2009 Melbourne Cup Carnival On Seven

2009 Melbourne Cup Carnival On Seven

Seven starts as the nation stops…

When Australia comes to a virtual standstill at 3pm AEST on November 3, Channel Seven will be
doing anything but as we head towards the half way mark of the 149th running of the Melbourne
Cup Carnival. Without question, this iconic event is enjoying spectacular growth not seen by any
other event in Australia or for that matter, internationally.

And as we head towards the 150th running of the Cup in 2010, that growth is hardly surprising
given what we’ve witnessed in the last few years. From the raw emotion of Damien Oliver’s win
on Media Puzzle to the seemingly unthinkable three-peat by Makybe Diva to a Japanese quinella
and then of course last year, as master trainer Bart Cummings grabbed his 12th Cup.

For Seven, the logistical preparation and the subsequent telecast across four days can only be
compared with other events of the magnitude of the Supercheap Bathurst 1000, the Australian
Open tennis or an Olympic Games. More than 300 personnel will be engaged across the 30 hour
telecast, utilising some 50 plus cameras. Those cameras are positioned to capture every single
moment of the entire Cup Carnival and that’s not just the horse racing. Whilst the great number of
them are strategically positioned around the course to cover the 37 races across all distances,
there’ll also be cameras in the helicopters, in the tracking vehicles, in the ground, in the jockeys’
room, in the mounting yard, in the stewards’ enquiry room, in the betting ring, in the parade ring,
in the barriers and on it goes.

But in between races, those cameras will focus on all the fun of the fair. Cameras will be in the
Emirates Marquee, the Myer Marquee, the Lavazza Marquee, the Lexus Marquee and all around
the Birdcage. You’ll see them at Fashions on the Field, in the members’ pavilion, in the general
public areas and the car parks.

And each year as the Carnival takes on greater international stature, Seven is adopting the same
strategy. This year, Francesca Cumani, acclaimed international rider and daughter of prominent
English trainer Luca Cumani, joins our hosting panel led by the incomparable sports master
caster Bruce McAvaney alongside Simon Marshall and Richard Freedman. They are just four of
the some 20 public faces of Seven’s stable of stars backed up by the largest production crew
assembled in the country this year.

From the first race on Derby Day to the last race on Emirates Stakes Day more than a week later,
Seven will never stop, while the nation watches … and waits.

Saul Shtein
Network Head Of Sport

Telecast Times

AAMI Victoria Derby Day
Saturday October 31

11am – 5.30pm LIVE in Sydney
11am – 6pm LIVE in Melbourne (includes fashion show at end)
10am – 4.30pm LIVE in Brisbane
10.30pm – 5pm LIVE in Adelaide
8am – 2.30pm LIVE in Perth

Melbourne Cup Preview
Sunday November 1

11am – 12pm in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday November 3

10am – 5.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne
9am – 4.30pm LIVE in Brisbane
9.30am – 5pm LIVE in Adelaide
7am – 2.30pm LIVE in Perth

Crown Oaks Day
Thursday November 5

11am – 5.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne
10am – 4.30pm LIVE in Brisbane
10.30am – 5pm LIVE in Adelaide
8am – 2.30pm LIVE in Perth

Emirates Stakes Day
Saturday November 7

11am – 5.30pm LIVE in Sydney
11am – 6pm LIVE in Melbourne (includes fashion show at end)
10am – 4.30pm LIVE in Brisbane
10.30am – 5pm LIVE in Adelaide
8am – 2.30pm LIVE in Perth

BRUCE McAVANEY
Host

The doyen of Australian sports broadcasting, Bruce McAvaney will once again host Seven’s
Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage. Bruce began his career as a race caller, has called the
Melbourne Cup four times and hosted Seven’s Cup Carnival coverage seven times. He is as
infectiously enthusiastic as always when speaking about this year’s prospects:

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is simply heaven for racing fans. The racing, in conjunction with all
the fashion and fanfare, genuinely makes it one of the world's great festivals. It keeps getting
bigger and bigger each year. It’s so much more than just one race that stops a nation. Each day
has a distinct flavour that continues to build into the amazing spectacle at Flemington.

