A big crowd of enthusiastic revellers has kicked up their heels at Melbourne’s Derby Day meeting as the Spring Carnival got into full swing.
Young racing fans packed the lawns at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, with most following the event’s traditional black and white dress code.
Some decided to carry on the celebrations well into the evening, while others appeared to be all worn out, with some women seen heading home barefoot.
The racecourse was left littered with garbage after a day of festivities, with ground staff having the challenge of getting everything back into perfect order for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup at the same venue.
Racegoers celebrated Melbourne’s 2025 Derby Day
Those who went were seen in bright colours
Many had smiles on their faces in the beginning of the day
Some revellers took the chance to let their hair down for a day of festivities at Flemington
Thousands dolled up for a day of races at Derby Day at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse
Many revellers needed to take a break after a long day of spectating
The young fans revelled in the atmosphere of a big race day.
Thousands flocked in for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival on Saturday
Some others did seem as impressed at the derby’s outcomes
By day’s end, many were eager to give their feet a break from high heels.
Many racegoers stuck to the event’s traditional black and white dress code
Smiles were seen around the racecourse as the day came to a close
A group are seen getting into the spirit of things during a day out at the races
A group of women are getting into the spirit of things during a day out at the races
Racing fans are seen cheering on their favourites during Derby Day
These folks celebrated a successful day of racing
Racing fans are seen cheering on their favourites during Derby Day
Temperatures reached 26 degrees yet many racegoers combated the heat with a steady liquid intake.
Derby Day’s history began two centuries ago in 1787 when the Earl of Derby’s horse won the race while wearing black and white colours.
In 1910, King Edward died and in true Edwardian fashion racegoers swapped out their best clothes for black, the colour traditionally associated with mourning.
Saturday’s edition of the classic for three-year-old horses was won by Observer, trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by experienced jockey Mark Zahra.
Following the races some chose love over any bitter hate
Other participants had fun with their friends
Some took the time to make up with their partners
Certain groups ended the day with extracurricular activities
The 26 degree temperatures got to some more than others
Hundreds of attendees lounged around as the races drew to an end
Some groups engaged in festivities towards the end of the races
However their dilligence was disrupted by others keen on enjoying the event’s conclusion
As attendees made their way out, the trash left behind continued piling up
y of the people who showed up to watch the races enjoyed their time at the race field
