Flemington Racecourse was awash in classic monochrome glamour today as the 9Network’s biggest stars turned out in force to launch the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Howden Victoria Derby Day.

Soaking up the electric trackside atmosphere at the Nine marquee was a lineup of network stars, led by new Today co-host Tom Steinfort, Today Extra co-host Belinda Russell, alongside 9News Melbourne’s Alicia Loxley and 9News Queensland’s Joel Dry.

Lifestyle and entertainment were out in full swing, featuring The Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage, and The Block and 1 Euro House favourites Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Marty Fox. Married at First Sight expert Alessandra Rampolla was joined trackside by the program’s new expert Marryam Chehelnabi.

Bringing the sporting star power were Melbourne Vixens netball champions Kate Moloney and Sophie Garbin, alongside Footy Classified’s Nathan Brown and Damien Barrett.

Howden Victoria Derby Day marks the spectacular start to four blockbuster days of live and free coverage, exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Monday 2 November. 2026