Fine Irish dining, fashion and racing action were on display at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday 3rd November, the first race day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with Ireland being showcased inside the Emirates’ Dublin-themed marquee. On entering, guests were surrounded by scenes from the city, including a bar replicating the famous Long Room at Trinity College and typical Dublin shopfronts lining an outdoor terrace overlooking the racecourse.
The on-track action saw the Damien Oliver-ridden Fiveandahalfstar winning the feature race of the day, the AAMI Victoria Derby.
Celebrity guests in the Emirates Marquee included Ireland’s Ronan Keating and Brian McFadden, along with their partners Storm Uechtritz and Vogue Williams, as well as football star Harry Kewell. Brian McFadden provided some Irish entertainment, performing two songs for marquee guests, who were also treated to special performances by the world champion Christine Ayres Irish dancers.
“We couldn’t be more delighted with how our Irish-themed marquee has been received – it is the perfect way to honour Emirates’ new daily Dublin service that started earlier this year,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications. “We look forward to continuing to promote the spirit of Ireland over the rest of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which runs until Saturday 10th November.”
Hair and make-up inside the marquee Pampering Suite were provided by Melbourne hair-stylist Conrad Mace and make-up by Napolean Perdis.
