Today is Derby Day!
If you are familiar with horse raising events, I am sure that you are feeling excited about this season.
This season supposed to be my first time attending the Melbourne Cup, but due to the current situation of COVID, things got a little different. The race is still going as planned, except there will be no spectators, no crowds, no fashionable people around with their babies and pets because all of those are now celebrating comfortably in their homes. And yes, including myself.
What is the Melbourne Cup Carnival?
The Melbourne Cup, affectionately known as 'the race that stops a nation', is Australia's most beloved and well-known horse race - it's also the richest handicap in the world! Held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup marks a time when Australians come to a collective stand-still to take in this famous horse race. This year marks the 160th running of the Melbourne Cup.
The Melbourne Cup is steeped in tradition and folklore, with the names Phar Lap, Tulloch, and Makybe Diva as recognizable as any in the annals of Australia's sporting history. But as November approaches the focus shifts to the future, amid mounting speculation around which horse will be added to the illustrious honor roll.
The Melbourne Cup is the country’s most prestigious thoroughbred race and the richest two-mile contest in the global racing calendar. This year the prize money on offer has shot up once again, and it now stands at a handsome $8 million. The prestige of the event is enough to draw an all-star field of leading stayers from around the world, but the spiraling prize purse certainly helps too.
The Melbourne Cup is a 3,200-metre race for three-year-olds and over, ran by the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. It’s the pre-eminent race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, and the Melbourne Cup week. It is the richest "two-mile" handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races. Melbourne Cup day is a public holiday for all those working within metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria.
This year's renewal takes place on November 3 and Victoria Racing Club chair Amanda Elliott has previously said: “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation. It is the world’s richest staying handicap and is backed by 158 years of history and tradition. The Lexus Melbourne Cup draws competitors from around the world. Winning the great race is on every owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey’s bucket list, both locally and globally. This year the Holy Grail not only offers more prize money to the winner, but it is now awarding prize money all the way down to 12th." Despite the COVID-19 pandemic Racing Victoria has confirmed that prize money for the Cup remains unchanged.
Melbourne Cup is one of the most opulent events in sports and in fashion
Aside from the million-dollar cup prize money for the race, Melbourne Cup is also the opportunity for many fashion lovers, and one of the opulent events of the year.
The cup itself is just part of the entertainment across the four-day racing bonanza. 'Fashions On The Field' is also a major part of the entertainment on the day, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed man and woman, although that is likely to be virtual this year. Celebrities from Australia and around the world normally can be seen in the ‘Birdcage’, which is a restricted area of Flemington to corporate marquees. Flemington racecourse has recently undergone a $128 million upgrade to the facilities with a suite of new dining facilities, bars, and lounge areas.
Just like I have mentioned earlier, this could be my first opulent event here in Australia and although I am kinda disappointed with some changes, it is for the best and safest of us here in Victoria.
This dress is perfect for Derby Day, which is all about black-and-white. I’m not really a hat-lover gal, coz I always want to flaunt my long black straight hair, but maybe I could make one as part of my DIY project. Besides, if I will embrace this opulent tradition, I should have a fabulous hat (of course designed by me).
I would like to share with you this look, as my little contribution to this year’s ‘Fashion in Your Lawn’ theme for Melbourne Cup. Even though our lives are mostly indoors, it is always a good idea to dressed-up a bit coz fashion gives us good vibes, energy, and amazing motivation.
Pardon me for saying this, but I would like you to admire my huge tree! Isn’t it amazing?!
Using my ever-reliable (assistant) tripod these photos, and the rest of my lawn OOTD photos made possible.
This sleeveless, bodycon with flowing ruffles, and polka dot print dress was one of the dresses I got months ago from MYER. It was part of the WAYNE COOPER collection, and if it were not in the clearance section, I wouldn’t get it.
I paired it with my polka dot shoes from YesStyle, but the kitten heels don’t suit the lawn (I don’t like to damage them both) so I switched to the nude flats that I got from Vinnies. If you will ask about my hairbow, yes, I made it!
I’m still in the process of learning about horse racing and it is quite interesting, although I’m not good in gambling, nor I played it before maybe one day I could be a horse whisperer who could tell which one is a sure winner, lol.
But here’s what I know about horses.
A good racing stallion is like a Greek God Zeus – strong, powerful, hot, and runs like the speed of lightning.
For more fashion ideas about the Melbourne Cup Carnival (also called the Spring Carnival), check this video.
The first Melbourne Cup was held in 1861. The race was originally run over the distance of two miles (3,219m) but after Australia adopted the metric system it was reduced to 3,200m.
The 2020 Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday 3 November at 3pm (AEDT).
That is a beautiful dress. It looks gorgeous on you.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is beautiful. Thanks for sharing about this day. I have never heard of it until now!
ReplyDeleteI wish we are all safe to go out, so we can celebrate the Derby Day!
DeleteBefore this post I had never heard of Derby Day! On my goodness, I feel like i have been living under a rock. Thank you for sharing this and informing me about horse racing in Australia.
ReplyDeleteI am continuously learning many new traditions here in Australia. Will share more updates!
