The Flemington Racecourse Birdcage on Derby Day presented a distinct mix of Australia’s sporting, business, political, and entertainment figures, gathering in an atmosphere marked by luxury marquees, fashion statements, and lively social interaction.
Among the notable attendees was Tabcorp CEO Gill McLachlan, who briefly addressed speculation regarding a potential acquisition of Foxtel from Len Blavatnik-owned DAZN. McLachlan declined to comment on the matter, stating, “If I had anything to say I would have said it, no comment.” He also refrained from detailed discussion about his views on Victoria’s forthcoming state election, describing himself only as an “interested observer” and emphasizing the election's importance. McLachlan appeared in better spirits compared to last year, when his car was stolen on Melbourne Cup morning.
Also present in the Tabcorp marquee was David Gallop, former chief executive of the National Rugby League and Football Australia and a Tabcorp director, seen following a committee room lunch. Victorian Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes was among the few state politicians observed in the Birdcage, highlighting the event’s predominantly private sector and sporting attendance.
The Tabcorp tent included a diverse group of guests: Yarra Capital managing director Dion Hershan; AustralianSuper’s co-head of equities Andrew Smith; Gilbert and Tobin partner Alex Kauye; Latitude Financial’s chief risk officer and former strategy chief to Malcolm Turnbull, Mark Brudenell; media personality Jacqui Felgate; and Sports Entertainment Network CEO Craig Hutchison. Sporting personalities such as AFL legend Wayne Carey, V8 Supercars champion Mark Skaife, and Collingwood footballer Josh Daicos, accompanied by his fiancée Annalise Dalins, were also featured attendees. Senator Anne Ruston was present as well.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson was briefly intercepted by hecklers on his route from the Tabcorp marquee to the G.H. Mumm champagne tent, though he downplayed the incident. Later, Wilson and his husband Ryan Bolger were initially unrecognized and asked to wait aside by Mumm tent staff, gaining entry only after intervention by event photographers.
Sydney identity John Ibrahim was spotted heading toward the Lexus tent with partner Sarah Budge. Ibrahim, describing himself as “happily retired,” noted he was currently working on the third season of the Paramount series "Last King of the Cross," based on his autobiography.
The Lexus tent hosted former Telstra CEO Andy Penn with his wife and incoming Australian Fashion Festival chair Kallie Blauhorn. Restaurateur Chris Lucas was also in attendance, managing a sizable staff working across Flemington’s restaurants while preparing new Melbourne openings. Nearby at Crown, CEO David Tsai was joined by Blackstone managing directors Rohit Jain and Taro Squires, influencer Bec Judd, PE Nation founder Pip Edwards, and comedian Andy Lee with his wife Rebecca Harding.
Media figures such as Today Show host Tom Steinfort and presenter Carrie Bickmore were present, alongside AFL player Lachie Neale and Emma Field. Former Liberal MP and Tapt Media owner Craig Laundy, interviewed near the Nine Entertainment marquee, praised recent long-form interviews his company produced, including a contentious interview with alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith by Ben Fordham.
The event's atmosphere shifted notably after rain prompted the arrival of Danish supermodel Helena Christensen. The 57-year-old was a focal point in the Lexus tent, though her team reportedly required all photographs to be pre-approved, underscoring the ongoing challenges of managing celebrity appearances in high-profile events.
With a diverse mix of elite social, political, sporting, and media figures, Derby Day at Flemington continued to serve as a major social and industry networking event, encapsulating a broad spectrum of Australian public life.