Spring Racing has arrived. A time of year for fashion, champagne, sunshine, oh and did I mention, horse racing! Melbourne provided delightful sunshine and blue skies for Catanach’s Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse, making it an exceptional day filled with glamour, style and bubbles. Lots of bubbles.
I am a huge racing fan. HUGE. The rush of excitement as the horses take their position in the starting barrier, both nerve wracking and exhilarating, especially when you have bet the big bucks. In my case, usually $1.50 each way on the horse with the highest odds. I’m sure one day it will pay off, but to date…no such luck.
The exclusive Heath enclosure was a hive of activity. The super cool E.P.&.L.P. deck, situated just metres from the track, was the ideal location for mingling, listening to DJs work their musical magic and sipping on a signature cocktail in the sun.
In the glamorous Moet & Chandon Marquee, champagne was served in gold goblets, a grazing menu by Melbourne Racing Club’s Executive chef Julian Robertshaw was impeccable and included delicious morsels of lobster, oozing with melted butter, goat cheese and truffle mushroom served in petite glasses, cubed salmon dripping in caviar and an impressive display of cheeses, provided by Spring Street Grocer.
An appearance by singer Kate Ceberano performing her hits, a delightful pamper station by Runway Room offering makeup and beauty touchups, a betting station and a photo area with champagne props to capture your #moetmoment certainly made the Moet & Chandon Marquee the place to be.
Catanach’s Blue Sapphire Stakes day delivered on trackside fashion. Pale pinks, bright reds and powder blues were frequent. Overall I found headwear on the racecourse to be on the slightly subtle side. Floral headbands, gold grecian goddess style halos, straw hats and jewelled tiaras. The occasional outlandish headpiece was spotted, but the majority of the headwear was delicate and dainty.
When it comes to the horse racing, there is no place quite like the finish line. As the horses thundered past in a flurry, the crowd cheered, people cried tears of happiness (and sadness at losing no doubt) and most importantly, champions were made. Unfortunately I didn’t have a win, but I’m positive that one of these days, my long shot is going to bring it home for me.
Catanach’s Blue Sapphire Stakes day at Caulfield Racecourse was a day to remember. Horse racing, champagne in hand and a warm spring breeze is my idea of perfect.
– Tennille
Tennille Moore is a fashion loving, adventure seeking Melburnian, on a quest to find the hottest events throughout Victoria and beyond. You can find her at @travellingsoulsister.
The 2017 BMW Caulfield Cup Carnival runs from 14 – 21 October. Purchase tickets.