Melbourne Cup Carnival 2023: Rebecca Judd ditches race

Rebecca Judd has taken a strong Melbourne Cup stance after her red mini-dress was accused of baring too much “cleavage” last year.

After her outfit was accused of being too revealing last year, Rebecca Judd has taken a strong stance, and completely ditched the Melbourne Cup.

The WAG and activewear label co-founder copped criticism in 2022 after opting for a red mini-dress inside the Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse.

Despite attending Derby Day on Saturday, the mum-of-four revealed she’d ditched the prestigious enclosure on Cup Day in favour of heading to Sandringham beach with her family.

In a series of clips shared to Instagram, Judd shared the outfit she’d opted for instead of traditional racing wear, while heading to the sand with husband Chris Judd and their kids.

A snap taken in her bedroom showed the Flemington regular wearing a white mesh dress that showed off her black bikini underneath.

She finished the look with a pair of sunglasses and a straw beach bag.

Rebecca Judd appears to be ditching the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Instagram

“Cup Day in @littledutchclothing and designer eyes,” she captioned the image, which was uploaded just before 1pm - two hours before the big race.

She later shared a video from the beach with her AFL legend husband, writing: “Melb I love you so hard when the sun is shining.”

Judd’s outfit was the target of criticism at last year’s race after some claimed her outfit showed too much flesh.

The 40-year-old wore a mini-dress in 2022 from Australian designer Effie Kats while attending the G.H. Mumm marquee, that many fans described as “stunning” and “perfection”.

But there were some who questioned whether the all red ensemble, which she’d paired with an oversized hat from Melbourne milliner Stephanie Spencer and a matching structured clutch, was too revealing.

Rebecca Judd was on the receiving end of criticism for her Melbourne Cup outfit in 2022. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Nice dress but no cleavage at the races,” one of Judd’s followers scoffed.

“Great dress wear it somewhere else. Nup,” another added.

As one lamented: “Something longer would have been more appropriate.”

While many fans labelled the all-red ensemble ‘perfection’, some said it showed too much ‘cleavage’. Picture: Jason Edwards

The mum-of-four is a regular attendee at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) recently updated its dress code standards for members, introducing a more modern view on once controversial fashion trends, such as cut-outs, exposed midriffs and low backs.

Judd’s stylist, who also happens to be one of her best friends and a popular shoe designer, Lana Wilkinson told news.com.au she hoped the new rules would “see racegoers experimenting with the rules”, however stressed she would be sticking with “chic and traditional” for her star clients.

“As a stylist, I’m mindful that these outfits need to be worn during the day so I’m not looking to put any of my clients in pieces that they could wear to a nightclub,” she said.

Lana Wilkinson, who is Judd's stylist and personal friend, said she would be sticking with ‘traditional’ Cup Day outfits this year. Picture: Instagram/LanaWilkinson

Wilkinson added: “Cup Day is all about bold colour. “I’d recommend playing with a statement shade to give your outfit an edge.

“This year is all about red, but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing a bright hue, you can play with bold colours in your accessories to follow the trend.

“Ultimately, fashion should be fun so don’t put too much pressure on it and enjoy the day.”

Judd wasn’t the only one who opted out of Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, with Nadia Bartel also not in attendance.

The mum-of-two stunned at Derby Day on Saturday in a floor-length, strapless white “suiting” gown designed by her own label, HENCE, paired with YSL heels and an oversized black hair bow.

Anyone waiting to spot the 38-year-old at Flemington today, though, needn’t bother.

Originally published as Melbourne Cup Carnival 2023: Rebecca Judd ditches race