer Craig David. Known for his smooth vocals and infectious rhythms, Craig gave a sneak peek of his performance set for today at the Crown Oaks at Flemington. He serenaded the crowd with some of his greatest hits, including “7 Days” and “Walking Away,” filling the atmosphere with joy and nostalgia with a packed dance floor.

Reflecting on his time in Australia, Craig expressed his excitement: “Some of my favourite memories have been made in Australia. I love the energy, I love the vibes, I love the Australian crowds. I love how you’ve always shown me so much love and embraced me every single time I’ve come, and I’m very excited to be back performing at Flemington.”
As the event wrapped up, one thing was clear: the Crown Oaks Club Lunch continues to be a beloved tradition, bringing people together in a spectacular showcase of fashion, friendship, and fun. We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!
Written by Melinda Sullivan.
Photography by Lucas Dawson.