Melbourne Cup 2024: Outrageous things overheard in the Birdcage

Each and every year, the race that stops the nation does little in the way of stopping punters from getting a little loose trackside.

Each and every year, the race that stops the nation does little in the way of stopping punters from getting a little loose trackside — and inevitably succumbing to the ‘Chatty Cathy’ side-effects of one-too-many champagnes.

Stepping inside the Birdcage, the crown jewel within the chaos, thousands of racegoers parade around in their best frocks, swankiest suits and finest fascinators.

But as the sun starts to fade at Flemington and the heels move from sore feet to sweaty hands – it’s anyone’s guess what may well happen after the last race of the day comes to an end.

But before the last drinks are called and the communal waddle to Flemington Station trots across Leonard Crescent, take a pause for these bangers overheard around the course of Australia’s biggest race day:

“The second I don’t look this good, please tell me, bi**h,” one lady just wanting some honesty in cubicle 2.

Punters head home after a big day. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

“F**k the cup I only wear black, nobody will force me into colour,” another racegoer entering into GA, minutes before lunch.

“I feel like people see me and they make an assumption,” a bubbly blonde whinged while waiting in the champagne line within the Birdcage. Honey I mean, do they?

“It’s so nice they offer real towels over paper towels. How do you like to dry your hands, babe,” one asked. Waiting for a glass can be tiring, as can this convo.

Between the wails of “how funnnn” and “omg you looook stunnnningggg” it was hard to get a word in with the punters. Luckily, by the time the main race had finished there wasn’t much need to say anything at all.

“Can I just say, I’ve had my heels on all day and by 3pm I’m thinking f**k it! They’re off,” one young lady on the main drag of the track, seeking comfort on the manicured trackside lawns.

Some hilarious commentary was overheard in the Birdcage. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

“By the end of the day, ya f**king starving,” she added.

“I’m pretty new to the whole races world so I don’t really give a f**k who wins aye,” shouted a bloke with a mullet in “pretty much all linen”.

The Melbourne Cup this year saw red take over as the colour of the day, with many of the celebrity arrivals into the Birdcage all rocking the same bright red hue.

Some of the big names to attend this year’s race that stops the nation include Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Ariana Titmus, Samantha Armytage and Aussie DJ Fisher.

Hilton was the international guest at the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup. She wore a pale lemon gown from Australians designer Rebecca Valance.

Aftermath of the big day. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

The 41-year-old, who attended with her husband James Rothschild, posed inside the LANDMARK by Lexus marquee in the off-the-shoulder dress which featured a structured bodice and a pleated skirt.

Hilton paired the unique gown, which she told news.com.au ahead of the event was a “stark contrast” to her iconic 2003 Cup Day look, with a matching pill box hat and diamond jewellery.

Nicky Hilton. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

Hannah Dal Sasso. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hilton didn’t wear red — like many others at the event — but Hannah Dal Sasso, the ex-girlfriend of Aussie tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis, who rocked a revealing dress in the popular colour.

The model looked “stunning” in a custom dress made by Melbourne designer Madoh which featured a corset top and a plunging neckline.

Her silk gown also featured flower detailing across the bust and hips.

After sharing a series of snaps on her Instagram page, Dal Sasso’s fans flooded the influencer with praise, declaring she “nailed it”.

Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2024: Outrageous things overheard in the Birdcage