Gates open at Flemington Racecourse, where horse racing meets high fashion trackside
- by Admin
- November 4, 2024
While luck can never be guaranteed in the betting circle, the weather is definitely on the punters’ side for the 164th Melbourne Cup.
The gates have opened at Flemington, with fans racing to stake their claim on a prime position on the rails and other vantage points around the racecourse.
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) said 90,000 people were expected to attend today.
Crowds line up at the gates waiting to enter Flemington for the 2024 Melbourne Cup. (ABC News: Mietta Adams)
The gates open. (ABC News: Mietta Adams)
The well-dressed dash for the best spots. (ABC News: Mietta Adams)
Heels and fascinators don’t slow the racing fans. (ABC News: Mietta Adams)
Racegoers rush to beat the 90,000 strong crowd. (ABC News: Mietta Adams)
Each year, Adrian Morissy and Scott Dixon line up early to get their favourite spot in the members’ bar to watch the races.
Today, they were at the front of the line, arriving an hour and a half before the gates were due to open.
“I’m just hoping I don’t tear a hamstring,” Mr Morissy joked.
Warm day pleases Cup organisers
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a sunny day with light winds, and a top of 26 degrees Celsius.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said the weather had added to the excitement of attracting a sell-out crowd and having the Melbourne Cup broadcast to more than 260 countries and territories.
“It’s a great day for Australia today,” Mr Wilson said.
“The first Tuesday in November always has a special feel about it as people in Melbourne are having a holiday and people around Australia are getting ready to share the day with family and friends and office parties.”
While the event draws yearly criticism from many animal rights advocates, Mr Wilson said post-COVID racing crowds were up, especially among younger punters.
He said 40 per cent of general admissions on Derby Day, which had attracted 81,000 people, were aged under 30.
“We’re seeing a really interesting comeback to the racing and … I think enjoying the fashion of racing,” he said.
The VRC has outlined the dress code for Flemington and has instructed attendees to be aware of the regulations before arriving at the racecourse.
For members, “gentlemen” are required to wear a suit, tailored pants, tailored shorts on or below the knee, and a sports coat or blazer with a collared shirt, tie or bow tie, and dress shoes.
Ladies are expected to “maintain a suitable dress standard in keeping with the distinction of the Members Enclosure”.
Racegoers are invited to wear the official flower of the day — the yellow rose — in their hat, lapel, or as inspiration for their outfit.
So what can’t you wear?
No jumpsuits or shorts above the knee, you cannot show your belly button, crop tops are out, and do not even think about turning up in your runners, gumboots or thongs.
Jeans, “pants tucked into socks” and ripped or torn clothing are also banned, “even if considered ‘designer’ tears”.
And despite Melbourne’s reputation for cold November race days, the VRC has banned duffle coats, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproof jackets, denim jackets, even Driza-Bones.
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