“One thing for sure is the lives and reputation of the jockey and trainer that win the Melbourne
Cup will be changed forever. In many ways it’s like an Olympic gold medal – you are now part of
an elite group. We've been fortunate to see some legends made and others further enhanced.

“No doubt this year another legend will be made on the first Tuesday in November.”

FRANCESCA CUMANI
Co-Host

Francesca Cumani, acclaimed international rider and daughter of prominent English trainer Luca
Cumani, joins our hosting panel in 2009. This spring, the Cumani stable brings out two horses –
Cima de Triomphe and Basaltico – and Francesca will be on board with Seven to deliver all the
news on their form and the other internationals. She is quietly confident about their stable’s
prospects this year:

“Most of all I am looking forward to working with the team at Channel Seven and experiencing the
Carnival from a different perspective to the past three years. It’s also very exciting to have
another crack at the Cup with this year’s raiders from my father's stable - Cima de Triomphe and
Basaltico.

“One of the funniest moments in a past trip to Melbourne would be watching my brother drooling
over Delta Goodrem at the parade and queuing up to get her autograph on a dollar note.”

SIMON MARSHALL
Co-Host

Winner of 15 Group one races, former jockey and racing personality Simon Marshall will once
again join host Bruce McAvaney to help viewers dissect the form. Simon will come with his usual
array of song and dance to entertain and inform. When quizzed about this year’s Carnival, Simon
delivers his usual blend of frivolity and knowledge:

“My favourite highlight from Flemington would have to be my son, Ethan Marshall, winning the
Kids’ Fashions On The Field on Stakes Day last year. I was commentating and didn’t even know
until I saw it flash up on the screen, I was a very proud Dad.

“My early tips or horses to follow are Heart of Dreams, Demerit and also Niconero in the sprint
races. I think an international will win the cup this year but it’s too early to make a decision.”

RICHARD FREEDMAN
Co-Host

The name Freedman is synonymous with racing success in this country and for the seventh year
in a row Richard Freedman will work alongside Bruce McAvaney and Simon Marshall. The
Freedman brothers boast five Melbourne Cup winners, along with four Caulfield Cups, four
consecutive Golden Slippers and two Cox Plates. Richard remembers a rock star moment from
Makybe Diva’s third Cup win that is one of the quirkiest in his time in racing:

“I spoke to Bono on the phone just after Makybe Diva won her third Cup in 2005. He said ‘Hi, it’s
Bono here’. And I said, ‘Really? Come on, who is this?!’

“On the track, I think it will be the pinnacle of racing, as it is every year. Off the track, it’s a great
occasion to catch up with old friends that I only see once a year – at Flemington. For punters,
follow the top trainers and jockeys, they can win with long shots too.”

PETER DONEGAN
Mounting Yard Presenter

Peter Donegan will be in the mounting yard again where he has earned the respect of jockeys,
trainers, owners and stewards over a Melbourne Cup Carnival broadcasting career that stretches
back to 1989. Peter tells us his eye will be on the internationals:

“One of the more intriguing elements to this year will be whether the locals can withstand another
northern hemisphere assault. They did last year, by millimetres, when Viewed nosed out
Bauer and the trainer of the runner up, Luca Cumani, will be back again to attempt to go one
better, in a race which is increasingly becoming a passion for him. Our sprinters have conquered
the world, but their stayers are supposedly superior ... we'll see.

“It's our truly national festival and every year produces a unique story. From Van Der Hum's win
on a bottomless bog in 1976 to Ollie's tearful triumph of 2002. From Sheila Laxon rewriting the
history books at the start of this decade to another female who did what had previously seemed
impossible, the incomparable Makybe Diva.

“In a little more than three minutes, somebody's life will change forever and a humble
thoroughbred will go from just another racehorse, to the best known name in Australia on that first
Tuesday in November.”

