Thousands of punters have donned their best black and white frocks and suits and flocked to the races for Derby Day, the first event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Race-goers headed to Flemington Racecourse on Saturday for one of the biggest races of the year in the lead-up to Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
The Derby Day dress code was the traditional black and white with racegoers dressed to the nines for a day action both on and off the track.
Off to the races! A group of women are all smiles at Derby Day
Done for the day: A group of woman enjoy some time off their feet at the end of Derby Day
Spectators gather around as a ‘jockey’ puts on a final performance for the Derby
Two ladies smile for the camera while taking a seat at Derby Day
And we all fall down: Racegoers made themselves comfortable on the grass after the Derby wrapped up
Who needs a glass? A pair of racegoers celebrated Derby Day by the bottle
The $2million Group One Penfolds Victoria Derby consisted of nine races at differing group levels, including three Group One races.
It’s a chance for the Victorian capital to showcase its classy side, at least until the champagne and beer starts flowing.
The glamourous attendees looked considerably weary on their way out of the event following a long day of sun and fun.
As some headed home after a long day, others remained at the track or hit the town to party long into the night.
With bright colours ruled-out by the day’s theme, many racegoers used frills, cutouts and unique silhouettes to stand out from the crowd.
Afternoon snooze: A pair of well-dressed women take a break from the action on and off the track
A group of women make their way home after a long day of fun and sun
A group cheers the Derby Day, the first event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Thousands of racing fans headed to Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on Saturday for Derby Day
Racing fans celebrated a Derby Day victory
Two racegoers spotted leaving Flemington Racecourse after Derby Day
Seagulls flocked around the course to pick up any leftover food as spectators left Flemington
A stylish racegoer perfectly-paired her accessories for the Derby’s traditional black and white theme
The day was accompanied by the $10million Golden Eagle event at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse.
The two events had a combined $22million worth of prizemoney up for grabs.
The headline racing event for Saturday was the Victoria Derby, with three-year-old horses fighting to complete the 2500m sprint in first place.
The $2million Group One Penfolds Victoria Derby consists of nine races at differing group levels, including three Group One races
Sore feet tomorrow: One racegoer ditched her heels while leaving the course
Crowd favourite Riff Rocket with jockey James McDonald won the prized Derby with a photo finish as race-goers celebrated a big day out
As the races ended, the painful heels came off!
Seagulls eyed-off the rubbish left by racegoers as the last prepared to head home
‘First run in 1855, the Penfolds Victoria Derby brings together Australia’s most talented young stayers looking to add their name to a star-studded honour roll,’ Victoria Racing Club states.
‘The pinnacle of three-year-old sprinters line up in the $2million Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) – won last year by In Secret.
‘The $1million TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) for the fillies and mares will crown the next queen of the turf.’
Riff Rocket with jockey James McDonald won the prized Victoria Derby with the pre-race favourite delivering following a photo finish.
Apulia was desperately unlucky to finish second after lunging in the last stride, with Sunsets securing third.
Riff Rocket’s victory was master trainer Chris Waller’s third Victoria Derby, with McDonald snaring yet another Group One.
Cheers! A group of attendees celebrate the Derby
Police helped move the crowds from Flemington Racecourse after Derby Day came to an end
With bright colours ruled-out by the day’s theme, many racegoers used frills and fun silhouettes to stand out from the crowd
Thousands of racegoers made their way out of Flemington Racecourse at the end of Derby Day
Strike a pose: Two women enjoy a moment off their feet
The next event of the Melbourne Cup Carnival will be Australia’s most iconic race, the Melbourne Cup.
‘The ten-race card pulses through a day filled with the very best in fashion, food and entertainment as racegoers of all ages make memories at Flemington to last a lifetime,’ Victoria Racing Club states.
Fancy seeing you here! A group of women reunite at Derby Day
Smile for the camera: Racegoers document one of the Derby lesser-known ‘races’
Two racegoers cosy-up for the camera at Derby Day
A group of lovely ladies are all smiles for Derby Day
Attendees began to file out from Flemington Racecourse, leaving behind mountains of rubbish, shortly after the last race
One well-dressed racegoer decided to give up on her heels as the day ended
