Crowds still flock to the Birdcage on Derby Day, but corporate Australia stayed away

Mode Sportif boutique, Double Bay, founder Deborah Symond O'Neil at the Lexus marquee. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.

Has corporate Australia abandoned the Birdcage?

The big corporate marquees are getting even thinner on the ground these days, down to under half a dozen after last year’s exit of Penfolds.

The Birdcage is down to Lexus, Nine Entertainment, GH Mumm, Tabcorp and Lion this year, with the rest of the enclosure’s pavilions mostly pay-for-play. That’s leaving plenty wondering how long it can last – at least without a major overhaul.

And the corporate bosses were also thin on the ground although, to be fair, Derby Day has never been the biggest on the Spring Carnival roster for the suits. But it’s all about attracting the youth at the races these days, and the Birdcage is clearly no longer the place to be seen for the top end of town.

Now it seemingly belongs to politicians, lobbyists and influencers; the latter flocking to the GH Mumm and Lexus marquees.

Liberal MP Dan Tehan MP and Senator Anne Ruston. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.

Margin Call spotted a smattering of Macquarie bankers at Lion, and an animated argument on the sidelines of the Birdcage about the merits of various gold companies suggested at least one posse of young stockbrokers was in attendance – confirmed by their uniforms of bad moustaches and RM Williams.

Lion, having rebranded its Furphy marquee to the slightly more up-market Kirin, put on its usual show for its biggest customers. Hosted by long-term managing director James Brindley and director Ted Sato – Mr Kirin, he’s referred to inside the company – Lion put on a 50kg tuna to show off its Japanese credentials.

One of the more elaborate costumes on Derby Day. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

From the old-school pub barons in Arthur Laundy, to those you hear less about – such as Oscars Group founder Mario Gravanis, fresh from spending $30m on property at Sydney’s Barangaroo.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s troops were a bit thin on the ground as he’s running parliament in Melbourne Cup week for the second year running.

Lexus Australia chief John Pappas with actor Michelle Monaghan. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

But Opposition Leader Sussan Ley made an appearance, first at Crown – spending most of her time on the top floor, out of view – then at Lion, where she was buttonholed for an extended period by Opposition chief whip Aaron Violi, and then by Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston. There was plenty to talk about given Friday’s partyroom meeting about climate policy, no doubt.

Although the crowds at the Lion marquee appeared to have kept Ley apart from Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan, who’s always a presence at the races.

Labor’s attendance was led by senators Anthony Chisholm, Richard Dowling and Raff Ciccone, with a handful of Victorian Labor as well – it’s pretty much compulsory for Victorian gambling minister Enver Erdogan to attend. His predecessor, Martin Pakula – now forging a career on the boards of the companies he used to regulate – was also around.

Tabcorp chief Gillon McLachlan. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

Liberal leader Sussan Ley with member for Casey Aaron Violi and his wife Rachel. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

And, of course, there was the usual pack of lobbyists and former pollies-turned-commentators – Michael Photios and Michael Kroger, Ryan Liddell and plenty of others.

Tabcorp boss Gill McLachlan slipped in and out of his own pavilion during the day, always looking a bit harried.

Crown boss David Tsai was also playing host, and Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas hammed it up for the snappers for a bit with American actor Michelle Monaghan.