How small Derby Day crowd made it a big day out

A host of celebrities were among the fortunate few at Flemington and were embracing the chance to swap activewear for race wear.

There was no Birdcage but Flemington still put on a show as crowds finally returned to the famous track.

More than 5000 racegoers at the time-honoured Victoria Derby at Flemington yesterday were trailblazers for the return of Victoria’s major events.

Melburnians love a party and after months of lockdown and tight restrictions there was a sense of triumph among racegoers arriving at the course.

Stylish women and men delighted in the opportunity to dress up, with most adhering to the Derby’s tradition of a black and white palette.

Rob Mills and Archie Thompson enjoying the day. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The most common sentiment was the relief of being out of leggings and pullovers and having the chance to dress up.

There was definitely also a sense of venturing into the unknown – returning to crowd situations after months of lockdown.

Penfold’s ‘friend of the brand’ Olympia Valance signalled that event dressing was back in fashion in a custom-made modern take on race wear by Oglia-Loro.

Olympia Valance. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Olivia Molly-Rogers. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Featuring a racer neckline and bare shoulders, the sporty black bodice was balanced with a less structured skirt in a textured fabric.

Valance teamed the look with long, sheer black gloves and a hat by Kim Fletcher Millinery.

“There is a real vibe at Flemington today, the 5,500 people who are here are so lucky,” Valance said.

“People are laughing, smiling, they are with their friends and are so happy.

“We haven’t seen people enjoying themselves like this for so long.”

Valance said she was thrilled to be working with Penfolds.

“I am a huge racing fan and I have been a friend, I would say a best friend, of Penfolds for quite some time,” she said.

Michael and Kelly Carty from Bendigo enjoying the day. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“So when I heard they were the new sponsor of the Victoria Derby, it was a case of my favourite wine and my favourite race day coming together.”

Also standing out at Flemington was new mum, Channel 10’s Natalie Hunter, in a sophisticated Oscar de la Renta frock.

“I have Jack at home who is six weeks old and Arabella who is 19 months,” she said.

“I am very happy to get dressed up and get out of activewear, but also just to be at Flemington and see it like this is wonderful.

“It is hard at the best of times to organise racing outfits but to see all the ladies out here so beautifully dressed is lovely, especially as everyone has had to buy online or create something from their wardrobes.”

Influencer and author Olivia Rogers opted for an elegant black dress with white embellishment on its suit-like lapels by Cappellazzo Couture.

She teamed it with a Morgan and Taylor decorative headband.

Tim Kano and Crystal Kimber. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Leading trainer Danny O’Brien and his wife Nina. Picture Supplied

Neighbours actor Tim Kano went for a smart suit by MJ Bale.

The stand out in terms of men of style at the track was soccer star Archie Thompson who showed plenty of swagger in a light grey check three-piece suit by Politix.

“This is the first time I have been out of my tracksuit for months,” he said.

“If you can get out of the trackie and into a suit, why not. Also trying to come to terms with talking to people again in a social setting has been interesting today.”

Channel 10 presenter Natalie Hunter. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Weather presenter Kate Freebairn. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Channel 10 weather presenter Kate Fairbairn looked stunning in a structured Dion Lee off-white dress featuring the clever combination of long sleeves and semi corset while much-loved stage performer and actor Rob Mills was dapper in a three-piece suit.

The boutique sized crowd meant the process of checking in and showing your vaccination certificate at the Flemington gates ran quickly and the well-sign posted course meant it was easy for attendees to find their way to their ticketed zones.

Admittedly the crowd was more of a sprinkle of well-dressed racegoers across the vast expanse of the Flemington’s grand lawn, more accustomed to accommodating 100,000 people on Derby Day.

But the set-up of tables, chairs and sun umbrellas, that had been blown around like tumbleweeds during the horrendous wind storm that hit Melbourne in the early hours of Friday morning, were nestled among the track’s famous roses and made the lawns feel busy.

Anyone holding off buying tickets for Cup, Oaks or Stakes Day – don’t.

Yesterday proved that Flemington knows how to throw a party in this new normal.