Emirates Melbourne Cup Riding High on Melbourne Star

EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP RIDES HIGH AT THE MELBOURNE STAR

This morning the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel played host to an icon of Melbourne, the 2014 Emirates Melbourne Cup.

Visiting as part of the official 2014 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour, the $175,000 trophy went to new heights as it was treated to a spectacular birds' eye view of the home city of the "race that stops a nationTM".

In a Melbourne Star first, Channel 7 Sunrise weather presenter, Edwina Bartholomew, was given the honour of raising the Cup aloft from atop a cabin, with Melbourne's morning skyline providing a stunning backdrop for the daring stunt.

Working closely with the Victoria Racing Club, Channel 7 and WorkSafe, Melbourne Star constructed specific scaffolding within the cabin, from which Edwina was safely harnessed into position along with the world-famous trophy.

She was then raised through the roof hatch, Cup in hand, 120 metres above the ground, to take in the impressive view the Star has to offer.

Melbourne Star Management Group CEO, Chris Kelly, said the event showcased a great partnership between the Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Star.

"Flemington is a distinct Melbourne landmark that is highly visible from the Star, and we feel honoured to be selected to host the Cup at the conclusion of the Tour," Mr Kelly said.

"It was fantastic to join in the excitement that the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and the Emirates Melbourne Cup in particular, brings to the city and we look forward to welcoming the Cup again in 2015."

All eyes now turn to Flemington for the commencement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival this Saturday, before the famous trophy is presented to winning connections on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day in front of a television audience of more than 700 million worldwide.

The Melbourne Star is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with last admission at 9.30pm.

The Melbourne Star is the first, more complex, solid steel wheel design to be built in the world to this size.

For further information please visit www.melbournestar.com