Covid Cup party celebrity guest list

High-profile Melburnians are among those exposed after a Cup party Covid cluster. See the footage from inside the party.

Models, business kings and sportsmen were among those forced into isolation this week after a lavish Melbourne Cup party attended by the winning team unwittingly became a Covid cluster.

The private winners event at Society restaurant was identified as an exposure site after Ozzie Kheir — part-owner of Melbourne Cup winning horse Verry Elleegant — tested positive to Covid on Friday.

Verry Elleegant part-owner John O’Neill with Tiger’s star Nathan Broad, Jayden Short and footballer Jack Graham. Picture: Nathan Broad/Instagram

The outbreak has now reportedly spread to more than a dozen people and attendees were told to isolate by the health department.

A list of famous sporting stars were among those at the party on Tuesday, including former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting and Richmond premiership hero Trent Cotchin.

But the biggest sporting names at the party were none other than the winning horse’s entourage.

Verry Elleegant part-owner John O’Neill posed up with Tiger’s star Nathan Broad his teammate Jayden Short and former footballer Nathan Brown.

Richmond’s Dion Prestia was also at the party.

James McDonald and Brae Sokolski had every reason to celebrate on Tuesday night.

Brae Sokolski at the winners’ party at Society restaurant.

Part-owners John and Nadine Rosham also attended alongside Verry Elleegant jockey James McDonald.

McDonald — who has thankfully tested negative — was captured celebrating with part-owner Brae Sokolski.

Old school friends and family members of Mr Sokolski were also invited to the once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. Some friends are understood to be among those infected.

Brae Soloski with Chris Lucas at the Cup party.

Sarah Lew shared this image to her Instagram story.

Sarah Lew and Chris Lucas at the opening of Lillian Terrace. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Prominent restaurant owner Chris Lucas attended the private event, which was held at his venue, and shared this picture posing with the cup on Instagram.

His partner, style icon and creative consultant Sarah Lew, shared snaps to her 10,000-plus Instagram followers, including one appearing to show the winning jockey celebrating on top of the bar.

Lucas’s daughter, Holly, who is the Lucas Group’s creative director, was also there, sharing a picture with some friends.

Brae Sokolski and Wayne Carey. Picture: 7 News

An Instagram post from the Cup party.

John Rombotis’ Instagram photo.

Nick Holland, Jonathan Rosham, Ricky Ponting with the cup.

Real estate titan John Rombotis was one of several ex-footballers in attendance, alongside Wayne Carey and Campbell Brown.

Other famous faces spotted included model Kris Smith, interior designer Tina Nettlefold and Rachel and Nick Holland.

James Brayshaw, Steve Hooker and Mark Allen also made an appearance.