Derby Day 2018: Races, fashions on the field and 42,000 chicken sandwiches

PUNTERS have lashed out at organisers of one of Australia’s biggest racing days after a bungle forced riders to unsaddle.

A MALFUNCTIONING photo finish clock at Flemington left punters and jockeys waiting.

The photo finish tower’s power went out shortly before the highly anticipated Lexus Stakes on Saturday, causing frustrations ahead of the Derby Day main event, which was eventually won by Extra Brut.

“I’m baffled. It’s the first I have heard of, that’s for sure,” jockey Damien Lane said.

On social media, impatient punters were less kind.

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Waiting for the Lexus Stakes... #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/XAQgbKXdKg

— Sharpy (@j0sharp) November 3, 2018

Who let Optus Sports take over the photo finish Tele at Flemington? #DerbyDay

— Michael Fyfe (@fyfey23) November 3, 2018

Have you tried control-alt-delete? #DerbyDay

— Ant Phillips (@Tonebags) November 3, 2018

Only one man can save us now... #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/hLf1fIFDix

— NedsAU (@NedsAus) November 3, 2018

What a disgrace @FlemingtonVRC. This kind of thing really inevitable though once the Club decided Racing was a second order priority and putting on a party for instagram influencers was their new reason d’être #DerbyDay

— James Duncan (@JamesDuncanVIC) November 3, 2018

The race got underway shortly after and was won by Prince of Arran, ahead of Brimham Rocks and Jaameh.

A huge day of racing started early with organisers wheeling in celebrities like Elle Macpherson and a whole lot of food. Over the next four days, it’s estimated punters will consume 7500 tonnes of meat and poultry, 42,000 chicken sandwiches and 9500 bottles of champagne.

Rebecca and Chris Judd made a big show of things early, turning up at the track in a chopper. Usain Bolt, who earlier this week made headlines by dashing from A-League club Central Coast, turned up, too, dressed in a grey suit. His love affair with the Cup continues — Bolt was also in attendance at last year’s events.

Two women put on the finishing touches. Picture: Jay Town

Police are out in force to keep punters in hand and have descended on nearby train stations and venues.

“Police will be with you every step of the way — on the trains coming to the venue, at the venue, during the event, as you leave and at any post-event celebrations,” Superintendent David Clayton warned.

Elle ‘the Body’ Macpherson and reality TV star Scott Disick have also touched down in Melbourne for the festivities.

It’s the supermodel’s first time at the races, attending as a guest of Lexus in their three-storey, trackside marquee.

Daniell Brown poses for a photo during the AAMI Victoria Derby Day. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

The next question is: where will Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins spend her day? The department store no longer has a marquee in the exclusive Birdcage Enclosure.

It’s Hawkins’ final week as the ‘face of Myer’ and she will be joined by ambassadors Elyse Knowles, Rachael Finch, Kris Smith and Travis Boak for a media opportunity in the Fashions on the Field enclosure.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop is also set to attend.

— with AAP