Melbourne Cup 2016 Birdcage: Gina Rinehart makes superstar appearance
UPDATE: GINA Rinehart has fallen down a flight of stairs in the Emirates Marquee during a rare appearance at the Melbourne Cup.
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MINING magnate Gina Rinehart has suffered a frightening fall down the stairs of a five-star marquee in The Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup.
Her minders, including controversial former politician Sophie Mirabella, rushed to the aid of Ms Rinehart when she landed without injury after the tumble as she tried to leave the Emirates marquee.
Marquee staff said Ms Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, worth an estimated $6 billion, was in good spirits after the accident, and planned to visit a neighbouring marquee.
The reclusive businesswoman, a guest of Emirates, dined in the marquee with fellow billionaire Anthony Pratt. Gourmet meals from an Australian-inspired menu in the marquee included Sydney Balmain bug ravioli and roaster barramundi fillet from north of Brisbane.
The cascade down the staircase soured an otherwise faultless day for Rinehart, who arrived into Flemington’s VIP zone with a dazzling entrance on a par with past Birdcage visitors like Nicole Kidman, Liza Minnelli and Paris Hilton.
Indeed, Rinehart swished into the premium marquee zone looking every inch the superstar.
Wearing a cream lace dress, light fur wrap, pearl drop earrings --- and surrounded by an entourage of Emirates airline staff wearing the company’s signature red hats --- Rinehart’s slow approach resembled a kooky Lady Gaga performance art piece.
It’s almost like the $6 billion woman glided into millionaire’s row.
Inside, she joined guests including broadcaster Eddie McGuire, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, tracking magnate Lindsay Fox and model Jessica Kahawaty.
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