‘Nice pins’: Karl Stefanovic mocks divisive Victoria Racing Club shorts rule

The TODAY co-host poked fun at the Victoria Racing Club’s controversial decision to allow men to wear shorts at Flemington for the first time.

Karl Stefanovic has mocked the Victoria Racing Club’s controversial decision to allow men to wear shorts in the members’ area at Flemington during Cup Week for the first time.

In an interview with Gai Waterhouse, the TODAY co-host showed off quite a bit of leg – hinting prior to the segment he had a “special surprise” for the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer. The 69-year-old has vehemently opposed the new dress regulations, telling The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week “it’s the silliest thing I’ve ever seen”.

While she jokingly admitted Stefanovic looked “quite sexy” in his blazer, white shirt, and shorts, the racing queen maintained her stance.

In an interview with Gai Waterhouse, the TODAY co-host showed off quite a bit of leg. Picture: TODAY

'I like to wear this sort of stuff – and will continue to. I think I wear it pretty well.' Picture: TODAY

“The problem is, once you drop the standards, how can you ask people to pay expensive money – lots of dollars – to go to the races, when people have dropped the standards?” Ms Waterhouse said.

“The other thing is – you look at the money that’s turned over in Victoria, and all around Australia and everywhere, buying clothes – be it suits for the men, dresses for the women, fascinators, hats. And it’s all because they’re dressing for the occasion.”

To which Stefanovic responded: “Each to their own. I’m a Queenslander, I like to wear this sort of stuff – and will continue to. I think I wear it pretty well.”

TODAY hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic with Gai Waterhouse. Picture: Facebook

A photo of Stefanovic, his TODAY co-host Sarah Abo and Ms Waterhouse shared to social media prompted similar mixed reaction from fans – as well as plenty of laughs.

“Nice pins! Wish mine looked like that [but with] less hair of course!” one commented.

“It’s funny! Good on you Carl (sic),” another wrote.

Others, however, begged Stefanovic to “go put the jeans back on please”.

“No to the shorts Karl!” one said.

“I agree pants are better for the cup. Even though you have great legs Karl [it] looks like your (sic) off to the beach for the day,” another commented.

“Funny but I must say … Yes for the cup keep the standard high. As Gai said it’s only a few days and it’s a showcase for the world. Aussies have prestigious standards too.”

The VRC announced its updated dress regulations for exclusive member areas – including the prestigious Birdcage – in October.

The changes saw a more modern view on once controversial fashion trends, such as cut-outs, exposed midriffs and low backs.

Members are still, however, “expected to maintain a suitable standard of racewear attire”, stating: “This is not a case of anything goes.”

‘This is not a case of anything goes,’ the VRC said of the new dress regulations. Picture: Jason Edwards

While men will be allowed to don their “tailored shorts”, they must still be worn with a suit jacket and tie.

“This is not about becoming casual or relaxing rules,” VRC chairman Neil Wilson said at the time.

“The VRC is managing the transition to more contemporary requirements and fashion is an important part of that. These regulation changes have an impact on how we think about racing.”

Clothing items that are still banned from the track include bralettes and bandeau crop tops as well as short jumpsuits and playsuits for women.

The last time the VRC made a change to its members dress code was in 2018, when it removed the need for men to wear socks.