From Paris Jackson’s alleged “diva antics” to the time Snoop Dogg met Jen Hawkins, these are the most memorable Melbourne Cup moments

Nadia Bartel may have lost her title as Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador due to a scandal earlier this year, but in 2020 she stunned in this prim white midi dress and strappy heels.

Georgia Fowler was a dream to behold in this light lilac dress with structured shoulders. The top model looked reminiscent of Grace Kelly.

Australian actress Olympia Valance proved the cup is far from its rough at the edges early 2000s vibe. These days, the event is characterised by its sleek and fashion-forward looks.

What is an event without Megan Gale? During her 2019 appearance at the event, she stunned in blue, which perfectly accentuated her light sky blue eyes.

In 2018, international guests Scott Disick and girlfriend Sofia Richie caused a stir when they were snapped in the midst of what looked like a heated argument. Sofia could be seen wiping away tears and the couple were spotted leaving the event soon afterwards – despite being paid a hefty pay cheque to attend the event.

In 2017, A-list guest of honour Paris Jackson hit it off with model Aussie model Tyler Green.

Paris and the Queensland model were pictured cosying up in the Myer marquee before sharing a cigarette and leaving in a car together.

The actress, who was rumoured to be paid $100,000 for her attendance Down Under, also made headlines for her apparent “diva antics” with reports claiming the King of Pop’s only daughter shunned the pre-selected, specially designed Alex Perry dress she was supposed to wear for the event. Instead, Paris opted for her signature look of boho-chic, sporting a headpiece made from crystals and her own desert boots.

At 2014’s Melbourne Cup, onlookers swore that sparks were flying between American model Kate Upton and AFL star Lance “Buddy” Franklin, who is a taken man thanks to his romance with now-wife Jesinta Franklin (R).

While Jesinta was absent from the event because of work duties, the Sports Illustrated pin-up was forced to set the record straight following the flirting claims. “I just met him. We were at the same event,” the model explained.

We love a bit of couple watching and at the 2016 Melbourne Cup, Bec and Lleyton Hewitt enjoyed a stylish day out together.

2015 was the year Michelle Payne became a household name after she became the first ever woman to win the Melbourne Cup on the back of New Zealand thoroughbred Prince of Penzance.

And in a true family effort, her proud big brother Stevie was there every step of the way for the triumphant moment working as the horse’s strapper. In 2019, she was stood down from the sport for four weeks after she tested positive for the drug Phentermine. “The onus is 100 per cent with me … I regret not seeking more guidance, I wasn’t thorough, and that is completely my fault. My sincere apologies to everyone,” she said in a statement.

Ahh, the year was 2003. Everyone was dressing like Marissa from The O.C., Paris and sister Nicky Hilton were the international exports for the big race and Robert “Millsy” Mills was still riding the wave of his Australian Idol fame.

The Aussie larrikin and the heiress hit it off, and needless to say, the rest is history. Despite only sharing one night of passion, still to this day the singer is constantly reminded of his famous fling. “There wouldn’t be many days that goes by without someone asking me about Paris Hilton,” he has laughed.

Years later, Millsy rocked this embellished blazer at the 2016 bash and didn’t have a care in the world despite Paris blanking him on national TV.

People watching at the Melbourne Cup can be almost better than the race itself. Case in point when Australia’s former most colourful couple, Gabi Grecko and Geoffrey Edelsten, became engaged in the middle of the busy walk way at the 2014 event.

While the marriage has since fizzled out, this sure goes down as one of the most public engagements ever.

Hook ups are plentiful at the race that stops the nation and as Woman’s Day revealed at the time, Russell Crowe’s ex-wife Danielle Spencer was seen leaving the 2014 Melbourne Cup with lifestyle presenter Jamie Durie.

Who could forget when disgraced Bachelor star Blake Garvey turned up with his girlfriend and third runner up at the time Louise Pillidge for their first public outing as a couple following his break-up with Sam Frost. To make matters worse, Sam was in the same tent as them!

But ever the pro, the Home and Away star held her head high and instead cuddled up to handsome hunk Dean Ipaviz. Well played.

What’s race day without some outrageous fashion – enter Kyle Sandilands’ former better half Imogen Anthony and her 2014 Halloween-inspired get-up, complete with horns instead of a fascinator. Talk about a rule breaker!

All eyes were on the Mayor of Geelong Darryn Lyons and his fiancee, Elissa Friday, in 2014 when they showed up in these very daring ensembles.

When Snoop met Jennifer Hawkins! Perhaps one of the most off-brand celeb guests ever to be flown out for the bash was Snoop Dogg in 2008. His appearance came complete with an enormous entourage. Bonus points for the rapper actually obeying the dress code and rocking a suit.

From Ginger to Gigi and Jerry Hall – the annual event is always packed to the brim with international stars!

But the best VIPs are those with blue blood! In 2002, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark dazzled the Melbourne Cup crowds.

Elsa Pataky turned heads in a fluro frock, complimented perfectly by an edgy, brimmed hat for the 2016 party.

When sporting worlds collide: In 2013 pro cyclist Cadel Evans rubbed shoulders with basketball star Liz Cambage and their noticeable height difference made for quite a great shot!

And finally, no Melbourne Cup would be complete without some rambunctious behaviour from the punters.

Who could forget when this good Samaritan crashed a live TV cross to help find an owner of a lost wallet.

In one very memorable moment in 2015, a woman decked out in a vibrant blue dress got more than she bargained for when she pushed over a policeman in front of cameras just before he was due to speak about crowd behaviour. She was swiftly arrested and later received an $800 fine.

Has there ever been a more Aussie moment? While this legend of a lady actually stripped down into her smalls at the 2015 Ladies Day, it still goes down in the races’ history books.