Melbourne Cup Carnival 2023: Dressed-up race-goers get into the spirit of Derby Day

By William On Nov 4, 2023

Thousands of gamblers have theirs best black and white dresses and suits and flocked to the races for Derby Day, the first event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Racegoers took to Flemington Racecourse on Saturday for one of the biggest races of the year ahead of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

The dress code for Derby Day was traditionally black and white, with racegoers dressed to the nines for the day’s action both on and off the track.

Off to the races! A group of women are all smiles on Derby Day

Ready for the day: A group of women enjoy some time off at the end of Derby Day

Spectators gather as a ‘jockey’ makes a final appearance before the Derby

Two ladies smile at the camera as they take their seats on Derby Day

And we all fall down: Racegoers made themselves comfortable on the grass after the Derby ended

Who needs a glass? A few racegoers celebrated Derby Day with the bottle

The $2 million Group One Penfolds Victoria Derby consisted of nine races at different group levels, including three Group One races.

It’s a chance for the Victorian capital to show its stylish side, at least until the champagne and beer start flowing.

The glamorous attendees looked quite tired as they left the event after a long day of sun and fun.

While some headed home after a long day, others stayed on the road or headed into town to party late into the night.

With bright colors ruled out by the day’s theme, many racegoers used fringe, cutouts and unique silhouettes to stand out from the crowd.

Afternoon nap: A few well-dressed women take a break from the action on and off the court

A group of women go home after a long day of fun and sun

A group cheers on Derby Day, the first event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival

Thousands of racing fans headed to Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day on Saturday

Race fans celebrated a win on Derby Day

Two racegoers were seen leaving Flemington Racecourse after Derby Day

Seagulls flocked around the course picking up leftover food as spectators left Flemington

A stylish racegoer paired her accessories perfectly with the Derby’s traditional black and white theme

The day was accompanied by the $10 million Golden Eagle event at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse.

The two events offered a total of $22 million in prize money.

The main racing event for Saturday was the Victoria Derby, with three-year-old horses competing to complete the 2500m sprint first.

The $2 million Group One Penfolds Victoria Derby consists of nine races at different group levels, including three Group One races

Sore feet tomorrow: A racegoer dropped her heels as she left the course

Crowd favorite Riff Rocket with jockey James McDonald won the prized Derby with a photo finish as racegoers celebrated a big day out

When the races were over, the sore heels came off!

Seagulls looked at the rubbish left behind by racegoers as the last ones prepared to go home

“First held in 1855, the Penfolds Victoria Derby brings together Australia’s most talented young stayers looking to add their names to a star-studded roll of honour,” says Victoria Racing Club.

‘The pinnacle of three-year-old sprinters is in the $2 million Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) – won last year by In Secret.

‘The $1 million TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) for the fillies and mares will crown the next queen of grass.’

Riff Rocket with jockey James McDonald won the prized Victoria Derby, with the pre-race favorite achieved after a photo finish.

Apulia was desperately unlucky to finish second after a jump in the final step, while Sunsets came third.

Riff Rocket’s victory was master trainer Chris Waller’s third Victoria Derby, with McDonald securing another Group One.

Cheers! A group of attendees celebrate the Derby

Police helped move crowds from Flemington Racecourse after Derby Day came to an end

With bright colors ruled out by the day’s theme, many racegoers used fringe and fun silhouettes to stand out from the crowd

Thousands of racegoers left Flemington Racecourse at the end of Derby Day

Strike a pose: Two women enjoy a moment of peace

The next event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival will be Australia’s most iconic race, the Melbourne Cup.

“The ten-race card pulses throughout a day packed with the very best in fashion, food and entertainment, as racegoers of all ages make memories at Flemington that will last a lifetime,” says Victoria Racing Club.