Melbourne Cup champion Point Of Law ignited a night of nonstop revelry as his connections turned the city into a moving celebration from the CBD to South Yarra. The champion galloper’s owners kept the party going well past midnight.
John O’Neill rasped to CBD at the annual Oaks Club Lunch at Crown on Wednesday. He said, “You don’t want my throat or my voice today.”
He and roughly 60 to 80 guests barged into the Flower Drum before moving on to The Osborne hotel in South Yarra. The night continued well past midnight.
The winning connections included Michael Anghie, Peter Cook, John O’Neill, Chris Hadley, Jonathon Pearce, Nigel Satterley, John Wylie, Chris Judd, Bec Judd, Steven Greene, Michelle Greene and others. They celebrated the victory together.
O’Neill and his mates bought into Point Of Law after trainer Ciaron Maher purchased the horse from King Charles. Maher later sold the horse to a group that included O’Neill.
Trainer Ciaron Maher joined the group at a pub just before midnight. The celebration kept rolling into the early hours.
O’Neill may keep the party alive on Saturday as Birdman, another horse he part‑owns, prepares for the Champions Stakes at Flemington.
Fashion safari
Adventurer Jason Kimberley revived the safari‑style suit during this year’s spring racing carnival, drawing attention at the Oaks Club Lunch in a powder‑blue ’70s number.
He cited Don Dunstan, the former South Australian premier, as inspiration, and said the suits are low‑maintenance because they survive a quick wash and steam. He noted that a damp cloth erased a morning stain in seconds.
Kimberley sourced his Wednesday outfit from an op shop and praised the fabric’s ease of care. His latest book, The Chook Book, launched in St Kilda with radio host Russell Howcroft emceeing, and guests posed with live chickens on arrival.
Williams goes ‘Cactus Cowboy’
UK pop star Robbie Williams secured the best seat in the house at Flemington, joining VRC chair Neil Wilson, his wife Stephanie, US ambassador David Brat and wife Laura in the Chairman’s Suite for the $10.2 million race.
He wore Reigner’s “Cactus Cowboy Suit,” a $3,700 ensemble embroidered with horse‑riding cowboys. The outfit was a standout piece from Reigner.
The elevated viewing deck in Flemington’s Elms enclosure saw racing identities dance to rock DJs as Williams delivered a crowd‑pleasing set. The deck was filled with dancing racing identities.
