Melbourne Cup 2024: Elizabeth Hurley, Michelle Payne, Olivia Molly Rogers, Jess Fox glam up for famed race

UK actress Elizabeth Hurley, Olympians Ariarne Titmus and Jess Fox, racing royalty Michelle Payne and Kate Waterhouse and lifestyle influencer Oliva Molly Rogers led the big names to descend on Flemington racecourse for Australian racing’s biggest day.

A host of celebrities stepped out in colourful spring-themed outfits for Melbourne Cup day, with a chance to show off stylish fashion statements on a national stage.

It seemed red was the colour of choice only to be bucked by one of the biggest names in the crowd at the Cup this year.

The famed English model Hurley put on an elegant display in a figure-hugging off-the-shoulder yellow midi dress with a statement ruffled floral neckline.

Hanging out in the world-famous Birdcage marquee, the Bedazzled actress fixed a huge yellow floral fascinator and shielded her eyes with a pair of round sunglasses.

She was joined by her son Damian, 22, and they were spotted enjoying mother-son time together as they posed for cameras on the blue carpet.

Three-time Olympic canoe slalom gold medallist Fox glammed up in simple but stunning red mini dress with a matching handbag and heels.

She was pictured alongside former jockey Michelle Payne, who glowed in a golden dress and bedazzled headpiece.

Also joining the sea of red was former Miss Universe Australia Rogers, TV star Samantha Armytage, Olympian Ariarne Titmus and model and journalist Kate Waterhouse.

Waterhouse was decked out in the who’s who of the fashion world, thanking international designers Versace, Bvlgari and Louboutin for her eye-catching kit.

Fashion designer Nadia Bartel opted for a baby blue mini dress that featured a smart collar and puffed out at the hips.

Bartel kept her accessories simple with a white clutch, matching heels, silver statement earrings and a fancy watch.

One of AFL’s ‘it’ couples, Collingwood star Josh Daicos and Annalise Dalins lit up the Penfolds marquee, with Dalins looking summery in a bright yellow strapless dress and straw hat fascinator.

Also in the mix was Irish musician Ronan Keating and his wife Storm, who are set to move to Australia soon.

Keating will be performing at Flemington along with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ricki-Lee Coulter.

A former part-owner of a few racehorses, Keating is a big fan of Australia’s biggest race.

“The sheer scale of the Melbourne Cup is something that’s hard to understand until you’ve experienced it. I’d heard them say it’s the race that stops a nation and it truly is,” he told media.

Channel Nine star Sylvia Jeffreys rebelled against the red tsunami in a pink ensemble by Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance.

Also missing the colour memo was acclaimed DJ and music producer Fisher and his wife Chloe.

The couple chose to don matching black outfits with Fisher making sure to work his signature sunglasses into the sophisticated outfit.