Trekking To The Everest, Winners All Round For Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day

Sunday, 13 October 2019: The 2019 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival kicked off today with Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day, which saw more than 22,000 racegoers flock to the New York-inspired trackside festival to enjoy a sun kissed day of world-class racing, entertainment, hospitality and style at The Heath.

2019 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day, Caulfield Racecourse, Moet & Chandon Ambassador Olympia Valance
2019 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day, Caulfield Racecourse, Moet & Chandon Ambassador Olympia Valance


Holding the reputation as one of Australia's most prestigious race days, guests witnessed four Group 1 races  across the ten-race card, highlighted by the $2 million Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m) won in thrilling fashion by Anthony Freedman's Super Seth.

The Freedman trained galloper was behind a slow tempo but jockey Mark Zahra managed to pull his mount and explode down the outside to claim victory to the roars of the Heath crowd. Groundswell (3rd) made it a race to remember for Anthony Freedman, while the gallant Alligator Blood finished second by the shortest of margins.

The $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) produced a similarly exciting finish, with hot favourite Flit diving between runners to claim the event for James Cummings and Hugh Bowman. European import Cape Of Good Hope took out the star-studded $1 million Ladbrokes Stakes (2000m) in the last stride, defeating equine warrior Black Heart Bart.

There was a boilover in the $500,000 Lamaro's Hotel Sth Melbourne Toorak Handicap (1600m) with Fierce Impact claiming the Group 1 feature for Matthew Smith, with champion hoop Craig Williams notching up the second Toorak of his illustrious career.

And Trekking has claimed the final slot in next week's $14 million The Everest, after winning the $400,000 Schillaci Stakes (1100m). Trekking's place in The Everest as the MRC's representative will be confirmed tomorrow, pending a vet check and confirmation from the Godolphin team.*

The win was particularly thrilling for MRC member Mark Lloyd, who drew Trekking in the MRC Membership Everest Sweepstakes. Lloyd now stands a chance to share in the winnings of the MRC Slot holder when they race at Randwick next Saturday in The Everest.**

Special guests to the exclusive Caulfield Lounge, presented by Alfa Romeo included Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival Ambassador Laura Dundovic, special guests Jobe Watson & Virginia Slaghekke and international muralist James Goldcrown, comedian Tommy Little, AFL star Heath Shaw, former AFL player Dale Thomas,and 2019 Block Contestants Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie.

The cool NYC-themed Caulfield Racecourse saw the return of the popular David Jones Fashion Stable, which featured two glamourous runway shows and the addition of a new Inner Circle Beauty Bar with leading brands such as Sephora, MOR and Nine West to pamper racegoers.

The Dyson Style Stakes featuring Joey Scandizzo Salon attracted hundreds of stylish guests to custommade photography studios and enter the digital photography competition. Entrants from today's event will be shortlisted and combined with entrants on Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day, where the winners will be announced.

The Bondi Sands Surf Lodge provided guests with an unbeatable pool-side view of the track, while the revamped MRC Young Members Jockey Club presented by Gordon's Pink Gin proved the place to be for cool DJs and a party atmosphere.


Ticketed guests of Caulfield were also treated to the stylish Moët & Chandon Lawn, hosted by Ambassador Olympia Valance, which included Moët & Chandon French champagne and a delicious grazing menu designed by catering masterminds Tommy Collins.