GREG MILES
Race Caller

Greg Miles is widely regarded as Australia’s premier race caller and will be calling the entire
Melbourne Cup Carnival for Seven for the seventh year running. Greg explains he’s usually every
bit as nervous as the jockeys, trainers and owners before the Melbourne Cup:

“You implant the colours of the 24 jockeys and their horses’ names like any other race. But
there’s so much going on in the 30 - 40 minutes before the race starts, it’s easy to get carried
away and nervous. The key is to stay very, very focused and not allow yourself to get distracted
by everything going on around you.”

PAT WELSH
Betting Ring Presenter

Being the son of a bookmaker meant it was almost inevitable Pat Welsh would end up involved in
racing and sports. Pat will present viewers with all the happenings, movements and plunges from
the Flemington betting ring and can’t wait to get back to re-coup last year’s losses:

“I've been punting since I was a kid. Apparently that's a sign of a dubious upbringing, but Mum
debates that. So, Cup time is always a highlight for me.

“The job is like being paid to indulge a passion. I've been punting for almost four decades, not
very successfully. So working in the betting ring, watching the odds and trying to provide late tips
is what I would do every Saturday afternoon.

“But last year because I had a lean carnival on the punt, I came to the final Saturday, took a
quadrella, cut down on my combinations because the finances had taken a serious hit over the
preceding days and of course, one of the horses I'd deleted from my quaddie won. I had the other
three legs - it paid $10,000 and I left Melbourne with a sour taste. But I’m ready for action again
this year.”

JOHN LETTS
Horseback Interviewer

Dual Melbourne Cup winning jockey John Letts saddles up again to interview the winning hoops
on course. Having ridden more than 2500 winners throughout his stellar 30-year career, John is
more than familiar with the emotions of the jockeys and recalls a favourite moment from
Flemington:

“The funniest moment in my Melbourne Cup experience is when the Japanese horse Delta Blues
won it in 2006. The Japanese jockey, Yasunari Iwata, couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak
Japanese and we had to do a live interview to a worldwide audience. The interview only lasted a
total of four words, but I did 17 media interviews on it afterwards as everyone wanted to know
what was said!”

“I’d love to see an Australian horse win it this year and I think C’est La Gueere is a good chance.”

JOHANNA GRIGGS
Presenter

Following a sporting career as a world class swimmer, Johanna Griggs has built an outstanding
career as a sports and lifestyle presenter and will again work on Seven’s Melbourne Cup Carnival
coverage catching up with all the celebrities in the Emirates Marquee. Joh’s warm and engaging
manner shines through when she recalls her funniest moment of last year’s carnival coverage,
along with her tips and what she’s looking forward to:

“We all got a laugh last year when mid-way through an interview I was conducting, my entire
headpiece flew off into the distance. It's why I love live television.

“My tip for punting is learn to read a form guide and find the balance between betting on what you
think will win based on form ... and pure luck.

“As I do every year, I look forward to the racing first and foremost as I love to have a bet. Also
great is the fashions - good and bad - and the joyous vibe that the Melbourne Cup Carnival
generates year after year.”

MATTHEW WHITE
Presenter

Matthew White has a diverse sports background having worked on a variety of telecasts including
the V8 Supercars, the Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Finals to name a few. He’ll be at
Flemington for Today Tonight and also showing viewers the glamorous side of the Carnival with
celebrity interviews.

“I’m looking forward to finally having some big betting wins for charity in the Lavazza
celebrity tipping competition. It's been a lean couple of years, but I'm feeling confident about
picking some winners this time.

“My favourite Cup Carnival highlight would have to be being trackside for Makybe Diva's victories.
To witness true Australian sporting history first hand is to be very lucky. My other highlight every
Cup week is sharing a ride to Flemington every race day with Johnny Letts, Richard Freedman
and Pat Welsh – it's a trip full of bad jokes and even worse tips.”

