Celebrities bring glamour to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup

UPDATE: ACTRESS Mischa Barton and sporting champs Cadel Evans and Sally Pearson are among famous faces at the Melbourne Cup.

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UPDATE: ACTRESS Mischa Barton and sporting champs Cadel Evans and Sally Pearson are among famous faces at the Melbourne Cup.

Actress Barton is in town for the day with Emirates and brought her mother, Nuala, to the races.

She wore a hat by Philip Treacy, the same designer who made Princess Beatrice's famous hat at the royal wedding last year.

Sporting champions Evans and Pearson spent the day in the Swisse marquee in the Birdcage.

Pearson told Bruce McAvaney on Channel 7 that her appearance at Flemington is just a continuation of what has been an incredible year.

"It's been absolutely fantastic," she said.

"It's been a whirlwind of a year, I couldn't ask for more."

Pictures: Inside the Birdcage

Pictures: Fun before the long run

Pictures: Fashion lovers frock up

As for Evans, he will now be based at his Victorian home of Barwon Heads until at least Christmas, doing his usually training for the 2013 cycling season.

He is on track with his wife Chiara Passerini.

The pair were dressed by local designer Arthur Galan for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Evans is already in the planning stages for next year's Tour de France, where he hopes to win a second title.

"One Tour de France is good, two must be better," he said.

Racegoers showcase colours of season

Jennifer Hawkins, Rebecca Judd and movie star Rose Byrne are also enjoying the Flemington hospitality.

It's a busy time for Hawkins - she will be back on track with Myer on Oaks Day.

After the races, preparations for her wedding next year to Jake Wall will move into top gear.

Swisse ambassador Ashley Hart arrived early in an eye-catching white pant suit.

Based in Los Angeles, Hart is in town with her boyfriend Buck Palmer.

Channel 7 celebrities started to arrive at the Emirates marquee just after 10am.

Winners & Losers cast members Virginia Gay, Tom Wren, Tom Hobbs, and Melanie Vallejo were guests of Emirates today.

Other celebrities spotted in the Birdcage include Dr Harry Cooper, Tara Dennis and Rob Palmer from Better Homes and Gardens.

Aussie Olympian Anna Meares was also be on track today in the Swisse facility.

Meanwhile Aussie swimmer Stephanie Rice was a late withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup from illness.

"So disappointed that I'm not well enough to go to the Melbourne Cup," she tweeted.

"I was so excited to wear a gorgeous Manning Cartell dress in the Myer marquee."