Keeper of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Joe McGrath speaks about the history of the event and what draws the crowd to the Melbourne Cup Carnival every year. Video / Alyse Wright
With a public holiday dedicated to the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup and the AFL grand final - Australia’s national sport, it’s safe to say Melbourne takes the title as Australia’s sporting capital. This is why you should plan your holiday around a sporting event, writes Alyse Wright.
Nothing humbles a Kiwi sports fan faster than being handed a gold and green scarf when entering one of Australia’s most well-known sporting arenas; especially when New Zealand is the underdog.
Having only known the John Cain Arena as one of the four tennis courts used for the Australian Open, seeing it transformed into a netball court for the final match of the Constellation Cup was something else. As was the sheer number of Australian supporters filling out the crowd, despite already knowing their fate for the competition.
The Silver Ferns may have won the Constellation Cup but the Diamonds still had some fight left in them, with one goal: to win.
Going up against players like goal-shoot Grace Nweke, the Australians knew they had to give it their all to secure the win. The team has no time to rest when their competitors are as good as Nweke an ex-Diamonds player explains; comparing the shooter to Silver Fern’s legend Irene van Dyke.
The rivalry between the two teams is a historic one. Ex-Diamonds players fondly reflect on the relationship, comparing it to that between two siblings. The Ferns may be a younger side than the Diamonds, but the respect the teams have for each other is apparent.
The game could have been anyone’s after the first half, but by the end of the third quarter, it was becoming clear which way it would go. The Australian crowd show no mercy to the Ferns, drowning out any Kiwi support until it’s obvious Australia’s claimed their much-needed 63-50 win.
During the match of the Diamonds vs Silver Ferns at the 2024 Constellation Cup in John Cain Arena, Melbourne. Photo / Alyse Wright
Courtside seating is usually a prime location to see all the on-court action. This may be luxury seating in terms of drinks and snacks being served up between quarters, but when it comes to optimal viewing and crowd involvement, no seat is off-limits.
The spirit of the game reaches every seat of the sold-out arena. Fans of all ages fill the stands with passionate screams of excitement and support.
At the end of the match, loyal fans stay behind eagerly waiting for their chance to get an autograph and selfie with their favourite players.
Despite the loss, the Ferns showed promise throughout the game and kept playing at their best until the 60 minutes were over. Being able to get all 12 players on the court was a bonus.
To experience the best of Australian netball for yourself, head to netball.com.au/tickets to secure your seat for next year’s Constellation Cup, England Series or the Suncorp Super Netball season.
Melbourne’s sporting precinct where John Cain Arena is situated hosts most of the major sporting events, however, there are plenty of other sports grounds nearby.
Flemington Raceway, the home of one of the most prestigious sporting events on the Australian calendar, the Melbourne Cup, is one of those.
Walking through the pink and yellow rose-covered archway of Flemington Raceway is a bucket list item for many. With every rose perfectly timed to reach full bloom by cup week, the race course is ready to greet over 285,000 attendees for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Flemington Raceway, on November 2 in Melbourne during Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. Photo / Alyse Wright
The sport-meets-fashion event is held across four days, in which Flemington hosts 37 races including eight Group 1 races worth more than $A30 million n prizemoney. The other big competition, Fashion on the Field sees over A$370,000 in prizes won.
Penfolds Derby Day kicks off Carnival week. It’s the event many locals dub the best in the line-up; despite not being the main race day.
Fashion is at the forefront with a strict black-and-white dress code becoming an iconic derby day tradition. The theme may be monochrome but the outfits on show are anything but boring.
Statement suits and dresses paired with large intricate fascinators that ooze sophistication cover Flemington’s grounds. If you think you’re overdressed, chances are it’s not enough.
Flemington Raceway is the place everyone wants to be seen during cup week. Internationally renowned names from across entertainment, sport, business and media industries make appearances every year. Anastacia, Nicky Hilton and Ronan Keating were just some of those in attendance this year.
Glitz and glamour can be seen at Flemington Raceway in Melbourne during Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. Photo / Alyse Wright
Joe Mcgrath, Keeper of the Lexus Melbourne Cup explains that the entertainment and social aspect brings in just as many punters as the racing does.
“It’s a horse race and those that come here know a lot about horse racing; but it is a social event with entertainment, food, wine, fashion. A lot of partying goes on here.”
Flemington’s public entertainment area, The Park, hosts the main performance stage, Fashion on the Field and the TV studio-themed Pony Bar.
A range of dining and hospitality packages are available to enhance the race day experience. The Rose Room package is one of these. Located in the grandstand above the finish line this room has access to the best racecourse view.
The air-conditioned venue makes for a nice escape from Melbourne’s early November heat and includes a five-course meal service, unlimited drinks and private betting facilities. TVs are strategically placed throughout the room so races can be watched from the comfort of your seat or the outdoor viewing area.
If there is anywhere people want to be seen more than at Flemington itself, it’s in the exclusive Birdcage Enclosure. This area is so extravagant it has its own set of dress code rules and the pop-up facility looks more like a bunch of lavish venues than marquees.
The Birdcage is the place to be for race club members and corporate guests. It’s home to invite-only marquees hosted by Victoria Race Club’s partnership brands, a pamper lounge for hair and makeup touch-ups, a members-only bar that sells out within hours of ticket release, a separate trackside viewing area, and an entertainment stage and bar.
Flemington Raceway in Melbourne during Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. Photo / Alyse Wright
Derby Day is also a chance to see the Lexus Melbourne Cup up close. The $750,000 trophy and those travelling with it possibly have the tightest schedule of the day.
The cup travels to each marquee in a hard-cased suitcase for photo opportunities and is passed between the white-gloved hands of celebrities, racing royalty and influencers.
When it’s not moving through Flemington it’s likely on its four to five-month global tour to more than six countries and 39 destinations. The sought-after-trophy’s 2025 version is hidden away and ready to tour before 2024’s is won. Its Flemington location is kept secret.
The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup shown around Flemington Raceway. Photo / Alyse Wright
The Melbourne Cup, which takes place on the second Tuesday of November, is one of the world’s biggest horse races. Interest in competing is now global due to being able to send horses around the world becoming easier.
New Zealand has had 43 cup winners bred here; the first horse Martini Henry won in 1883. This year’s race saw the largest representation in 15 years with four New Zealand-bred horses competing for the cup.
Carnival week wraps up with Crown Oaks Day on Thursday and TAB Champion Stakes Day on Saturday.
Melbourne’s spring racing event tickets are typically released in early March. Next year’sMelbourne Cup Carnival tickets and Victoria Racing Club’s Summer racing event tickets can be found online at vrc.com.au/tickets
