MELBOURNE: True to its reputation as ‘the race that stops a nation’™ the Emirates Melbourne Cup has once again delivered an incredible result for trainer Joseph O’Brien, with jockey Corey Brown riding to victory in an outstanding finish.
Run over 3200 metres, the Emirates Melbourne Cup offers the richest prize in Australian sport and a 18ct solid gold trophy valued at $200,000.
Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Australasia, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup to the winning connections of of Rekindling, which is owned by N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams, A L & B A Green, B N Singer, P Mehrten, J & Mrs F Ingham, M Gudinski, V Sammartino, G T Ryan, Bulla Thoroughbreds and Heffernan Bloodstock.
“Year-on-year, the iconic Emirates Melbourne Cup celebrates the magic of racing and 2017 has been no exception. The Emirates Melbourne Cup race takes race-goers on a journey, one that captivates from the moment the gates open until the winning horse crosses the finish line,” said Mr Brown.
“This incredible race provides the opportunity to connect people from around the globe, which is at the core of Emirates. The Emirates Melbourne Cup is truly a spectacular event with a history of iconic moments and is now firmly placed on the international sporting stage.”
While Australians around the country celebrated the race, Emirates entertained special guest and international model Lara Stone, as well as a number of well-known Australian celebrities and sports figures including Paralympic gold medalist Dylan Alcott, singer Guy Sebastian, and radio and television figure Dave Hughes.
The heads of Australian business and politics also celebrated the moment in the Emirates marquee, including Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce, Senator the Hon, Marise Payne and Flight Centre CEO, Graham Turner.
This year, Emirates brought its signature First Class and Business Class luxury experience to life, allowing guests to journey through the clouds in an in-flight themed marquee.
Inspired by a host of luxurious on-board features and key traits of Emirates’ A380 aircraft, guests in the marquee enjoyed gourmet cuisines from around the world in the Emirates restaurant, including Berber spice & lime cured ocean trout, braised chard & chevre ravioli and raspberry crème fraiche bavarois.
Following an immersive interpretation of The Great Gatsby which saw the grandeur of the Roaring 20’s come to life, Emirates treated guests to the ‘James Steeth Cocktail’, created with lilet blanc infused with gold pearlescent powder, rhubarb and pear shrub, sugar syrup and Mumm Champagne, inspired by the iconic and grand Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy and served out of Emirates very own A380 Bar.
Emirates Sommelier, Stephen Towler, also hosted an exclusive wine tasting for select guests, showcasing a refined selection of Emirates’ fine Australian wines including Levantine Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Mary Pinot Noir and Penfolds RWT. Sports Desk
