Melbourne Cup Carnival 2025: Wild Weather Disrupts Champion Stakes Day at Flemington
The final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival on Saturday was hit by wild weather, with sideways rain and heavy winds causing a 7.4mm downpour in the morning. The track, which was initially declared a soft seven, is expected to become a heavy track as the day progresses due to the rain. This will impact the odds and the performance of the horses, as some are better suited to wet conditions than others.
The Flemington racecourse, known for its quick drainage, is a challenging track for jockeys and horses alike. Liam O'Keeffe, the track manager, anticipates the track rating to be upgraded to heavy as the day goes on, and he emphasizes the importance of monitoring the track conditions to keep punters and trainers informed.
Despite the cold weather and freezing rain, punters have flocked to the event in droves. Some have dressed appropriately, while others have braved the conditions. The walk inside from public transport and rideshare areas is mostly uncovered, meaning many attendees were drenched upon arrival. However, they found shelter in warm marquees.
The weather did not deter the jockeys, who fought through the driving rain. Ethan Brown, riding Calamari Ring, won race one by a nose over Streisand. The rain is expected to continue all day, becoming heaviest in the hours before the three main group one races, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the day's events.
