17,162 racegoers kicked off the 2022 Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival, settling in trackside for a golden edition of Neds Caulfield Guineas Day.
Three springs in the making, happy punters descended on the Heath, with the day proving a roaring success for all, most notably so for Godolphin as Caulfield today turned blue on a red-letter day for the stable, headlined by Golden Mile’s victory in the $3 million Neds Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
Neds Caulfield Guineas Day Special Guest and Australian champion swimmer, Kyle Chalmers, appeared trackside for his first-ever race day at Caulfield alongside Australian long-distance runner and Olympian, Stewart McSweyn, and MRC Style Stakes Ambassador, Rozalia Russian, with her partner Nick Russian. Rozalia was styled by Jess Pecorano in Oroton and Maison Valentino.
In the new corporate and VIP precinct, The Avenue, guests were wined and dined throughout Bar Aperitivo, St. Hubert’s and Champagne House presented by Moët & Chandon.
Geelong premiership player Mitch Duncan, broadcast beauty Jacqui Felgate, Collingwood Football Club midfielder, Josh Daicos and partner, Annalise Dalins, former AFL star and coach, Danielle Laidley, along with Jackson Warne, AFLW Footballers Celine and Breann Moody, North Melbourne Footballer, Curtis Taylor, weather darling Jane Bunn, The Block’s Keith Schleiger and beauty guru Gemma Watts appeared trackside at Caulfield today.
The Sunshine made her presence throughout the day and was enough to keep the enthusiastic crowd happy at In The Field, Gordon’s Polo Club and Carlton Draught Beer Garden.
The crowd were dressed in style with the gentlemen a standout, in sophisticated tailored suiting with accessories that included the rounded flat cap and Fedora. Chinos with shirting and blazers were also a popular trend paired with ankle-style boots.
The season’s colours of Orange and Pink were also plentiful on others, matched with beautiful headwear. Headbands ladened with Pearls were popular as were designer handbags and platform heels.
The Carlton Draught Live Stage kept the vibes high in The Field, as racegoers revelled in the day’s sunshine and brilliant line up of Melbourne’s best DJs and bands, as a flurry of food trucks including fan favourite Pinchy’s dished up top eats in both the GA precinct and Members’ Reserve.
The MRC’s reimagined Style Stakes competition got off to a flying start, as roaming fashion photographers and ambassadors snapped racing’s most fashionable fans in their element for their chance at $10,000.
By Melinda Sullivan
