Melbourne Cup Carnival on Channel 9 kicks off this Saturday – 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.
Media Release – Nine
Link to 9Now HERE
TV Central Horse Racing content HERE
Melbourne Cup Carnival on Channel 9 kicks off this Saturday
Hosting Line-up
Channel 9 unveils Melbourne Cup hosting line-up – In a groundbreaking first, the 9Network is thrilled to announce its all-star hosting team for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival. As the official broadcaster for one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, Nine has assembled an unparalleled team of hosts and experts to bring all the action, drama, and glamour of the carnival to viewers across Australia.
Leading the charge from the on-course studio will be legendary sports broadcaster Eddie McGuire, who will set the stage for four incredible days of racing. Joining him from the heart of the action in the Mounting Yard is James Bracey, while globally respected racing expert Francesca Cumani will provide expert analysis throughout the carnival.
Form analysts Grace Ramage and David Gately will ensure viewers have all the insights they need, while footy legend Billy Slater will take up an on-course role, interviewing winning jockeys on horseback. Tony Jones will also be in the thick of it, conducting interviews in the Mounting Yard, offering unmatched access to the stars of the sport.
Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador and Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne OAM will appear on the broadcast as part of her Victoria Racing Club role. Michelle will provide invaluable insights and expert analysis throughout the carnival, drawing from her historic 2015 win and deep knowledge of the racing industry.
Bringing the glamour and celebrity buzz to life, Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic, and Olympic champion Jessica Fox will deliver all the colour and excitement from the Birdcage and beyond.
A highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is always the prestigious Fashions on the Field, and our team will be front and centre to showcase all the stunning styles and breathtaking designs as Australia’s best-dressed racegoers compete for the coveted title. From bold sartorial statements to timeless elegance, they’ll capture all the action, ensuring viewers don’t miss a moment of the fashion extravaganza that defines Cup week.
In addition to our live broadcast, viewers can enjoy an enhanced experience on 9Now, where we’ll be offering exclusive content throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Fans can access preview programs, archive footage, daily highlights, and race replays, ensuring they stay across all the action, anytime, anywhere. For fashion lovers, 9Now will also live stream Fashions on the Field, providing a front-row seat to the style spectacle. Whether it’s on the big screen or on the go, 9Now will be the ultimate destination for all things Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The broadcast kicks off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 2, followed by the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 5. Next is Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7, and the carnival concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 9.
Adding to the excitement, 9News Melbourne with Alicia Loxley and Tom Steinfort, along with Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Clint Stanaway, Sophie Walsh, and the entire teams from Today and Weekend Today, will broadcast live from Southbank Promenade at Crown and from Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. They will bring exclusive on-the-ground coverage and insights, immersing viewers in all the action and excitement of Cup week.
Brent Williams, Director of Sport for the 9Network, expressed his excitement about the upcoming coverage, stating:
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the greatest spectacles in the sporting world, and we couldn’t be prouder to be the host broadcaster. With such an extraordinary line-up of talent, combined with our state-of-the-art production, we are set to deliver an unforgettable experience for all Australians. This is just the beginning of a thrilling partnership with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp that will take this event to new heights for years to come.”
This marks the first year in a multi-year broadcast, media, and sponsorship deal between the Victoria Racing Club, Tabcorp, and Nine Entertainment to bring the Melbourne Cup Carnival to audiences from 2024 to 2029.
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