Sydney versus Melbourne. A friendly rivalry that most likely began with Captain Cook sending telegrams to his Victorian counterpart boasting about grazing land and rum quality, the Sydney v Melbourne contest has persisted to the modern day. As Sydneysiders point to sandy beaches while Victorians claim the cultural crown, there are certain unarguable elements acknowledged as distinctively superior in both cities. In Melbourne, this is the races – The Spring Racing Carnival, to be precise.
Taking place over 50 days in Spring, the world’s greatest thoroughbreds, most respected trainers and thousands of spectators turn Victoria into the horse racing capital of the world. While some are focused on horses and racing, the Carnival is a key event on the social calendar of locals – an excuse for glamorous dress ups, drinking champagne and enjoying a fun day with friends.
On a whirlwind trip to Melbourne, a girlfriend and I were invited to the Westfield Doncaster Styling Suite on the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day. A flock of brightly dressed fashionistas in the latest styles matched with colourful, artistic hats greet us as we entered the tent.
