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It’s that time of year when fashion, food and wine head to the racetrack as the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival returns.
Racing Minister Anthony Carbines is predicting a massive boost for the city.
“Nobody does spring racing like Victoria,” he says.
“This year’s carnival will provide a massive boost to our hotels, retailers, cafes and restaurants – backing local jobs and keeping our city buzzing with excitement.”
“The thoroughbred racing industry in Victoria contributes more than $3.4 billion for the Victorian economy every year and helps sustain more than 25,000 jobs across the state.”
Victoria Racing Club CEO Kylie Rogers is grateful for the support they receive from the government.
“We thank the Victorian Government for its support in The Park and The Elms precincts, part of what is shaping to be an even bigger and better 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.”
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is Australia’s most celebrated racing event which draws crowds of over 260,000 people including more than 67,000 visitors from interstate and overseas, as well as showcasing Melbourne to a global broadcast audience of 750 million.”
The government is giving $900,000 for trackside entertainment while the Victoria Racing Club will spend more than $1.2 million on The Park and Elms precincts with four new entertainment zones.
The Elms precinct includes open grass space with food trucks and a big screen while the Park precinct features the Fashions on the Field stage, food and beverage outlets and a live stage featuring the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Empire of the Sun.
In a first, there will be four female jockeys: Jamie Kah, Rachel King, Winona Costin and Nikita Beriman.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the largest major event in Victoria. Last year’s event generated more than $468 million in gross economic benefit, created jobs for nearly 18,000 people and attracted 262,000 visitors to the track.
Final declarations close at 4:30pm on Saturday, November 2.