SONIA KRUGER
Presenter

Best known as the co-host of Seven’s hit series Dancing With The Stars, Sonia Kruger has been
entertaining people all her life through dance. In addition to her dancing talents Sonia has also
been an entertainment reporter with Seven over the last 12 years, interviewing some of the
world’s biggest names in entertainment including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Beyonce Knowles.
Sonia will take viewers inside all the glamour and excitement of Fashions On The Field and rub
shoulders with all the biggest names in entertainment. Sonia is looking at omen bets this spring
and remembers one of her funniest moments at Flemington:

“Todd McKenney told me to bet on the horses wearing woollen nosebands. According to him
they're more comfortable and therefore run faster. As for me, I love an omen bet and things that
are close to my heart. So be on the lookout for 'Six O'clock News'. You can always trust it to
deliver on Seven.

“Without doubt the funniest moment I've experienced at the Cup Carnival was when the team
arrived at the track ready to start shooting, a gust of wind caught Joh Griggs’ dress and sent it
flying over her head ... luckily it was just the girls who witnessed it and even with her skirt in orbit
Joh managed to maintain her dignity. What a stunning filly!”

FIFI BOX
Presenter

Fifi Box is one of Australia’s favourite broadcasting personalities. She has entertained us all with
her bubbly personality on shows such as Thank God You’re Here, Sunrise and her brilliant run on
Dancing with the Stars. Fifi will be right at home mingling with the colourful characters in the
crowds at Flemington.

“I'm most looking forward to seriously trying to back a winner. I usually get distracted by all the
fabulous fashion and socialising, but this year I want to focus on form. My aim is to walk away
with more money than Joh Griggs.

“There has not been a year where I haven't left Flemington barefoot with my heels in my hand, so
this year I've been breaking in a few pairs of shoes so I'm hoping to beat my personal best and
make it onto a tram in footwear.

“In terms of tips, I've tried everything – lucky numbers, favourite colours and even tried to hone
my psychic ability but to no avail. I have never left the track in the black.”

REBECCA TWIGLEY
Presenter

Australian model Rebecca Twigley will give her impeccable fashion sense to this year’s
Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage on Seven. Rebecca will take viewers behind the scenes of
getting ready as well as race day interviews at the track with the who’s who of the fashion and
racing world. She is full of interesting stories and tips for race goers:

“Hopefully one of the young sprinters I part-own will race in the Carnival this year - that would be
exciting. Off the track I’m most looking forward to dressing up in amazing outfits and checking out
what everybody else is wearing, oh and the Myer marquee is set to look amazing!

“Probably more of an embarrassing story, but a few years ago I picked up a dress to wear to the
races from a designer friend but didn’t try it on until I was actually getting ready on the day. Much
to my dismay the designer hadn’t made the alterations she had promised and the dress was very
low at the back almost revealing a little too much – definitely not racewear. As I'd flown over from
Perth for the day, I had nothing else to wear and so had to don the ill-fitting dress. The next day,
The Herald-Sun put the picture of me in the skimpy dress on the front page of the paper with the
headline ‘She's done it again’. Very embarrassing and totally not my fault.

“Not in terms of racing but a fashion tip would be no matter how drunk you are or how much your
heels are killing you, do not take them off.”

SARA GROEN
Presenter

Seven News weather presenter Sara Groen is confident Melbourne will deliver more than just
good weather for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival and offers her thoughts on the Carnival:

“The Melbourne Cup is always such a spectacle, from the flamboyant marquees to the even more
flamboyant outfits and characters. Everyone is in such a good mood and ready for a great time,
willing to have a chat and make the stories fun and colourful.

“Snoop Dog was a stand out last year, bringing his brazen attitude to the Birdcage for the ultimate
people-watching experience. His entourage was hilarious, picking eagerly waiting women from
the audience to bump and grind next to Snoop.

“I wouldn't dare offer any expert betting tips, but on the fashion front, I'd say be prepared for all
seasons – from searing sunshine to the bitter cold and everything in between. My stiletto heel
broke last year, so spare shoes wouldn't go astray or perhaps just a sturdy and well tested pair to
start.”

