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Raceday fashion, colour and crowd

Author: Sienna Haynes
by Sienna Haynes
Posted: Oct 19, 2015

A buoyant crowd of about 30,000 - down more than 2000 on last year - watched race favourite Mongolian Khan become the first Kiwi Caulfield Cup victor since Ethereal nailed the Cups double in 1992.

Jubilant jockey Opie Bosson hailed the efforts of his four-year-old mount then boldly said, "bring on the Melbourne Cup", as connections dared to dream history repeats and Mongolian Khan could follow in Ethereal’s hoof steps.

"He could probably go again,’’ he said. "He just likes staying. Look out Melbourne Cup."

Police praised the crowd despite some evictions for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

After watching the $4.70 favourite win the 138th running of the $3 million Caulfield Cup and record his eighth win from 13 starts, trainer Murray Baker said even bigger things were possible.

"We think he’s more of a Melbourne Cup horse...I think he can get it,’’ he said.

Fittingly, betting agency TAB last night installed him a $7 chance to win the race that stops a nation.

The Spring Carnival officially started the week after the AFL Grand Final but it sprung to life in magnificent fashion at Caulfield as crowds turned out in brilliant sunshine for a day at the races Melbourne style.

For a few hours just about everything good about Melbourne was on show at the racecourse that has made its suburb famous - food, music, fashion, fun and the sport of kings.

photo: blue bridesmaid dresses

Strangers high-fived in the crowd after cheering their horses first past the post and shouting the names of their nags like they knew them long before they were plucked from the form guide pre-race.

Queues formed the length of Station St to get into the course before gates opened as eager racegoers jostled for prime position with picnic baskets on the lush lawn besides the track.

Sharp suits, sunglasses and elegant ladies outfits were the order of the day as a well dressed crowd soaked up the carnival atmosphere.

Not to be outdone, bogan fashion was also on show with fluorescent pink suits, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costumes and sailor suits among the fashion faux pas on display.

Melbourne Racing Club chief Brodie Arnhold said there had been a push to cater to a diverse crowd, split between racing, socialising and entertainment.

"We don’t necessarily want to get bigger, we just want to be better and provide the best customer experience for people,’’ he said. "Passion wears many colours.’’

Fashion was at the forefront with Jesinta Campbell, Rebecca Judd, Jessica Gomes and David Jones ambassador Montana Cox turning heads.

Delta Goodrem, with mum Lea, could only stay at the races for a few hours, as she had rehearsals for Cats the Musical in the afternoon.

Goodrem, who recently had the No.1 single with Wings, said 2015 is turning out to be one of her best years yet.

She just returned from the UK two days ago, where she is re-establishing her career after nearly a decade away.

"Everyone was amazing," she said of the reaction in the UK.

She spent her few hours on track at Caulfield in the Crown Golden Ale marquee.

Former husband and wife Vince Colosimo and Jane Hall arrived together at David Jones at Caulfield, enjoying the perfect race day weather.

The pair, who have stayed good friends, were happily sipping on a few drinks and posing for photos.

A heavily pregnant Nadia Bartel was among the racegoers in David Jones, with just five weeks to go until she becomes a mum.

"I wanted to come. I’m going to Derby and Cup as well. I just love it, even just to be here for a few hours. I’ve been feeling so good. The next few weeks I’m going to slow it down a bit." Husband Jimmy was playing golf and missed the races.

Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke said he was looking forward to becoming a father in December.

The former Australian Test captain was a guest in the Crown Golden Ale marquee with wife Kyly staying in Sydney.

"It’s exciting times for my wife and I," Clarke said.

"Unfortunately Kyly couldn’t come because she’s at home getting rest as we speak. She’s due in December."

"I think Kyly was ready for this probably two years ago but I’m getting excited as it gets closer, no doubt about it."

Other guests in the Heath enclosure included Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and his fiancee Emma Clapham, and US Open wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott.

see more: red bridesmaid dresses

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Author: Sienna Haynes

Sienna Haynes

Member since: Jun 18, 2014
Published articles: 201

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