Almandin Takes Out The 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup

True to its reputation as ‘the race that stops a nation’TM, the Emirates Melbourne Cup has once again delivered an incredible result for trainer Robert Hickmott, with jockey KerrinMcEvoy riding Almandin to victory in a nail biting finish.

Run over 3,200 metres, the Emirates Melbourne Cup offers the richest prize in Australian sport and a 18ct solid gold trophy valued at $175,000.

Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Australasia, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup to the winning connections of Almandin, which is owned by Lloyd Williams and his son Nick, giving the team its fifth winner of the Melbourne Cup – an unprecedented achievement.

“The atmosphere today has been electric and we have witnessed another historic moment in racing history. This is our 13th year as the Principal Partner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup, and year-on-year we take great pride in this partnership,” said Mr Brown.

He added: “This year also marks Emirates’ 20th year of operation in Australia, which is a proud moment for us and in recognition, we have been pleased to host a number of guests this year in our Australian inspired marquee.”

While Australians around the country celebrated the race, Emirates entertained special guest, international actress Elsa Pataky and a number of well-known Australian celebrities including Rachel Griffiths, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Marcia Hines, Molly Meldrum, Eddie Maguire, Michael Klim, Todd McKenny, DerrynHinch and Matt Preston.

Special guest, model Samantha Downie, who is a part-owner of Heartbreak City, also watched her horse take out a thrilling second place in the Cup from the terrace of the Emirates marquee.

Also flying in for the event was former Miss World Australia and Project Runway Middle East host Jessica Kahawty and tennis legend, Henri Leconte.

The heads of Australian business and politics also celebrated the moment in the Emirates marquee, including mining magnate Gina Rinehart, Lindsay Fox, The Hon. Julie Bishop and partner David Panton, Rhonda Wyllie and Jeff Browne, Anthony and Claudine Pratt, Janine Allis, Naomi Simson, and Fiona and Sidney Myer.

This year, Emirates collaborated with Head Designer of BazmarkInq, SilvanaAzziHeras, who has worked alongside BazLuhrmann and Catherine Martin for the past 18 years, to create a classic Australian homestead-style marquee.

Inspired by Australia’s extraordinarily vibrant and unique flora and fauna, guests of the Emirates marquee were greeted by a towering 4m Australian gumtree, which took pride of place in the centre of the marquee and 1930’s inspired Australian Art Deco furnishings with a contemporary Australian design.