The Victoria Racing Club's spring celebrations are officially in bloom with the announcement of Australian model and TV star Tegan Martin as this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador.
After being crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2014, Tegan has cemented herself as a household name following appearances on some of Australia's most watched television shows including Network 10's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! and multiple magazine covers.
Her first official appearance will be at Flemington on Thursday 12 September for the highly anticipated Myer Spring Fashion Lunch, ahead of Sofitel Girls' Day Out on Saturday 14 September and Turnbull Stakes Day on Saturday 5 October along with every day of the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The 27-year-old is a passionate racegoer and said she was delighted to be this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador.
"To be announced as this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador is an absolute dream come true," Tegan said.
"Nothing compares to a day at Flemington, Cup Week is my favourite time of the year and I'm really looking forward to being part of all the action and showing everyone how to get the most out of their day trackside."
Tegan's love of horses began at an early age, encouraged by her dad.
"I have such fond memories of dad putting me on a horse for the first time when I was quite young. I've had a soft spot for horses ever since," she said.
"Every year when we were kids my dad would meet me and my brother at the school gate with the sweep from the newspaper and we'd race home to watch the Melbourne Cup together. Dad's passion has definitely rubbed off on me."
The appointment proves timely, with the Newcastle-born model set to move to Melbourne ahead of this year's 'race that stops a nation'.
"It's hard to put into words what it is like to experience Cup Day at Flemington, other than it's something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. From the moment you walk through the gates and see the roses in full bloom and the most breathtaking racetrack, to the social atmosphere throughout the day and the sheer excitement when the horses approach the starting gate," she said.
"I have had some incredible experiences at the Lexus Melbourne Cup over the years, from brushing shoulders with racing royalty in the Birdcage to fine dining in the stands but hearing one of my favourite artists Sam Smith perform live last year was a real 'pinch me' moment. I can't wait to see who will be entertaining us this year!"
VRC Executive General Manager Customer Engagement Caroline Ralphsmith said Tegan was the perfect person to represent the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
"We are delighted to announce Tegan as this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador," Ms Ralphsmith said.
"Her sunny disposition and love of a day at Flemington make her the perfect fit for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. We can't wait for Tegan to showcase to racegoers where to find the best food, fashion and entertainment every day of the Carnival."