HAMISH McLACHLAN
Presenter

A lover of sport since childhood, Hamish McLachlan grew up next to Lindsay Park Stud, one of
the most successful training, racing, and breeding establishments in the world, where he
developed his passion for racing. The host of AFL Game Day through the AFL season, Hamish
comes from a strong sporting background with management and broadcast experience on a
national and international level with sports including AFL, Olympics, tennis and cricket and shares
with us the origins of his passion for racing:

“I love racing. Every part of it. It’s in the family’s blood. Our family on dad’s side won the Cup in
1931 with a horse called White Nose that beat Phar Lap carrying the grandstand. That’s
ridiculous. My grandfather on mum’s side won the Guineas with a horse called Sou’wester the
year I was born.

“When we were growing up at the farm, mum had her owner and trainer’s license and my
brothers and I used to strap for her at the races. We grew up on a farm near the Oakbank
racecourse. I used to go there every Easter for the country races. Before school Mum used to let
us watch track work at Lindsay Park where Colin, Peter and David Hayes would tell us amazing
stories. I got kicked off a racecourse for underage betting at 13. I love racing ... it’s in the blood.”

NEIL KEARNEY
Reporter

A journalist for more than 35 years and over 20 years on television, Neil is one of Australia’s great
storytellers, plying his craft on almost every major sport there is from the Olympics and AFL, to
the Commonwealth Games and of course, horse racing. Neil is always telling great Carnival
stories and recalls one of his favourites:

“There was a character in the crowd at last year's Carnival who dressed up in jockey's colours
each day. He sat on his friends' shoulders and had a ringside position alongside the mounting
yard, whilst consuming a considerable amount of refreshments. But the man knew his racing - he
turned up on Derby Day in the colours of the winner and then backed up again on Oaks Day,
wearing the colours of the eventual winner. I'll be looking for him again in 2009.

“My advice would be to follow the law of averages – back something trained by JB Cummings,
ridden by D Oliver or owned by Lloyd Williams.”

MICHAEL FELGATE
Reporter

Award-winning racing and sports reporter Michael Felgate has a passion for racing that has seen
him win several racing media awards, drink champagne from the Melbourne Cup and own a city
race winner at Sandown. In 2009, he tells us he’ll be focused on the Cup’s king and a former
jockey’s fashion:

“On the track I’m looking forward to seeing if the master Bart Cummings can make it a baker’s
dozen. He has another great chance of winning the Cup this year with last year's winner Viewed
and AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor. Off the track I’ll be monitoring Simon Marshall's unique
fashion and style.

“My favourite racing moments would be witnessing Makybe Diva win her third Melbourne Cup
and part owning a winner at Sandown ... the status and the prize money don't compare but we
did get 30 to 1 at Sandown!

“My tips at this early stage include Tribunal in the Derby, Efficient and Viewed in the Cup and
Mont Fleuri in the Oaks.”

SANDY ROBERTS
Presenter

Sandy Roberts has an enviable reputation as one of Australia’s most respected and
knowledgeable sports broadcasters. His role at Flemington is as Master Of Ceremonies,
introducing the winning trainers, owners and jockeys to the fans trackside, where he recalls
seeing some different moments:

“For me, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a marathon with presentations of 37 races, 37 winning
jockeys, 37 winning trainers and owners galore, so I look forward to raising a glass with the
winners of race nine on Stakes Day when my work is done. But what a great job; I get to work
with happy people all day, every day of the Carnival.

“In 2004, just prior to the race, the heavens opened up with a wild storm. Of course it’s history
that Makybe Diva saluted for the second time but unfortunately it meant not only were all the
punters forced indoors but even the race presentation had to be done indoors.”

For further information contact:

Greg Smith                                Samantha Lawson
grsmith@seven.com.au                      slawson@seven.com.au
0438 777 164                              0419 501 777