Waller and McDonald dominate on Howden Derby Day

The opening day delivered a Group 1 masterclass from trainer Chris Waller and star jockey James McDonald who combined to win two feature Group 1 races.  

The Group 1 $3 million Howden Victoria Derby (2500m) was won by Stormy Marco for Chris Waller and James McDonald, handing McDonald his third Group 1 Derby triumph following his wins on It’s A Dundeel (2013) and Riff Rocket (2023).  

The 58th running of the Group 1 $2 million Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) delivered a thrilling edition with exciting colt, The Next Episode delivering Ciaron Maher his first winner in the stallion-making classic. Jockey Mark Zahra was poised in the saddle, making that back-to-back victories in the race. 

Lady Shenandoah returned to the winner's circle with a thrilling victory in the Group 1 $1 million TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), handing trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald another feature win and securing her fifth career Group 1. 

The world-famous Birdcage Enclosure played host to a who’s who of entertainment, sport, business and media. LANDMARK by Lexus welcomed supermodel Helena Christensen and Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, Crown hosted guests including Rebecca Judd and newlyweds Andy and Rebecca Lee, TAB CEO Gillon McLachlan hosted sporting stars in the TAB marquee while Josh Daicos stepped inside Don Julio’s Mexican hacienda. 

The iconic G.H. Mumm Tap Tap moment was taken on by media personality Carrie Bickmore, while the VRC also welcomed footballer Zak Butters alongside the Howden Victoria Derby Day Style Squad, featuring five of Australia’s emerging fashion faces represented by Priscilla’s Model Management. 

The 64th year of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus kicked off in style, returning to Flemington’s famous front lawn, with the traditional black and white palette on full display amongst the participants and fashion fans alike.  

The Emerging Designer Award presented by Lexus concluded a highly competitive day of finals and was judged yet again by an elite panel including iconic Australian milliner Richard Nylon, Vogue Australia’s Executive Editor Jessica Montague and luxury fashion designer Vivienna Lorikeet. The winning designer was Melbourne local Claire Moffat whose inspiration for art and design was sparked by her move from Queensland to Victoria. 

The winning design paid homage to Moffat’s Scottish heritage, utilising the family’s individual tartan as the base fabric for the standout dress and millinery. 

VRC Chief Executive, Kylie Rogers, said Howden Victoria Derby Day once again showcased why it remains one of Australia's most iconic race days. 

"Howden Victoria Derby Day is always a special way to begin the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and it was fantastic to see Flemington come alive with great racing, fashion and entertainment," Rogers said. 

From the excitement of the Group 1 racing to the atmosphere across the course, today's crowd embraced everything that makes this day so unique. 

Congratulations to Chris Waller, James McDonald and all connections of Stormy Marco on an impressive victory in the $3 million Howden Victoria Derby. 

We now turn our attention to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and look forward to welcoming racegoers back to Flemington for another outstanding day of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment."