Galleries and gossip: Who’s who of the Gold Coast out and about for Melbourne Cup

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MELBOURNE Cup fever hit the Gold Coast on Tuesday as the race that stops the nation helped dish up a major kick to hospitality.

It served up a hilarious fashion faux pas when two Gold Coast TV presenters and friends turned up in the same outfit, a Mad Huey member dropped in at Star and the champagne was flowing.

Ticketed venue events were completely sold out, with scarce standing spots available.

Influencer Alli Simpson, sister of superstar Cody, was at Nineteen at the Star with a cohort of gal pals dressed to the nines.

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Gold Coast hospitality operators are cheering the race that stops the nation for filling up their venues in a much-needed pandemic downturn buster.

More than 5000 people gathered at the Gold Coast Turf Club to watch Verry Elleegant give champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller his first Melbourne Cup.

Club chief executive Steve Lines said the huge crowd was in good spirits and ready to celebrate.

“This event continues the investment into the community as we are a community club,” he said.

“The more support we get, the more jobs are created in the community.”

The Star Gold Coast chief operating officer Jess Mellor said Tuesday’s Cup celebrations were a “strong indication” of what was to come as the state braced for the reopening of domestic borders next month.

“It’s amazing to see our property at full capacity again with completely sold-out events,” Ms Mellor said.

“Obviously, there’s still a number of restrictions in place but we are anticipating an extremely busy summer.

“The popularity of today’s Melbourne Cup event bodes very well for a huge Christmas and New Year season for us.”

Artesian partner Matt Keegan said the group’s venues – Cali Beach Club, White Rhino and Surfers Pavilion – were sold out for race-day celebrations.

“The rain hasn’t dampened spirits,” Mr Keegan said.

“Everyone’s in the mood to party – they’re wanting to kick off the summer with a bang and this is the first big party of the season.

“With Covid last year there were a lot of restrictions, so it’s encouraging to see the turn out. “We’re really happy with the response from everybody.”

Broadbeach’s Mamasan restaurant was inundated with bookings two months out from race day, much to the delight of managing director JP Duitsch.

“The crowd is fantastic and is made up mostly of large groups and regular customers,” he said.

“Last year was just as busy for us, but people are a little bit more excited this year to book something and get out.”

Police said everyone was well-behaved on Tuesday afternoon. 

One half of the cheeky Mad Hueys, Dean Harrington, said the vibe at The Star was “absolutely pumping.”

“Mate, it’s going off and everyone’s coming out in their best dress,” he said.

“(Nineteen at the Star partners) Jackie and Billy (Cross) know how to put on a good party.

“I’ve just won the quinella so I’m putting it out there that it’s my shout.”

Mr Harrington said he was going to “take it easy” for the rest of the day and would no doubt head down to The Lawn for the Stafford Brothers and Brooke Evers DJ set.

7News Gold Coast co-anchor Amanda Abate who was hosting the Melbourne Cup event at Nineteen At The Star showed her and fellow presenter Liz Cantor shared the same fashion sense.

The pair ended up coincidentally turning up wearing the same flowery Bec + Bridge print, albeit in different dress styles.

An amused Ms Abate told the Bulletin it was “not coordinated!”.

“We usually ask each other what we are wearing but didn’t this time,” she said.

“Just a coincidence but obviously both love it. That’s never happened before – pretty funny.”

Ms Abate said it was thrilling the festivities were back in full force this year.

Cross Promotions co-owner Jackie Cross said the party atmosphere was palpable at The Star, with a who’s who of Gold Coast notables attending.

Well-known Australian musician Timmy Trumpet was also making the rounds on Nineteen’s rooftop.

Taking a more laid-back approach, Gold Coast family lawyer Jason Murakami was with a swathe of solid looking gentlemen.

Ms Cross said even the men were dressing up for the occasion - showcasing their best fashions on the Nineteen rooftop.

“There’s a lot of flamboyant fashions happening today and plenty of colour, it’s great to see,” she said.

“Everyone is in celebratory mode and the music has got everyone indulging in the dance party atmosphere.”

Despite the overcast weather, renowned DJs Brooke Evers and the Stafford Brothers are set to make the beats rain down post-race at an all-out dance party on The Lawn.

Ms Abate added: “Everyone has been itching to party and it’s great to see the Gold Coast turn out in spirit today at The Star.

“I’m looking forward to hosting it’s just so nice to get out and about after the year that we’ve had.

“It’s fantastic to see everyone in party mode and wearing really bright colours and wonderful outfits – and Nineteen is truly the best spot on the Gold Coast.”

If you’re still looking for something to do, see our guide to Melbourne Cup on the Coast here.

And if you need a hot tip on the race, we’ve got a five minute betting guide.

Stay up to date with the race on our live blog.

Follow @Melwhiting

Originally published as Galleries and gossip: Who’s who of the Gold Coast out and about for Melbourne Cup