Romantic proposal and fashion triumph at Derby Day 2024

Derby Day at Eagle Farm racecourse dazzled attendees with high fashion and thrilling races, but it was a Racing Queensland stalwart who stole the show by proposing to his longtime partner. SEE THE PICTURES

It was heated competition in the Fashions on the Field. Picture: Liam Kidston

This year’s Ladbrokes Derby Day at Eagle Farm racecourse proved to be an event to remember, showcasing not only the thrilling horse races and the elegance of the black-and-white dress code but also a heartwarming proposal that stole the spotlight.

Stephen Butler proposes to Gemma Davidson at Derby Day at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Picture: Liam Kidston

Racing Queensland’s Stephen Butler made the day unforgettable by proposing to his longtime partner Gemma Davidson, choosing the iconic Eagle Farm mounting yard as the setting for his romantic gesture.

Gemma Davidson kisses Stephen Butler after his proposal. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I got on one knee and said, ‘I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and it starts today,” he said.

“We’re longtime racing fans with horses scattered around the East Coast. We’ve been together for six years – and this proposal ties everything up nicely for us.”

The happy couple. Picture: Liam Kidston

Davidson was genuinely surprised, which was a significant feat given her organised nature as Executive Executive Director of People and Culture at QPAC.

“It was a complete surprise to Gemma which is not like her, she’s an executive manager and always has everything in mind” Butler laughed.

“I teamed up with a photographer who pretended to be working for Racing Queensland, so I made sure she had no idea.”

Fashions on the Field. Picture: Liam Kidston

While the proposal was a highlight, the day also celebrated the elegance and style that Derby Day is known for.

Brisbane’s Eugenia Veneris emerged as the ‘Fashions on the Field’ winner, dazzling the judges with her locally made jacket and skirt ensemble, paired with a stunning hat from Rose Hudson Millinery in Melbourne.

Fashions on the Field winner Eugenia Veneris. Picture: Liam Kidston

This marked her first time entering the competition on stage, following a second-place finish in last year’s digital photo competition for the Melbourne Cup.

“It was overwhelming but fabulous,” Ms Veneris said.

“I felt like I had a beautiful outfit, but I didn’t expect to win.”

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Veneris comes from a race-loving family, with her late grandfather being a passionate racing fan.

He even decorated their family-owned laundromat in Hamilton, Kathron Dry Cleaners, in race themes, bringing a touch of the track to their business.

“My late grandfather was an avid race goer and he would always even dressed the shop in race style things,” she said.

“My grandmother used to have these curtains that had racehorses on them and oil canvases with horses on the walls“.