Melbourne Cup Carnival: Two weeks to go

16 October 2025 • Written by VRC

With just two weeks until the Melbourne Cup Carnival, we go behind the scenes to reveal the people, preparation and passion that make Australia’s most famous racecourse come alive for Cup week.

With the Melbourne Cup Carnival fast approaching, Flemington is a hive of colour, care and anticipation. From sunrise workouts on the sand to the final polish on the roses, every corner of the Flemington is coming to life and we capture the energy of this moment — the calm before the Carnival — and the dedicated team behind it all.

For Rebecca Cassar, VRC Racing Stakeholder Executive, it’s about keeping racing’s stars — the horses — in peak condition. “Horses are like any other high-performing athlete — recovery is critically important,” she explains as a team leads thoroughbreds into the water.

“The salt water acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, but it also soothes their minds. It’s part of their wellbeing and our daily rhythm.”

Back on course, Mick Ryan, long-serving Keeper of the Roses, is focused on ensuring Flemington is picture-perfect. “It takes a team of 20 to keep Flemington at its best,” he says. “After 35 years here, I can honestly say this is the best team we’ve had.

The roses are looking magnificent — and yes, they’ll be ready for Howden Victoria Derby Day.”

As the finishing touches are made across 18 hectares of lawns, 3 kilometres of hedging and 17,000 roses, VRC CEO Kylie Rogers says the excitement is building.

“Springtime in Melbourne means racing, fashion, entertainment — and community."

“Every person who walks through our gates contributes to the energy of Cup Week. We can’t wait to welcome them back,” says Rogers.

With world-class racing, style, and spectacle on the horizon, Flemington is ready for Cup Week.