Fashion fans line up for racing’s glamour stakes
It’s no secret New Zealanders love the Melbourne Cup almost as much as those over the ditch.
And on Tuesday, Ellerslie Racecourse will play host to the country’s largest Melbourne Cup party, with horse racing, competitions, fashion events, and food and drink – all while Melbourne stays quiet.
Usually, the often-dubbed ‘‘race that stops a nation’’ attracts crowds of more than 100,000 to Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. But despite the city’s recent postlockdown freedom there will be no crowds allowed at horse racing’s premier event.
Although the Auckland gathering is pressing ahead, Paul Wilcox, CEO of Auckland Racing Club, admits he was worried it could be stymied.
‘‘It’s a crazy time, particularly for Flemington. That’s their major carnival and it’s so unfortunate they still have those restrictions.
‘‘When the second lockdown came around in Auckland I was nervous, but thankfully the community rallied and abided by the restrictions to enable us to be where we are today. Fingers crossed things stay that way.’’
If Auckland had faced another lockdown, the situation could have been very similar to what’s happening in Melbourne, he says.
Ellerslie’s racing would have still gone ahead, but there would be no people on the racecourse.
‘‘It would have been a weird situation, but at least we would have still had the sport that we love.’’
Luckily, it’s a Plan B that Auckland has managed to avoid and now, Wilcox says, ticket sales are booming.
‘‘We’re experiencing very strong sales at the moment, and now there will be in excess of 5000 people attending which is great.’’
For most of 2020, sartorial choices haven’t extended much beyond pyjamas or sweatpants, so the chance to show fashion bona fides will be at the forefront of many racegoers’ minds.
Everybody is more excited this year, says Hannah Marinkovich, fashion ambassador of the Auckland Racing Club.
‘‘With the travel restrictions this year meaning the racing fashion community is unable to hop over the ditch, I’m hoping to see everyone competing at Ellerslie instead,’’ she says.
‘‘I think people are going to have a new-found appreciation for dressing up and celebrating, including myself. I planned my Melbourne Cup outfit in the second month of lockdown.’’
This year, the event will feature the Newmarket Style Spotter competition, where the best-dressed female and male on the course will each win a $1000 voucher.
In terms of what can be expected from this year’s fashion forward community, Marinkovich advises people to prepare for outfits that are quintessentially ‘‘Down Under’’ in their boldness.
‘‘Personally, I think Australia and New Zealand have a much more modern take on racing fashion than places like Ascot.’’
‘‘I think we like to push the boundaries more and have more fun with it.’’
Elsewhere in New Zealand, the Otago Racing Club has a meet on at Wingatui Racecourse, just outside of Dunedin, and punters are encouraged to dress up for the Fashion in the Fields event.
There are also ticketed parties all over the country including in Queenstown, Wellington and Hamilton.
There’ll be plenty for New Zealanders to cheer on with eight locally-bred horses lining up in the cup including Verry Elleegant, Surprise Baby, and The Chosen One.
Ellerslie will open its gates at 11am. The first race is at 12:05pm and the last at 6:09pm.
While Ellerslie Racecourse will have a 10-race card, the ‘‘11th race’’ of the day will be a 5pm screening of the day’s centrepiece – the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Wilcox says there will be plenty of other attractions, including competitions, entertainment and fine food and drink.
After the last race, those who aren’t ready to call it a day are invited to join the official on-site after party in Cuve´e bar, where a live band will keep the celebrations going.