Aussie model Georgina Burke to bring international glamour to the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival

The New York-based model was born and raised in rural Queensland where she inherited a love of horses from her mum, before relocating to London at just 17 to pursue an international modelling career.

Georgina has worked with a myriad of prestige brands including Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and J.Crew, and is a vocal advocate for greater size diversity in the fashion industry. She made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 2022 and was recently photographed by notable Australian photographer Ben Watts for the 2023 edition.

Georgina grew up in a rural area outside Brisbane, working outdoors with her father and horse-riding with her mother. She even worked at a saddlery store to fund the plane ticket for her first international modelling trip. Now a passionate body positivity champion and equestrian in her downtime Georgina said she is excited to combine her long-held love of horses and her skills as a spokesperson together at Flemington.

“I’m thrilled to be returning home to be part of the style and energy of Cup Week,” Georgina said.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to be trackside at Flemington, so I’m really excited to see all the action up close. I’m also delighted to be connecting my passion for horse riding and my fashion career back in Australia where it all began.”

In her capacity as official ambassador, Georgina  She will then be trackside for both Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 4 and Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 7.

She will also be part of the judging panel for Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field across both race days and will also act as a judge for the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award.

VRC Executive General Manager of Brand, Marketing and Communications Jo King said she was delighted to welcome Georgina to Flemington in an official capacity this year.

“We are thrilled that Georgina will be joining us as a Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador for 2023,” Mrs King said.

“With her global fashion pedigree and skills as a spokesperson and advocate, alongside her passion for horses and riding, Georgina is the perfect partner for this year’s Carnival.”

Fashions on the Field in 2023 is set to grow exponentially as it welcomes racewear enthusiasts from right around the world for the first time. An online hub facilitates entries from style-setters globally in the major Best Dressed and Best Suited categories and the creative led, Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award.  This enhancement is indicative of the strong connection between the VRC and the international racing and fashion communities. Digital entries to the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field are now open and close on Wednesday 27 September. 

Racegoers who attend Flemington across the first three days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival can enter the Best Dressed and Best Suited competition in person at a dedicated on-course registration site, with overall winners to be announced live in the afternoon of Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday 9 November.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.