Lexus Melbourne Cup Day

More than 90,000 racegoers are expected to attend Lexus Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, with 'the race that stops a nation'™ to be run at 3pm (AEDST) tomorrow.

Eleven internationally-trained horses and two from New Zealand will join leading locals to vie for the $7.3 million on offer in the world's richest handicap, the Lexus Melbourne Cup, in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

Irish galloper Yucatan, to be ridden by James McDonald, is currently the $5.50 favourite with TAB, ahead of England's Magic Circle ($8.00). Yucatan is trained by the world's leading trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has never won Australia's greatest race.

The traditional pre-Lexus Melbourne Cup entertainment will see Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith perform two of his smash hits before Sabrina Durante sings the Australian National Anthem.

The exclusive Birdcage will host local and international celebrities including five-time Grammy award winner and soul icon Dionne Warwick at 1 Oliver St, supermodel Megan Gale at Lexus, Australian model and entrepreneur Lara Worthington at Bumble, fashion blogger Nadia Fairfax at Kennedy, actress Jodi Anasta at Mumm, Australian DJ Havana Brown at Pace Penthouse and Melbourne Cup heroes Michelle and Stevie Payne at Tabcorp.

In the fashion stakes, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day is the day to make your strongest fashion statement with bold looks and colours. In the stunning Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure at The Park, hosted by Myer ambassadors Rachael Finch and Kris Smith, the Women's Racewear competition continues, followed by the Emerging Designer Award. The Men's Racewear Competition also continues, with a Daily Final followed by the Men's Racewear Final, encompassing the three finalists from AAMI Victoria Derby Day and Lexus Melbourne Cup Day. The judging panel includes Myer Fashions on the Field ambassadors Kirsten Clemens and Dalton Graham, Myer ambassadors Elyse Knowles and Josh Gibson, winter Olympian Scotty James, VRC Official Stylist Elliot Garnaut, Myer designer Dom Bagnato, VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson and Herald Sun fashion writer Anna Byrne. This year's competition boasts another phenomenal prize pool of over $430,000, including a brand new Lexus UX valued at approximately $53,000.

Due to the distance between The Park and The Birdcage, a shuttle (buggy) service will be provided to transfer accredited media between the Birdcage and The Park. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off area is located at the overpass entrance to The Birdcage and at the back of the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure.

All racegoers can enjoy Flemington's fashion and entertainment destination, The Park. Following the running of the Cup, YO! MAFIA (4pm – 5pm) and The Presets (5.20pm – 6.20pm) will hit the stage. Accredited media are permitted to film the first three songs of each artist from the pit in front of the stage at The Park. There is no stage access unless arranged and approved prior with the artist.

The 10,000 square metre precinct features Myer Fashions on the Field, virtual horse racing at TAB, a human-powered dancefloor at Absolut Electric Avenue, the playful Bumble Place, Furphy Bar, Bar Schweppes, James Squire Caravan, Seppelt Bar, The Pony Bar, and Grinders Coffee plus fine food from some of Melbourne's hottest restaurants and culinary destinations including Easey's, South of the Wall, Drumplings, Takeaway Pizza, Princes Pies and Glacé.

Pin & Win volunteers will be out in force selling Lexus Melbourne Cup pins in support of Melbourne Cup Carnival charity partner JDRF.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Post-Race Media Conference, featuring the winning trainer, jockey and connections, will take place in the Media Centre at approximately 3.30pm. Space is limited and media must contact Alexandra Factor at a.factor@vrc.net.au or in the Media Centre prior to 2.30pm to request access.

Lexus Melbourne Cup Day tickets will be available for purchase on arrival from 8:30am at the Hill Gate, Rose Arbour, Flemington train platform, Elms and Infield entrances. While Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be pre-purchased from Flinders Street, Southern Cross, North Melbourne, Essendon, South Yarra, Werribee and Richmond train stations or racegoers can jump the queues and buy online from Ticketek on their mobiles, even on raceday. Admission is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.