The story began on Howden Victoria Derby Day, setting the tone for the week ahead. Ciaron Maher’s Observer, expertly guided by Mark Zahra, proved himself as the staying star of the future.
Then came the race that stops a nation. In the Lexus Melbourne Cup, Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory for Tony and Calvin McEvoy, becoming only the second female jockey in history to lift that famous trophy.
On Crown Oaks Day, Strictly Business gave the Irish a reason to celebrate, with trainer Thomas Carberry and jockey John Allen taking out the win in the main race.
Attention then shifted to the grand finale – TAB Champions Stakes Day. Despite the weather, Flemington roared as Via Sistina became the first mare since Tranquil Star to win consecutive Champions Stakes. Ceolwulf impressed in the VRC Champions Mile, and crowd favourite Giga Kick finally secured his long-awaited Darley Champions Sprint.
Mark Zahra capped his exceptional week as the Carnival’s leading jockey, taking home the Ron Hutchinson Award with eight wins over the week, while Ciaron Maher once again claimed the JB Cummings Award for top trainer.
Off the track, Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus turned the front lawn into a runway, with Holly Keenan and Jenny Beard crowned Best Dressed and Best Suited. The Lillian Frank Millinery Award went to Fiona Cooper, while the winner of the Emerging Designer Award presented by Vogue, Caroline Caroline, showcased the future of fashion.
