Fillies in force both on and off the track for Crown Oaks Day

A total of 52,217 racegoers were on course to watch Sydney star Proxima Dea become the 168th winner of the $1 million Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) and witness the world's best racewear take centre stage with the finals of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions On The Field presented by Lexus.  

The star filly remains undefeated after jockey Zac Lloyd piloted the three-year-old to her second Group 1 win with an extraordinary ride in the Crown Oaks for trainer David Payne.  

The crowning day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus more than delivered on its promise of bold design and flawless character, with daily winners from TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, Howden Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, as well as Crown Oaks Day all assembling for the Grand Finals of both the Best Suited and Best Dressed categories. 

The finalists took to the catwalk in front of yet another star-studded panel of judges, including VRC Ambassador & British television personality Frankie Foster, style editor and author Kate Waterhouse, popular model and content creator Annalise Dalins and VRC Style and Social correspondent Elliot Garnaut. 

The Best Suited Grand Final was taken out by Sydney Accountant Kalombo Ntumba, with his eye-catching custom-made gold suit, described as a painstaking mission that involved consulting via Zoom with his South African-based father. He combined multiple obscure items which he hand-picked himself, including the fabric that formed the base for his memorable scarf. 

The Best Dressed Grand Final went to surprise first-time entrant Nova Birrell from Melbourne. Not only was her blue, floral dress inspired by time spent with older relatives watching old English films where horses, fashion and racing was at its core, but also her motivation for entering the famous Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition. 

The world-famous Birdcage once again played host to local and international celebrities including American Grammy-winning R&B singer Ashanti in the Crown marquee, Catherine Martin AC and daughter Lily Lurhmann at Lexus, Geelong Football Club hero Tom Hawkins at TAB, The Block 2026 winners Courtney Kain and Sevilay Keser at Nine and radio show hosts Clint Stanaway and Jase Hawkins at G.H. Mumm. 

The Elms Live Stage, presented by Maccas and set beneath Flemington’s iconic elm trees at the end of the straight, was once again the place to be after the last race, with Australian popstar Vanessa Amorosi entertaining the crowd with her incredible vocals and smashing out hits including 'Absolutely Everybody' 'Shine' and 'This is who I am'.   

Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive, Kylie Rogers, said Crown Oaks Day once again showcased the Melbourne Cup Carnival's unique blend of world-class racing, fashion and entertainment. 

"It was fantastic to welcome more than 52,000 to Flemington for another outstanding Crown Oaks Day, with racegoers embracing the racing, fashion and atmosphere that make the day such a highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival," Ms Rogers said. 

Congratulations to the connections of Proxima Dea on a brilliant victory in the Group 1 Crown Oaks." 

 The Melbourne Cup Carnival has delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the track this week, and we now look forward to TAB Champions Stakes Day, where we will truly see world-class racing on display at Flemington.”