All eyes are on the weather, of course, with the forecast playing a pivotal role in attendance numbers. Wilson confessed: “We’re all hovering over the weather reports at the moment, it’s like horoscopes, and we are finding the one that we like and believing that’s the one that's going to happen!”
Regarding attendance, he concedes that the days of 100,000 plus at a race day are probably over, and that the VRC hopes for around 250,000 people across the four days instead, a number that aligns with the values of the club and the Carnival experience. “[High numbers] are not what we build the Carnival for. Now we’ve learned, as other sporting organisations have learned, that you need to create an experience the people want to come back for.”
Touching on the charitable side of the Carnival, Wilson highlighted the VRC’s ongoing connection with their Pin & Win partner, the Australian Childhood Foundation, and explained that this year’s Kennedy Oaks Day will ‘turn purple’ for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
“We’re making Oaks Day more of a community engagement day,” said Wilson. “We believe that it will just take it to another level in terms of contribution.”
Discussing the international visitors gracing Flemington, Wilson said despite him not riding during Cup Week, the VRC can’t wait to host champion jockey Frankie Detttori who’ll be sure to bring a lot of fun to proceedings. British jockey Hollie Doyle will also be here, and with a ride on Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace's Future History in the Cup, she could become the first international female rider to win the prestigious race.
Thirty years since Vintage Crop won the Melbourne Cup, starting the ‘internationalisation’ of the race, it is fitting that even more internationals are returning – both horses and jockeys – this year to compete. Wilson highlighted that it is “a wonderful dimension that we’d lost through COVID and built back up.” It’s not just on track that there will be a global presence, however, as Flemington will also welcome spectators travelling from Europe, Japan and the United States to attend the Carnival.
Experience the Magic of the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival
Prepare for a truly unforgettable Cup Week, where equine athleticism meets Melbourne style in a spectacular showcase of thoroughbred excellence. Be there to experience the magic trackside as new champions etch their names into racing folklore. Tickets still available, don't miss out!.