It was a day of fine Irish dining, fashion and racing action at Flemington Racecourse, Australia on Saturday, the first race day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with the emerald Isle being showcased inside the Emirates marquee.
Upon entering Emirates’ Dublin-inspired setting, guests were surrounded by scenes from the city including a bar replicating the famous Long Room at Trinity College Dublin and typical Dublin shop fronts lining an outdoor terrace over-looking the racecourse.
The on-track action saw the Damien Oliver-ridden Fiveandahalfstar winning the feature race of the day, the AAMI Victoria Derby.
Celebrity guests in the Emirates Marquee included Ireland’s Ronan Keating and Brian McFadden, along with their partners Storm Uechtritz and Vogue Williams, as well as football star Harry Kewell.
Brian McFadden provided some Irish-entertainment, performing two songs for marquee guests who were also treated to special performances by the world champion Christine Ayres Irish dancers.
“We couldn’t be more delighted with how our Irish-themed marquee has been received – it is the perfect way to honour Emirates’ new daily Dublin service which started earlier this year. We look forward to continuing to promote the spirit of Ireland over the rest of the Melbourne Cup Carnival which runs until Saturday 10th November,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications.
Hair and make-up inside the marquee Pampering Suite were provided by renowned Melbourne hair-stylist Conrad Mace and make-up by Napolean Perdis.
