Flemington

18 A STORY FROM THE VAULT There was double the rejoicing when crowds returned to Flemington for the Victory Melbourne Cup on the First Tuesday of November 1945. This was Rainbird’s year. Derby, Cup, Oaks and Final Day resumed in their rightful place. Cup Week was back. Fashion has always been central to Cup Week. The invention of Fashions on the Field contests in the 1960s gave a new freshness each year. Fashions have evolved with the times, as shown by the 2020 innovation of Myer Fashions on Your Front Lawn. Spring weather gods play their tricks, but it is a rare Melbourne Cup Carnival when at least one of the four race days refuses to provide sunshine, blue skies and just the right temperatures at Flemington. If it is contrary, we manage. We have learned to be versatile. The Melbourne Cup Carnival has proved the test of time. It is a paradox: nothing changes but every year is different, m emorable, modern, timeless, distinct. It’s Cup Week. The finish of the 1886 Melbourne Cup from the Grandstand. (State Library of Victoria)