All Eyes on Emirates on Melbourne Cup Day
All eyes were on Emirates today, as the country came to a standstill for the Emirates Melbourne Cup race in Melbourne.
History was made as Makybe Diva won the coveted Group 1, 3200m, AUD$4.6 million Emirates Melbourne Cup race, becoming the first mare in history to win the race twice. It was a great win for jockey Glen Boss and for trainer Lee Freedman, as Makybe Diva ran through wet and windy conditions to beat its nearest rivals, Vinnie Roe and Zazzman, and kept the Cup on Australian soil.
Meanwhile, the “Emirates Lodge,” located in the exclusive “Birdcage” corporate enclosure, was again the hottest ticket in town. Celebrities from the corporate and entertainment worlds rubbed shoulders in Flemington Racecourse’s most original and acclaimed marquee, enjoying its sumptuous décor, exquisite food and indulgent hair and massage services.
In addition to Emirates’ gold Skywards members and business partners, today’s marquee guests included British comedians Hale & Pace, Golden Globe-winning film and TV star Rachel Griffiths, Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliott, Australian gold medal Olympians James Tomkins and Michael Klim, and popular Australian TV personality Suzie Wilks. The Victoria state Premier, Steve Bracks, and the Victoria state opposition leader, Robert Doyle, were also present, as was the Honourable John Anderson, MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
The day was particularly special for glamorous Canadian model/author Tara Moss and her husband, film Australian producer Mark Pennell, who first met inside the Emirates marquee two years ago and recently honeymooned in Dubai.
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After presenting the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy to the winner, Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Vice Chairman and Group President, remarked on the significance of the Melbourne Cup sponsorship to Emirates.
“The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world,” said Mr. Flanagan, “and the Melbourne Cup Carnival is regarded as one of the most exciting events on the global racing calendar. When the opportunity came up to sponsor the Cup, it made sense to seize it!
“Australia is a very important market for Emirates,” said Mr. Flanagan. “In the years that we have been involved in the Carnival, we have discovered what a special place the Melbourne Cup has in the hearts of Australians. We see this sponsorship as a great way to contribute to the Australian community and to build relationships with our customers.”
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