2019 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival Preview
The 2019 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival (October 12-19) is set to be another huge racing event (including Caulfield Guineas Day, Blue Sapphire Stakes day and Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day). The World Loves Melbourne was invited to the Caulfield Racecourse Media Preview to check out the stunning offerings and the New York inspired theme. The excitement of New York is here in Melbourne from Uptown, Downtown, Midtown , Central Park, Brooklyn to The Hamptons.
Kudos to the Melbourne Racing Club for the inspired theme and a carnival that is bigger and better. The media preview included a tour of VIP marquees including -
Caulfield Lounge presented by Alfa Romeo
New York inspired marquee including live painting sessions from Adoni Astrinakis and exceptional seafood (check out the Cloudy Bay Clams).
Exceptional seafood and cocktails.
Freshly shucked Cloudy Bay Clams.
Talented artist Adoni Astrinakis.
Stella Artois Lounge
Major sponsor with luxe offerings including of course it's stellar beer.
Pretzels available outside the Stella Artois Marquee.
Anyone for chocolate filled marshmallows cooked over fire?
Moet and Chandon Lawn
The place to be with spacious area, stunning colour scheme and incredible views of the track. The Moët & Chandon Lawn is where guests can enjoy all-inclusive Moët Champagne, other premium beverages and a delicious gourmet grazing menu, created by one of Melbourne’s most distinctive caterers.
The Moët & Chandon Lawn is where style and fashion meets food and premium beverages, and of course world-famous Spring Racing Carnival action.
Ambassador Olympia Valance pictured with Tommy Collins.
Greenwich St menu by Shannon Bennett
Shannon Bennett (one of Australia's iconic chefs) is putting on a four-course menu inspired by New York fare. This is a super luxe offering for discerning racegoers. Indulge in Wagyu corned beef cheek with brown-cider butter, or clam chowder with poached Kingfish, for example.
Guests can purchase Penfolds Grange by the glass or bottle, and we were told there’ll be three bottles of the limited-release 2012 Penfolds-Thiénot Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée available for purchase each day ($299). The setting of Greenwich St takes inspiration from Downtown’s best restaurants, in an overall superb setting.
Fine dining at it's best with Shannon Bennett's menu.
David Jones Fashion Stable
Guests at Caulfield Cup Carnival have access to the David Jones Fashion Stable, which hosts twice daily runway shows and personalised beauty pampering in the Inner Circle. You can also visit the Chandon Bar and the Dyson Style Stakes, which allows race-goers to experience a professional photography studio and win race day prizes.
Victoria's Secret Super Model Victoria Lee.
Daily runway shows.
Finishing touches for your hair and make up here.
Bondi Sands Surf Lodge
With a touch of The Hamptons those who like an open sunny vibe should head for The Hamptons, AKA The Bondi Sands Surf Lodge. Complete with a pool deck (OK you're not expected to strip out of your finery although some have dipped their toes in the pool on warmer days) and sponsored by Bondi Sands, this is one of the best locations trackside. With unbeatable views of the track and an elevated view, The Bondi Sands Surf Lodge is a superb option.
Elevated pool deck.
We were also treated to a showcase of fashion and entertainment including the Carlton Draught Block Party and tastings of New York inspired food at The Empire diner. The general admission area, dubbed Midtown, channels the bright lights and big crowds of Times Square – and showcases classic New York street food. Pizza slices, hotdogs and Reuben sandwiches are top notch perfectly complementing the fresh Carlton Draught Tank Bar beer offerings.
The Empire Diner serves sweet-and-sticky deep-fried General Tso’s chicken; sidewalk-style caramelised peanuts; fried-chicken waffle cones; and steelhead smoked salmon bagels with cream cheese and capers. The free-range smoked pulled-pork sandwich with house-made barbeque sauce, pickles and slaw is set to be a favourite. Entertainment is a premium (we were treated to a set and highly recommend) with live acts, dancers and DJs.
Amazing artwork freshly painted by legendary New York artist James Goldcrown from JGoldcrown studios (flown to Melbourne for the event) is compelling, as well his heart pin designs for the occasion.
MRC Young Members Jockey Club
Check out the NYC Bento Box at MRC Young Members Jockey Club with New York inspired food and Gordon's Pink Gin cocktails.
NYC Bento Box.
Get your tickets for the Stella Artois 2019 Caulfield Cup Carnival.