The Melbourne Cup may be over, but the Spring Racing Carnival celebrations continue at Flemington.
Racegoers let their hair down and enjoyed a few drinks in the sun on Thursday as Oaks Day – or Ladies Day – was in full swing.
Punters dressed to the nines were seen knocking back glasses of fizz with their friends – and some perhaps enjoyed the day a little too much.
A loved-up couple was seen sharing a passionate kiss as they made the most of a well-deserved day off.
A loved-up couple was seen sharing a passionate kiss as they made the most of a day off
As always at such events, the champagne flows freely, just like other drinks
These ladies wisely had a few bottles of water to stay hydrated, as well as a bottle of bubbly
The Melbourne Cup may be over, but the Spring Racing Carnival celebrations continue at Flemington
However, a glamorous day can be tiring, and sometimes you just need to lie down
Others were seen needing to lie down for a while after all the excitement became too much.
On the track, it was the twelfth time that someone from the Cummings family trained the Oaks winner.
This time it was James, grandson of nine-time winner Bart and son of last year’s winner Anthony, who claimed his second Group 1 Oaks thanks to Zardozi.
It was jockey James McDonald’s first Oaks victory, adding a glittering prize to his full cabinet of other victories in Group 1 races.
The day attracted a huge crowd, thrilling the Victorian Racing Club.
A wooden bench surrounded by flowers is a perfect place to pose for a photo
Racegoers let their hair down and enjoyed a few drinks in the sun on Thursday as Oaks Day – or Ladies Day – was in full swing
There were friends to see, poses to pose and a floral backdrop for photos
These two women appeared deep in thought during Ladies Day in Melbourne on Thursday
Gamblers dressed to the nines were seen knocking back glasses of fizz with their friends
Dance like no one is watching! This woman had a great day out at the races
“We are delighted to have a crowd of 46,596 today, the third largest crowd at any track in Australia this calendar year, behind only the Derby and Cup that preceded it a few days earlier,” VRC chief executive Steve Rosich said. .
This year, racegoers were encouraged to wear a shade of purple as part of their race day outfit, to raise awareness for the Good Friday appeal in their quest to help sick children.
Due to the colorful affair, ladies usually dressed in bright and vibrant dresses.
Pink, floral and the occasional pop of orange were the most popular choices, while the boys wore sharp ties and stylish tailored suits.
One punter even showed up in a white suit with VB print.
Jumping for joy! These women enjoyed the live band during the races
Have a hoot! This gentleman, who was wearing a VB suit, seemed to be having a nice day
It’s a thumbs up from the man in the suit, who politely offers his girlfriend a place to rest her head
In pink! These beautiful ladies were in sync for their day out
The woman in the big pink hat appears to be checking out her friend in the bright pink dress
Looking glamorous is great, but sometimes you need to give your feet a break from the high heels
Extravagant fascinators were also a feature of the glamorous event.
But one racegoer opted for a baseball cap with his gray suit.
With all the action of the day coming to an end, racegoers will now turn their attention to Stakes Day.
The $2 million Group 1 race at Flemington on Saturday is expected to attract large crowds again, with the event set to become a new favorite due to its relaxed and casual atmosphere.
The man in the baseball cap and ill-fitting shirt doesn’t care that he’s the third best dressed in this photo
Sometimes you just need to sit down for five minutes and catch your breath
A bright, sunny day in late spring meant a lot of dark sunglasses were worn
The bench surrounded by flowers proved a popular spot to rest and pose for photos
James McDonald is pictured riding Zardozi, who won the Oaks at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on November 9, 2023
James McDonald kisses the trophy after winning the Kennedy Oaks at Flemington with Zardozi