Pacific celebrates Melbourne Cup as protests and drama rock Flemington

While protests and drama surrounded the 165th Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in Australia, Pacific fans celebrated the big race day in colourful style, showing that the Cup spirit stretches far beyond Melbourne.

In Fiji, hotels, clubs, and even workplaces hosted events to mark the day. The Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva came alive with fashion, laughter, and local flair as the Fiji Fashion Week hosted its annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon.

The GPH event, which has become one of Suva’s most anticipated social gatherings, was a burst of colour and creativity.

Among the standout moments was designer Ashiana Aznin Ali winning the Best Fascinator Award for her hand-made headpiece created from recycled Janola bottles.

“I made my whole outfit myself in one night,” Ali told Fijivillage News. “I love pushing creative boundaries each year.”

Ellen Whippy-Knight, managing director of the Fiji Fashion Week, says the event is about more than fashion. “It blends high fashion with the excitement of Australia’s biggest racing day, while showcasing the talent and craftsmanship of local designers.”

Watch the Melbourne Cup celebrations at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva below.

In Vanuatu, a Melbourne Cup Ladies’ Luncheon 2025 was held at the K2 Tennis Club in Stade Area, Port Vila. Highlights included welcome drinks, entertainment, and a best-dressed competition.

Similar Cup-themed luncheons and watch parties were also held in parts of Aotearoa New Zealand and other Pacific communities, with many tuning in to watch the big race live from Melbourne.

But at Flemington Racecourse, it wasn’t all glamour and excitement. The day began with chaotic scenes as eager racegoers sprinted through the gates, with some taking tumbles on their way in.

In Fiji, the Yanuca Cup was held where local horses race on the beach. Photo/Facebook/The Bilo Bar Club

The Cup itself saw emotional highs and racing drama. Jamie Melham made history, winning the Melbourne Cup aboard Half Yours. Fighting back tears, Melham managed to say, “This is why we do it, for days like this. My grandpa passed away last week, and I know he was watching from above. I’m absolutely speechless.”

Earlier in the day, Tornado Valley won the 1000m Maribyrnong Plate, though the race briefly faced a protest from second-placed Tales of Time, claiming interference. The challenge was later dismissed.

Despite the off-track excitement, including a half-million-dollar bet placed on Irish runner Al Riffa before the race, and small protests from animal rights groups outside the course, the event once again drew massive crowds and attention across Australia and the Pacific.

Watch the Melbourne Cup celebrations in Vanuatu below.

The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival continues with Oaks Day on Thursday and Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, rounding out a week that celebrates both speed and style, from Flemington’s turf to the shores of the Pacific.

Watch Wide World Of Sports coverage, including the Melbourne Cup race and Toa Sāmoa rugby league team in Sydney, ahead of their Pacific Championships final against the Kiwis this weekend.