Donna Demaio’s Gossip Sheet: Melbourne Cup Carnival edition
Quote of the week: ‘I’m a bit of a social James Bond these days. I infiltrate, I gather information on people and I put it in my little black book and it comes out somewhere down the track in a play,’ says comic genius and actor Eddie Perfect.
Lawrence Mooney and Eddie Perfect Photo: Donna Demaio
His mate, comedian Lawrence Mooney has a different approach to the races. ‘We just try to drink as much free champagne as we can.’
Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell says she understands why it’s called the Birdcage with everyone strutting around like peacocks. ‘You feel pretty good when you leave the house, about your outfit, and then you come here and you think, but look at her ? isn’t she fabulous.’
Her sister Bronte Campbell has a competition in two days and pondered letting loose at the track. ‘I’ve never actually drunk anything in the lead up to a competition. It might actually help,’ she told me.
Liz Cambage
Spotted: Basketballer Liz Cambage getting some last minute tips before her first DJ gig at the Lavazza marquee. She did well.
Hollywood actor Grant Show. Photo: Donna Demaio
Spotted: Melrose Place star Grant Show, guest of GH Mumm, grabbing a spot of dinner at exceptional local Donovans. The Hollywood star was a little bothered that he hadn’t seen a horse on Derby Day and told me he was determined to catch the race on Cup Day.
Spotted: Touring magician Dynamo mesmerising guests at the Emirates marquee with his extraordinary sleight of hand and tricks. Charming everyone in his sight. The impressive artist has two shows at Rod Laver Arena this month.
Rob Mills wearing a jacket stuck with more than $5000 worth of Melbourne Cup pins. Photo: Supplied
The trend of monogrammed purses, clutches and wallets continues to grow. Guests including Rob Mills, Gyton Grantley, Shane Jacobsen, Emma Freedman and Kate Waterhouse at the Lexus marquee were seen excited about picking up their stylish navy leather race books to be monogrammed by TDE ? The Daily Edit. Fancy!
Donna Demaio and DJ Havana Brown Photo: Donna Demaio
DJ Havana Brown flits around the world doing her thing but is pleased to be home to wow the guests at Sensis marquee. ‘It’s an excuse to get dolled up and feel pretty for the day. Every city has its vibe but the races, always, always is a good time.’
Stephanie Smith and her ‘book’ clutch Photo: Donna Demaio
‘A few photographers thought I was carrying my old book around,’ laughed Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador Stephanie Smith about her distinctive ‘Little Miss Lucky’ clutch bag.
‘Hopefully I’ll be able to come back on Oaks day and be able to enjoy it without having the pressure of having a runner,’ says trainer Matt Cumani at the Tabcorp marquee.
Olympic swimmer James Magnussen couldn’t resist jumping into the pool at the Mumm marquee to party. He was watched on with delight by another Olympian Mack Horton and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, seen punching the air in time with the pumping live music. Wow
Labor Leader Bill Shorten and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop Photo: Donna Demaio
Molly Meldrum at the Emirates marquee Photo: Donna Demaio
Spotted: The one and only Molly, sitting across from Marcia Hines, relaxing on the outside decking of the Emirates marquee ? with his tribute to Dame Edna via bright pink glasses ? perched on his hat.
Megan Gale Photo: Donna Demaio
The party doesn’t stop at the track. A number of after parties and general knees up ensue after race days. Those enjoying the fun at The Deck at Circa after either Derby or The Cup have included Carrie Bickmore, Megan Gale, Nadia and Jimmy Bartel, Rebecca Maddern and Dale Thomas.