Faces of the races: Glimpses of the spring carnival
We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.
See some of the fashion and faces from the spring racing crowd taken by The Age’s award-winning photographic team.
1/11
Carol Campbell and Christine Tape took planes, trains and buses to get to Flemington Racecourse for their first ever Melbourne Cup. The Toowoomba friends said the spring carnival had been on their bucket list for decades.
“The weather has just been gorgeous, and all the roses here at Flemington are just stunning,” Carol said.
“It’s just a day you’ll never forget,” Charlotte added.Credit:Eddie Jim
2/11
Long-time friends Bill Stanley, Craig Hicks and Richard Watson regretted not entering the Fashions on The Field competition. The trio wore matching multi-coloured shirts and had been consistently stopped for photos all day.
“We’ve been pretty popular so now we’ve got to think of a new outfit for next year,” Bill laughed.
Bill travelled from the Gold Coast to experience his first Melbourne Cup, describing the atmosphere as “incredible”. Credit:Joe Armao
3/11
Fresh off their Fashion on The Field catwalk, Serbian friends Zeljka Abaza (left) and Sneza Jovanovic can’t stop smiling.
The two influencers are both mums who love fashion, describing Oaks Day as the perfect opportunity for “a pop of colour”. Sneza’s 1940s Dior-inspired couture dress was made in less than 24 hours by designer Joe Halabi.
“I called Joe on Monday night and told I wanted something red for Oaks Day,” Sneza said. “He worked all day and night and dropped the dress off to me at 9pm on Wednesday.”Credit:Chris Hopkins
4/11
Stephen Regan and his five-year-old son Wolfe swear they didn’t mean to wear identical outfits. Their matching red pinstripe shirts are purely coincidental. The Irish duo moved to Melbourne two years ago and were keen to support the Irish horses on Cup Day.
“The sense of togetherness is wonderful,” Stephen said. “I love to see horses running. They are such noble and powerful creatures.”
Wolfe also loved watching the horses, but told The Age he enjoyed eating lolly snakes on their picnic rug more. Credit:Chris Hopkins
5/11
Brisbane Indigenous elder Shane Burr travelled on a cruise to experience his first ever Melbourne Cup. Dressed in a grey button down and armed with an impressive white beard, Shane was looking forward to watching the races and soaking in the atmosphere under the shade of the grandstand.
Credit:Chris Hopkins
6/11
Japanese racegoers Sena Asai, Yukika Takayanagi and Daiki Ishikawa were enjoying their first Oaks Day and were eager to experience a “unique part of Australian culture”. The trio met at a local volleyball club and were keen to dress up for the day. Sena and Daiki dusted off their suits, and Yukika wore a yukata, a traditional Japanese robe.
“I didn’t really know much about this event, but I heard it was formal,” Sena said. “I thought I’d better dress nice.” Credit:Chris Hopkins
7/11
St Kilda local Mark Goss was a vision in a green two-piece tweed suit on Oaks Day. The 31-year-old has been attending the spring carnival for eight years and had some useful pointers for men and their fashion.
“A lot of the men here are dressed for Derby Day or a winter funeral, it’s a bit boring to be honest,” he said. “Go for some colour.”Credit:Chris Hopkins
8/11
Brooke Biglin travelled all the way from Ascot, Western Australia, to experience the atmosphere of the Melbourne Cup.
“There’s so many people and so much going on, it’s honestly hard to take it all in,” she said.
The 23-year-old had a brilliant day with her friends, but recommended having a clear transport plan.
“Plan your ubers a little better, it took us so long to actually arrive here.” Credit:Justin McManus
9/11
Graheme Gallus and his wife Annie Wallace are veterans of the spring carnival. The couple from Pottsville, on the NSW Tweed Coast, arrived early on Oaks Day to snag the best spot and brought a pair of Bunnings camping chairs to ensure comfort.
“We’ve got an umbrella, rain ponchos and some wine – we’re prepared for anything,” Annie laughed.
The couple attended Oaks Day as part of their 40th wedding anniversary celebrations, boarding the Carnival Splendour cruise from New South Wales. Graheme purchased a tie with tiny yellow horses from a Pottsville opp shop for the occasion. Credit:Chris Hopkins
10/11
Basketball friends (L-R) Milly Kumbara, Charlotte Coad and Georgia Taylor, traded in their gym shorts for cocktail dresses on Oaks Day. The trio were thrilled to dress up, relax and enjoy a day at the races. Did they have any tips for first-time racegoers?
“Don’t wear heels,” Georgia and Charlotte said in unison.
Milly looked down at her heels and winced. “Oh yeah, I’m definitely regretting not wearing flats.”
Credit:Chris Hopkins
11/11
At first glance, it looks like Toni Rowe and Ryan Nelson are puzzling over the form guide, hoping to back a winner. But the two friends are actually people-watching – amazed by all the fashionable outfits strutting past them.
“I really love the fascinators and big hats,” Ryan laughed. “Everyone is so creative and unique.” Credit:Justin McManus