DeleteWow these are so amazing!! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love the dress. You look absolutely gorgeous in it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual dress - and it's nice how you are wearing it matchy-matchy with those pumps.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I didn't realized that I have both!
DeleteBeautiful dress! You look casual but at the same time beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Maria!
DeleteYou look fantastic in this dress! I would love to see if/what kind of hat you might design to go with it. I have only been to a horse race once, and it wasn't a big deal like the one you described. But it was fun! I'd love to go to one where the spectators add to the show.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I am still planning the design for my hat, and I want to use sustainable materials.
DeleteJust like so many events this year, very sad to see such an iconic event cancelled. I'm sure you would look just as amazing if the event took place. Loving the dress -- so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAndie Sparkles
https://andiesparkles.com/
Hopefully next year we can celebrate it freely outdoor!
DeleteHow cool, I have never been to a Derby that would be fun even if it is indoors. Any occasion is a good time to dress up. I love the dress you are wearing.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I like this dress coz the design and print never goes out of fashion.
Deletewhat a beautiful dress, and great occasion. very nice styling, it looks appropriate to any form of formality
ReplyDeleteAww thank you, Lyosha!
DeleteI had no idea that Melbourne has a famous horse race! I guess it's true that you learn something new every day. Loved learning about it and also your dress is super cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you Hannah!
DeleteThis dress looks so classy and comfy. I love it. Works fabulous for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteThanks dear! I realized that too.
DeleteYou look amazing and like you're enjoying the day! Thanks for the info on Derby Day!
ReplyDeleteYou're always welcome!
DeleteLove your dress! Never been to Derby.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, we can attend the usual Derby next year!
DeleteMelbourne looks like such an awesome place to visit and explore for yourself! I hope to be able to travel here one day and see it.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Melbourne is such an amazing place. I haven't explored it more coz I am here in regional Gippsland most of the time and due to COVID.
DeleteYour front lawn looks great with a lot of green and I think the dress looks nice too. Thanks for sharing! - Knycx Journeying
ReplyDeleteOoohhhh....right on time for me, then! You look so good, Blair!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha thanks dear!
DeleteThat dress is all kinds of gorgeous! Happy to learn some history about the Meblourne Cup too.
ReplyDeleteI live on the other side of the world and I haven’t heard of this Derby Day yet. Thanks for all the interesting things you shared. The dress and shoes are gorgeous and fit you very well!
ReplyDeleteNina
Thank you Nina!
DeleteI have relatives who live in Melbourne, never been there before but it looks like a fun day to spend with your family and friends. Anyway, how's the corona cases there? are you still wearing mask and social distancing???
ReplyDeleteAs of today, we have zero new case, and zero death! Victorians are winning!
DeleteI love that dress! The color is really pretty. You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Midaa!
Deletelove your white dress. So good to know more about Melbourne cup.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting our page!
DeleteSo pretty and beautiful dress. I wish you were near me. I would like to wear a dress of your design.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm near you, I might be making you dresses too.
DeleteLovely dress suits you well ! I would love to try watching horse racing but yeah after all this pandemic so good to try new activities.
ReplyDeleteI find horses as one of the lovely animals, but I am honestly feeling scared of riding them. I just want to give them a pat.
DeleteI had never previously heard of the Melbourne Cup before, but it sounds like a lot of fun! And I absolutely love your outfit for the day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily! Although, I'm just watching them on screen coz we can't go to Flemington for that.
DeleteI work for an Aussie company, so I know about the Melbourne Cup for years (by name, though, not the actual event). I'm surprised to find out it's a horse race! LOL! I was thinking in the lines of sports.
ReplyDeleteNice outfit you have for the event. How did you fare ?
I didn't go to Flemington coz guests and spectators like me are not allowed. We just watch it on live streaming, and it was also cool especially placing bets with my husband. Hopefully next year, Flemington will be open for guests again!
DeleteYour dress is so flowy. Perfect for a sunny day outside sana!!! I’ve never heard of derby day so I was surprised how it was such a big deal. Hopefully you guys could attend it next year!
ReplyDeleteYup hopefully the Flemington Racecourse is open for public as it used to be for the last 150years!
Deletewhen i hear the term melbourne cup, feeling ko yung mga nasa upper east side ganun, mga shala na shala! hehe! i bet its a fun experience to get to watch it even once. and btw, i really love this dress of yours! kala ko nga at first it is one of your creations!!! pero go go go flaunt it more! loev all the ootds!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mamshie! Yeah during Melbourne Cup you will will many shala shala, lots of celebrities, etc. It is a colorful and shala kind of carnival.
DeleteI bought this dress coz it was bagsak presyo, and I love the cut. I thought of copying the pattern and try to make my own version :)
I love the dress! I think a nice black and white big shady hat would be the perfect accessory for that. I hope that you can flaunt that outfit once Flemington is open for next year (Claiming that things are gonna be better asap hahaha!)
ReplyDeleteI haven't attended Melbourne Cup Carnival! I hope I can attend in the future. Maybe after the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is bautiful and you look stunning in it
ReplyDeleteThank you Marta! You are so sweet!
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