Thousands of racegoers dressed in the event’s predominantly black-and-white theme descended on Melbourne’s famous track on Saturday.
Glamorous attendees embraced the occasion, with many continuing their celebrations well into the evening.
Punters enjoyed a full day of thrilling racing alongside one of the biggest social occasions on the calendar.
While some guests looked worse for wear by the final race, fans were rewarded with a high-quality program featuring top-flight Group 1 action.
James McDonald and Chris Waller further cemented their reputation as Australia’s leading jockey-trainer partnership by combining for another two Group 1 victories.
McDonald guided Stormy Marco to victory in the $3million feature before teaming with Lady Shenandoah to land the Empire Rose Stakes.
The in-form pair came agonisingly close to sweeping all three Group 1 races on the card, with St Gotthard finishing a long neck behind The Next Episode in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The Derby was briefly overshadowed by a fall in the straight, when Pondalowie came down and sent jockey Harry Coffey onto the turf.
Black and white set the tone for the day, with most attendees embracing the theme
Fans were treated to plenty of thrilling racing at the track
Racegoers celebrated at Melbourne’s first Spring Racing Carnival meeting
Many guests coordinated their outfits and dressed to impress
The weather shifted slightly as the afternoon progressed
Coffey was quickly back on his feet as veterinarians examined his mount.
Stormy Marco powered away from runner-up Cold Shower, with filly Quick Finish third, giving Waller his fourth Derby triumph and McDonald his second.
The pair had previously combined to win Australia’s oldest classic with Riff Rocket in 2023.
Waller also secured his fourth Empire Rose Stakes victory, including three alongside McDonald, as favourite Lady Shenandoah defeated Concord Connie and Idle Flyer.
‘These races are so special to owners, punters and us,’ Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth said.
‘I know we all bang on about the money and the money’s great in these big prize-money races, but they’re just different.’
Bought for $2.8million as a yearling, The Next Episode is now valued at roughly 10 times that figure as a breeding prospect after holding off St Gotthard in the stallion-making Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The Snitzel colt, trained by Ciaron Maher, has now won five of seven career starts.
Some were lucky enough to pick a winner or two
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Racegoers dressed up and enjoying the afternoon
Many enjoyed a glass of wine or two
Punters cheering on their favourite horses
Many had sore feet by the end of the day
‘When you’ve got a colt with a record like he does, these are the stallion-making races and you’ve got to perform on the big day,’ Maher said.
‘You want the pressure, that’s what we get up in the morning for. He’s a ripper and he’s only going to get better as he gets older.’
Mark Zahra recovered from his nasty Caulfield Cup fall on Half Yours to pilot The Next Episode to a brilliant victory.
It was Zahra’s third Coolmore Stud Stakes triumph and second in as many years, following his win aboard Tentyris last year.
‘They’re very similar horses. He’s a real dude now, this horse,’ Zahra said.
‘He’s so relaxed, but when you want him he just goes ‘bang’. It’s great to be on two magnificent colts within two years.’
Dressing up is part of the fun of going to the races with your friends
Some found a nice spot on the grass to rest their feet
People enjoying all the races have to offer
Zahra took a week off under doctors’ orders after his Caulfield Cup fall and missed Cox Plate day, but wouldn’t be denied another shot at Flemington glory.
‘Any other time of year I’m probably having a holiday in Byron or Ibiza, but this time of year you just can’t do it,’ Zahra said.
‘I just had to suck it up. It’s been a tough two weeks, but this time of year is what I live for and ride for.
‘Great help by the doctors and with a few Nurofen today we’re bang on song.’
Flemington trainer Nick Ryan had two runners withdrawn from Saturday’s meeting after Racing Victoria stewards charged him with alleged possession of a prohibited substance.
Ryan was charged following a stable inspection on Saturday morning by RV’s Compliance Assurance Team, which resulted in the forced scratchings of Anglaise (Wakeful Stakes) and Doubt Time (Coolmore Stud Stakes).
‘Mr Ryan was found to have in his possession, in the glove box of his motor vehicle, two syringes of Darbepoetin Alfa which is a prohibited substance under Prohibited List A of the Australian Rules of Racing,’ RV stewards reported.
Ryan, a former champion jockey, reserved his plea and the hearing was adjourned until Monday.