Matilda's star Cortnee Vine set to shine on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day

The Sydney FC star rose to household name status earlier this year as she sent the Matildas to their history-making semi-final appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. A pivotal member of Australia’s best-ever finish at a World Cup, it was Cortnee’s now famous penalty kick that solidified the Australian Matilda’s top-four campaign.

Swapping her football jersey for racewear, Cortnee said she is looking forward to experiencing the magic of Cup Week, including the world-class racing, fashion, food and entertainment at Flemington Racecourse.

“I’m so stoked to be a part of such an iconic sporting event and can’t wait to witness my very first Lexus Melbourne Cup in person,” Cortnee said.

“I watch the Cup every year and I can’t wait to get to Flemington to enjoy the day, to see the phenomenal racing and to experience the world-famous Birdcage Enclosure.

“I’m honoured to be a Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador”.

Cortnee’s Flemington Racecourse debut will come the week after the Matildas’ Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers second-round campaign. A three games series set for Perth will have Cortnee representing the green and gold once again, in Australia’s first opportunity to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

As seen in an exclusive interview with Stellar, Courtnee Vine swapped her soccer jersey for the latest in race wear fashion to celebrate the announcement of her Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador role.

The full interview can be seen in today's Stellar, inside The Sunday telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), The Sunday Mail (QLD) and Sunday Mail (SA).

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the VRC was thrilled to welcome the Australian football star who gave us the goal that stopped the nation during the World Cup to the race that stops a nation this Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“We all got behind the Matildas earlier this year and we’re incredibly proud to host Cortnee at the upcoming Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.”

“The Matildas’ World Cup campaign brought Australia together, with Cortnee and the entire squad inspiring the next generation. Cortnee has quickly become a role model for so many and we look forward to watching her take on the A-league this summer and promote the Melbourne Cup Carnival in the Spring,” Mr Rosich said.

Cortnee will join other luminaries including the nieces of the late Princess Diana, Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer, international model and body diversity advocate Georgina Burke, Irish siblings THE CORRS and Australian rocker Jon Stevens at Flemington on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday of November on 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and Tab Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.