The Emirates marquee in the famed social hotspot of the Birdcage, was alive with the vibrant colours, cosmopolitan culture and the rich heritage of India at the Melbourne Cup Carnival this Year.

Guests included Royal and accomplished equestrian Miss Zara Phillips, pop star Ronan Keating actress Sophie Monk, racing identity Emma Freedman, television stars including Jules Lund and Sybilla Deen - entrepreneur Nicholas Bolton, athlete Steve Hooker, Collingwood players Shane O’Bree and Josh Fraser, and Sonya Walger from Channel 7’s FlashForward.

Miss Zara Phillips, who was an exclusive guest of Emirates and the Victoria Racing Club., said: "The Emirates Melbourne Cup is one of the most exciting and prestigious races in the world. I am delighted to join Emirates and the Victoria Racing Club for the celebration that stops a nation. I have a personal passion for horses and am so pleased to join Australians on their big racing day.