Blog: The Melbourne Cup - horse race or fashion event?

The Melbourne Cup - horse race or fashion event?

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It is one of the biggest days in the Australian sporting and social calendar – a day when the best horses, trainers, gamblers and women take to the tracks.

The Melbourne Cup draws people from all over Australia and around the world to one place, Melbourne, Australia.

The Emirates Melbourne Cup race was run today, November 4, with an Australian horse taking out the much-desired title, despite not being a "favourite". Getting through by a nose (literally), it made the jockey, punters, all Australians, and an 80-year-old trainer very happy. 

Of course rightly, when we think of horse racing, we think betting and bookies - the opportunity to place a wager, but equally we now think fashion. The Melbourne Cup keeps the retail industry pumping as women search for the perfect race wear, including hats and fascinators. 

Fashion has made its mark on the event since 1962, when Victoria Racing Clubs (VRC)'s Fashions on the Field first debuted. An idea that was introduced to entice women into attending the event is now a well-cemented tradition, and a lucrative one at that. 

Myer (a huge, well-respected department store) has got on board, and is now the official sponsor of the event, with the self titled - MYER Fashions on the Field.  A huge number of women participate in this event, and this year has been no different, with the major prize no doubt helping to lure women.  This year boasts a prize of a SAAB 9-3 Convertible!  (Although for only 12 months). 

Before the event is deemed sexist, they haven't forgotten about men either, with Myers Fashion on the Field – Men's Racewear. I have to say I'm not sure how popular this title is yet, but good things do take time.

I love the races, and the Melbourne Cup is certainly on my list of things to do.  In the meantime, I'm content with the knowledge that I went to the Ascot races last year and am looking forward to our annual New Year's day races.  Of course the end of December is going to be a busy time for me, with a plan to make my own fascinator.  You need to be well prepared for an event of this calibre, that sees fillies, both equine and human, out in full force, which I plan to be.