The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today announced Australian models and sisters Jessica and Ashley Hart will return to Flemington on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day as special guests of the VRC.
Born and bred in Melbourne, Jessica and Ashley have been regular attendees at the Melbourne Cup Carnival over the years. Jess’ last visit to Flemington was Oaks Day in 2010 where she spent the day with Georgia May Jagger and Jerry Hall, while Ash last attended on Derby Day in 2015.
Jessica burst onto the modelling scene at 15-years-old after she won Dolly Magazine’s Model Search and has since become one of the most sought-after models in the industry.
She moved to New York in 2008 to pursue her modelling career and has represented a suite of major international brands and fashion houses including Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and Marc Jacobs.
Now LA-based, Jessica and her partner, former NASCAR driver James Kirkham, welcomed their second child earlier this year.
Jessica said she is looking forward to returning home to spend Penfolds Victoria Derby trackside with friends and family.
“Having grown up in Melbourne, I have always loved Cup Week and seeing the whole city embrace the celebration,” Jessica said.
“I love the traditional dress codes for each day and can’t wait to embrace black and white for Penfolds Victoria Derby Day alongside my sister Ash. It’s sure to be a very special day at Flemington for us both.”
After witnessing the success of Jessica, Ashley followed in her older sister’s footsteps and began modelling at the age of 15 before moving overseas to establish her own successful career.
Ashley said that she can’t wait to be back trackside at Flemington with her sister and take part in judging the Myer Fashions on the Field competition.
“Jess and I both have strong roots in Melbourne and will forever be tied to the city and its renowned fashion scene. I’m excited to see all the incredible fashion on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day and thrilled to be judging the fashions on the field competition!” Ashely said.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said Jessica and Ashley are international and local fashion figures and the club is looking forward to welcoming them back to Flemington.
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off in classic style on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day and we are pleased to welcome Jessica and Ashely back on track to experience all the excitement on day one of the carnival, which traditionally attracts the nation’s fashion set and racing purists,” he said.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of Victoria’s biggest sporting and cultural events, attracting up to 300,000 racegoers to Flemington and generating over $430 million for the Victorian economy each year.
The 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 29 October, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 1 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 3 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 5 November.
Racing and fashion enthusiasts who attend Flemington across the Melbourne Cup Carnival can once again enter the Myer Fashions on the Field competition on track, with details about the competition available at www.vrcfashionsonthefield.com.au
For more information and to buy tickets to the Melbourne Cup Carnival please visit www.vrc.com.au.
