Sunshine and massive crowds set to make 2024 Derby Day a winner

About 80,000 racing fans are expected to stream through the gates of Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day, the traditional Cup Carnival curtain raiser.

Racing enthusiasts are set to enjoy a Derby Day bathed in sunshine, with clear skies and a forecast of 27C.

About 80,000 fans and dedicated punters are expected to stream through the gates of Flemington Racecourse for the traditional Cup Carnival curtain raiser on Saturday.

“This year’s Derby Day is set to be a winner, with Melbourne to bring the good weather, star horses, fashion galore and an unbeatable buzz on and off the track at Flemington,” Racing Minister Anthony Carbines said.

“Last year, 73,000 flocked to Flemington for Derby Day and I’m sure we’ll draw an even bigger crowd this year because nobody does spring racing like Victoria.”

El Castello is the bookies’ favourite for the Victoria Derby, the feature race in what many describe as the greatest day in Australian racing.

Montana Cox and Georgia Fowler for Penfolds. Picture: David Caird

Jockey Josh Parr will take the reins one week after riding El Castello to victory in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney.

Last year’s Derby was a thriller which ended with favourite Riff Rocket triumphing over Apulia in a photo finish.

US superstar Anastacia will headline Saturday’s musical entertainment.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival generated more than $468m for the state’s economy last year, according to government figures.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival will also provide a massive boost to our hotels, retailers, cafes and restaurants – backing local jobs and keeping our city buzzing with excitement,” Mr Carbines said.

With the cup long weekend synonymous with liberal amounts of alcohol, police urged those attending to drink responsibly.

“As always, we want people to come to the races and enjoy themselves safely and responsibly, which we know the overwhelming majority of people do,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“We’re asking everyone to be considerate of other patrons and watch out for their mates.

“If you’re planning on having a drink, plan not to drive.”

Montana Cox for VRC and Georgia Fowler for Penfolds with Derby favourite El Castello. Picture: David Caird

There will be a heightened police presence to monitor for speeding and drunk driving during the long weekend.

An extra 1000 train and tram services will also be added to Melbourne’s public transport network throughout Spring Carnival.

The road safety clampdown comes after November was the deadliest month on Victorian roads last year, with 13 people killed on Cup weekend alone.

“Our message this weekend is simple, it’s not a race,” Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said.

“Leave the racing to the horses and jockeys on the racetrack, slow down and stick to the speed limit and allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination safely.”