History created as rank outsider storms to victory in the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup, as English charm takes centre stage off the track

Prince of Penzance has galloped into racing history with a stunning upset victory in the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Michelle Payne became the first ever woman jockey to win the prestigious AUD6.2million race aboard the Darren Weir trained gelding.

The rank outsider Prince of Penzance saw off the late challenge of Max Dynamite from Ireland who finished second, while David Hayes trained Criterion finished third.

Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President for Australasia, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup to the winning connections of the six year old Prince of Penzance.

Kitty Spence

“Once again, this leading international race has lived up to all expectations with a remarkable victory and another historic first for the race. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our 12th year as the title sponsor of the Emirates Melbourne Cup and this year has produced another memorable finish” said Barry Brown.

“This is a significant partnership for Emirates – one which allows us to connect with horse racing fans not just in Australia, but globally. This year we’re also pleased celebrate our 19th year in partnership with the Victorian Racing Club; a partnership which forms part of our extensive global portfolio of sponsorships and partnerships with the sport of horse-racing.”


“In addition to witnessing this exhilarating race, we’ve enjoyed the opportunity of putting a spotlight on one of our global destinations. We welcomed our guests at the track to the English-themed Emirates Marquee and provided experiences that showcased our expansive network of English destinations including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle,” Barry Brown concluded.

In the English themed marquee, Emirates played host to local and international celebrity guests including Princess Diana’s niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, British TV Presenter and global fashion journalist Louise Roe, and British model and TV personality Millie Mackintosh from the hit show Made in Chelsea.

Featuring a millinery exhibition from one of the UK’s most prolific milliners, Stephen Jones, the Emirates Marquee exuded English charm with a sit-down restaurant featuring an English-inspired menu. Throughout the day guests received hair and beauty touch ups at Emirates’ famous beauty salon, ‘The Sanctuary’, while being entertained by a troupe of dancers that took inspiration from the Buckingham Palace Royal foot-guards.