This was published 4 months ago
Thanks so much for joining us today as John Allen rode Strictly Business to victory on Oaks Day.
We will have more racing coverage to come, with Stakes Day on Saturday set to close out the 2025 spring racing carnival.
Have a lovely evening and bye for now.
Relive the best Oaks Day moments in our gallery below.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Travis Auld and chair Martin Pakula were getting a bit of inspiration for the grand prix in the Crown marquee.
“He’s got the best job in the country,” Auld says.
It’s unclear exactly which job Auld was referring to as Pakula has so many. He is the chairman of the grand prix, an adviser to the Victoria Racing Club, an adviser to the AFL and a director of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
“A few years back the Flemington carnival had its challenges, but it feels like it is back bigger and better than ever” he says. “I think Crown has played a role in that.”
The atmosphere in the general admission area of Flemington Racecourse is more subdued than it was on Cup Day, but there are still plenty of people enjoying the warm weather.
The sunny morning has given way to an overcast afternoon, but it’s still pleasant outside.
Punters are busy enjoying picnics and the occasional glass of wine. There are plenty of younger friendship groups around, as well as parents and children.
Stokke was challenged late but held on to win the final race of the day at Flemington on Oaks Day.
Major Share finished a nose behind after a strong charge home but couldn’t edge ahead.
Melissa Leong wanted to be comfortable on Oaks Day, and what’s more comfortable than pyjamas.
The Dessert Masters host is channelling slumber party chic in a Silk Laundry pewter-grey suit and satin heels from The Attico.
But the true piece de resistance is her headwear – a Stephen Jones creation that takes a coral-pink sleep mask and bedazzles it with eyelashes, Swarovski crystals and delicate ostrich feathers.
Jockey John Allen is celebrating an Oaks victory for the ages. Here are some images.
Here’s a look at the last 500 metres of the Oaks. Watch Strictly Business storm to victory.
It’s a double victory for the Irish in the Oaks this year.
Ballarat-based Irishman John Allen has ridden Strictly Business in the $1 million race. The filly was trained by Thomas Carberry.
Carberry comes from one of the Emerald Isle’s most famous racing families, but he’s not so well known in Ballarat, where he trains horses.
Here’s what Allen had to say immediately after the race:
A 3D printer and a Spotlight fabric store in Frankston were crucial stops on Holly Keenan and Jenny Beard’s journey to winning the Fashions on the Field finals on Oaks Day and sharing in a $300,000 prize pool.
Best Dressed winner, mining engineer Holly Keenan from Perth, printed out 517 pieces of acrylic to create an art deco masterpiece.
“It’s a bit heavy, but the corset helps,” Keenan says. This is her ninth time entering the competition and her first win. Now there’s the challenge of taking the dress home.