Flemington transformed into a vibrant runway as celebrities, sports stars, and racegoers descended on the track for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, headlined by Stakes Day celebrations on November 7, 2026.
MAFS star Jules Robinson drew inspiration from Vivian Ward in a polka-dot dress co-designed with Big W. Meanwhile, DJ Fisher wore a grey suit jacket with perspex sunnies, and North Melbourne player Toby Pink and his wife Chloe turned heads with coordinated tailoring.
Three generations of racing royalty gathered trackside as Kate Waterhouse attended alongside her husband, Luke Ricketson, their daughters Sophia and Grace, and her mother, Gai Waterhouse. Waterhouse wore a rich chocolate brown dress styled with a structured pillbox hat.
Cup Day fashion statements
Days earlier on November 3, 2026, Flemington Racecourse hosted the Melbourne Cup itself, featuring an array of bespoke designs inside the private pavilions. Interior designer Brahman Perera stepped into the Landmark by Lexus pavilion wearing a sequined Romance was Born lace dress that echoed 1920s-era fashion, completed with a flower brooch and a soft blue hat by Stephanie Spencer.
Generally, I’ll be thinking about it at night right before I go to bed, and then somehow in the morning it all just comes together,
Perera said of his approach, as reported by The Age.
One last day. One incredible finale🏇 70,414 racegoers joined us at Flemington for TAB Champions Stakes Day, bringing the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival to a spectacular close. World-class racing, champion performances and one final day of everything we love about Flemington.… pic.twitter.com/jw3dqeHJsu
— Post by @FlemingtonVRC on X
Rozalia Russian and Bambi Northwood-Blythe wear beaded and gold ensembles
Rozalia Russian selected a blush corseted-top-and-skirt set by Alin Le’ Kal featuring hand beading, paired with a soft pink Melissa Jackson hat, Paris Texas heels, and vintage Christian Dior pearls.
Sometimes beading scares people for daytime, but I’ve always loved the ethereal vibe of an Ellie Saab gown,
Russian said of the outfit, which was assembled in seven days.
Model Bambi Northwood-Blythe opted for a gold Alex Perry dress matched to the drapes of the Landmark by Lexus pavilion, accessorizing with Ero and Alinka jewels and a white Ford Millinery mesh bow.
I’m a diehard Joan Collins and Dynasty fan. I love the fashion and that iconic ‘own your shit’ energy,
Wilkinson said.
For the 6th time, @mcacajamez was the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s leading jockey 👑 pic.twitter.com/4rJJVeqtna
— Post by @RacingVictoria on X
Sports stars across the carnival
Athletes, racing figures, and media personalities filled the racecourse throughout the carnival week. Billy Slater reflected on his role during Channel 9’s coverage after stepping down as Maroons coach, noting his background riding horses and interviewing players.
It’s something different (working at the Melbourne Cup),
Slater told Trackside NZ, according to Fox Sports. And to talk to some of the athletes on horseback moments after they win the biggest race of their career is a great honour.
The crowds at Flemington also featured Jamie Foxx, Rebecca and Chris Judd, Gillon and Hamish McLachlan, Cate and Bronte Campbell, Allison Langdon, and Brisbane Lions players Conor McKenna and Hugh McCluggage.