Emirates brings a Russian flavour to the 151st Melbourne Cup Carnival

Press release

Published October 30th, 2011 - 06:01 GMT

Ronan and Yvonne Keating in the Emirate marquee on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival

Victoria Derby Day marked the opening day of the 151st Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse, and in celebration Emirates hosted its VIP guests, celebrities in its destination themed, trackside marquee.

To coincide with the launch of daily flights from Dubai to St Petersburg, which begin on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day – 1st November, Emirates drew inspiration from the Russian city’s majestic Catherine Palace and treated its guests to some of the highlights this exciting destination has to offer.

Emirates’ special guests on the opening day of the Carnival included Australian actress Rachael Taylor; Shannon Elizabeth, star of American Pie; Milliner Philip Treacy; James & Erica Packer; Simone Callahan & Toby Roberts; Samara Weaving (Seven Network); Nathan & Tania Buckley; singers Mel B and Ronan Keating; The Hon Tony Abbott MP with daughters Francis and Bridget; Kate Waterhouse; Molly Meldrum and Sonia Kruger.

Guests were greeted on arrival by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra string quartet playing classical Russian compositions whilst the main race was enjoyed out on the ‘Grand Cascade Terrace’ which offered premium trackside views, the oversized Faberge egg took pride of place in the marquee and set the backdrop for a lively Russian Cossack dance performance.

The AAMI Victoria Derby, the classic Group 1 race run over 2,500m, was won by Sangster, ridden by Hugh Bowman.

Emirates is the Principal Partner of the Victoria Racing Club and the title sponsor of the Emirates Melbourne Cup, Emirates Airline Plate and Emirates Stakes.

Emirates currently flies to 114 destinations in 67 countries worldwide and operates double daily flights to Moscow. The airline has been flying to the Russian capital since 2003.

Background Information

Emirates Airline

The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft.

Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.

We inspire travelers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine, and world-class service. Read on to find out more.