Dubai: A world-class field of equine athletes, a show of royalty, celebrity guests and opulent trackside hospitality combined to deliver a thrilling day of horseracing at this year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse, Australia, on Tuesday.
Green Moon ridden by Brett Prebble and trained by Robert Hickmott took the major prize, the Group One Emirates Melbourne Cup over 3,200 metres.
Special guests at Flemington included the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchess of Cornwall and Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services and dnata, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup to the connections of Green Moon.
Trackside, Emirates played host to celebrity guests including actress Mischa Barton, Revenge star Ashley Madekwe, Jordan Belfort, Corey Miller from the TV show LA Ink, Marco Pierre White, Molly Meldrum and Matt Preston inside an Irish-themed marquee celebrating the launch of Emirates flights to Dublin this year.
“Once again the Emirates Melbourne Cup has delivered a race and day to stop a nation and increasingly capture the interest of the world,” Chapman said.
“We are proud of our 15-year association with the Melbourne Cup Carnival and with the sport of horseracing worldwide as part of our extensive global portfolio of sponsorship partnerships. We firmly believe in sponsorships as a way to connect with our customers and deepen our commitment to the destinations we fly to.
“This year’s Irish-themed marquee has provided the perfect way for us to promote the unique splendours of Dublin and Ireland to our Australian customers.”
Emirates’ marquee guests also enjoyed some Irish-style entertainment, including performances by the world champion Christine Ayres, Irish dancers, and a human statue recreating the famous James Joyce statue in Dublin.
