Get ready for a day of revelry, fashion, and political maneuvers as we dive into the Melbourne Cup!
The Melbourne Cup: More Than Just a Horse Race
It's that time of year again when Melbourne Cup Day arrives, and it's not just about the alcohol (although that's a big part of it!). People let loose, celebrities flock, and everyone has a reason to celebrate. From food to fashion, and even a few appearance fees, the Melbourne Cup attracts a diverse crowd.
Who's Who at the Cup
Punters, numbering an impressive 84,374, arrive dressed to impress, ready to place their bets and gawk at the celebrities. Business executives, on the other hand, use the event as a networking opportunity, albeit with a glass of something stronger than water in hand. And then there are the politicians, keeping a close eye on how this grand event boosts the state's economy.
But here's where it gets interesting: Melbourne, aside from being the major events capital, is also the dance-off capital!
The Dance Floor Drama
The prize for best dancer goes to Sam Groth, the shadow minister who knows how to bust a move. Groth, a former tennis player, showed off his moves at the Crown marquee, accompanied by Bec Judd, Crown's ambassador and anti-home invasion activist. The ex-footballer crowd included Judd's husband, Chris, and Tom Hawkins.
The Groths and Judds were last spotted grooving to DJ Dom Dolla at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide. Groth, however, found himself in hot water over his use of taxpayer-funded travel allowances for accommodation and flights.
The second-best dancer award goes to Kirsha Kaechele, the artist and wife of MONA founder David Walsh. Kaechele put on a unique performance art piece on the dance floor at Mumm, writhing in a sky blue dress and red heels in front of a saxophone player. This came a day after she made headlines on ABC's Australian Story.
One onlooker assured us, "She's not drunk, just loving the sax!"
Perhaps Kaechele, known for her famous Supreme Court case to ban men from MONA's Ladies Lounge, was celebrating Jamie Melham's historic Cup win. Michelle Payne, the first female winner a decade ago, was also seen dancing the night away with her brother Stevie.
A Political Presence
While federal politicians were busy with a Parliament House sitting day, their Victorian counterparts took center stage. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, stepping in for Premier Jacinta Allan (who was notably absent), made his rounds, starting in the Committee Room and then hopping between marquees.
Former foreign minister and ANU chancellor Julie Bishop, a regular at the Birdcage, arrived at the Lexus marquee after a flight from London, where she met King Charles at St James Palace. Nine stars like Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo also made an appearance, leaving their employer's marquee to mingle with the masses at the Crown marquee.
A power group including ex-Governor Linda Dessau, her husband Tony Howard, and Janet Whiting, chair of the National Gallery of Victoria, was also spotted. They were joined by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Helen Silver, a former NAB executive, who seemed more concerned with the economic boost to the state than any criticism about enjoying largesse in an austerity era.
Bishop shared her experience meeting the King, which occurred amidst the growing scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew).
"Nobody said a thing," she remarked.
Bishop, dressed in a bright orange Leo Lin dress and Nerida Winter hat, paid tribute to the event's vibrant community spirit. She described it as a fabulous way to spend a Tuesday.
The Hierarchies of Flemington
Flemington, much like Melbourne, operates on a hierarchy. While a chauffeured Lexus or access to Crown's VIP marquee is exclusive, the real status symbol is an invitation to Victoria Racing Club chair Neil Wilson's Committee Room. This room offers the best seats in the house, and it was here that Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner and her husband Glyn Davis, along with other prominent figures, enjoyed a sit-down lunch overlooking the mounting yard.
Allan's Labor government ministers were also in attendance, including Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, minister for major events Steve Dimopoulous, and others. Groth, hoping to turn around the Liberals' electoral luck, was joined by colleagues Cindy McLeish and Evan Mulholland in the Kirin marquee.
In the nearby TAB marquee, former Victorian Liberal party president Michael Kroger held court with former NSW Liberal minister turned lobbyist Michael Photios.
The Political Angle
The Melbourne Cup even made its way into question time in Canberra. Goldstein MP Tim Wilson, fresh from his Derby Day complaints about parliament sitting during Cup week, displayed a Tony Abbott-like tenacity, proclaiming that such a schedule clash would never happen under a "Wilson government."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a dig at Wilson, referencing Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's leadership dramas. This prompted Wilson to accuse Albanese of "punching down on Melbourne."
"Albanese just doesn't understand Melbourne or our way of life," Wilson said, a sentiment he repeated throughout the day.
So, what do you think? Is the Melbourne Cup more than just a horse race? Should politicians be allowed to enjoy these events amidst austerity measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
