Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off this Saturday from 11.30am
Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off this Saturday from 11.30am
The 9Network is excited to commence its live and free coverage of the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival, starting this Saturday, November 2, with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, live from 11:30 am on Channel 9 and 9Now.
As the official broadcaster of this iconic sporting and cultural event, Nine has assembled a dynamic team of hosts and experts to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience, celebrating the spirit, fashion, and high-stakes action that defines Cup week.
Leading the charge, Eddie McGuire will bring all the trackside excitement from Nine’s on-course studio, joined by James Bracey in the Mounting Yard, who will capture the live energy of the races. Adding her globally acclaimed expertise, Francesca Cumani will provide in-depth analysis across all four race days, ensuring fans are fully immersed in every moment.
Viewers will also be treated to insights from Grace Ramage and David Gately, who will guide fans through the racing form, while Billy Slater will share exclusive on-track interviews with winning jockeys. Tony Jones will bring audiences even closer to the action with Mounting Yard interviews, delivering an insider’s perspective.
Cup-winning jockey and Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador Michelle Payne OAM joins the team, adding her unique perspective and expertise to the coverage. Reporting live from the Birdcage, Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic and Olympic champion Jessica Fox will bring viewers all the glitz, glamour, and celebrity buzz from Australia’s most stylish event.
The broadcast will also highlight the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s celebrated Fashions on the Field, showcasing the bold and elegant styles that define Cup week. With live-streaming options on 9Now, fans can watch exclusive fashion coverage and access additional content like preview shows, highlights and race replays, ensuring they stay across all the action wherever they are.
Following Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage continues on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday, November 5, followed by Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7, and concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 9.
In addition, the teams from 9News Melbourne, Today, and Weekend Today, led by Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Clint Stanaway and Sophie Walsh, will be broadcasting live from Southbank Promenade and Flemington, adding exclusive insights to Cup week and engaging audiences with stories beyond the track.
Brent Williams, Director of Sport for the 9Network, expressed his anticipation for the carnival:
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is truly unlike any other event and we are thrilled to be bringing this incredible spectacle to all Australians. With our exceptional team and cutting-edge production, we’re ready to deliver the best seats in the house for viewers at home. This year marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp, as we aim to elevate the carnival experience for years to come.”
This year marks the first in a multi-year broadcast, media, and sponsorship agreement between the Victoria Racing Club, Tabcorp and Nine Entertainment, bringing the Melbourne Cup Carnival to audiences from 2024 to 2029.
Tune in to Nine’s Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage, kicking off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day this Saturday at 11:30 am on Channel 9 and 9Now, and continuing through to TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 9.
For further information, please contact:
Terry Stuart
Senior Communications Manager
tstuart@nine.com.au
Thursday, October 31, 2024