The Exclusive Oaks Day Venue for Melbourne's Elite
Floor C of the Flemington grandstand was filled with Melbourne executives and key figures from the racing world. The Victoria Racing Club committee room, described by its chair Neil Wilson as “Australia’s original major event, the Melbourne Cup carnival,” exudes heritage and tradition.
Venue Ambiance and Decorations
The room features giant oil paintings of racehorses and a Braveheart-era tartan carpet, creating an atmosphere rich in history, reserved for a select group of invited guests.
Exclusive Dining Experience
Guests are whisked up to floor C via a lift to enjoy a menu including Abrolhos scallop for entrée, coastal snapper or Bannockburn chicken breast for the main course, followed by an afternoon tea of the chairman’s mixed point sandwiches and petite beef pie served “after the last.”
Unexpected Sightings
Observing the scene, many were surprised to spot former major events minister Martin Pakula alone on a bar stool at the back of the committee room. Pakula, serving now as chairman of Crown Victoria, wore a large surgical glove on his right hand.
“Marty, in his role as chairman of Crown Victoria, had to bring the Crown Oaks trophy from the back of the room – hence the giant glove – to the front of the stage during Wilson’s speech,”
a task he completed with poise reminiscent of Delvene Delaney’s charm on Sale of the Century.
Author’s summary: The Oaks Day committee room at Flemington stands as a prestigious and historic setting where Melbourne’s influential racing community gathers for an exclusive experience marked by rich tradition and distinguished guests.