The Cox Plate, the weight-for-age championship of Australian racing, was held at Flemington for the first time while the Moonee Valley racecourse is being rebuilt. Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman Adam Lennen joked the race was 'couch-surfing at a mate's place.'
Carroll arrived with his wife Fiona Rothville and mingled with racing officials and politicians in the committee room, including Moonee Valley board members, Racing Victoria chair Tim Eddy, chief executive Aaron Morrison, and Racing Minister Anthony Carbines. The premier left around 3pm for another commitment, while Rothville stayed for the race.
The Liberal opposition had earlier put up a billboard mocking Carroll over the nap report, which the Sydney Morning Herald said apparently reached the Herald Sun via disgruntled staffers. Carroll's Instagram video was a response to that report.
The crowd at Flemington also included footballer Tom Lynch, swimmer Sam Williamson, and media personality Eddie McGuire. Singer Michael Paynter performed 'The Horses,' the traditional Valley anthem, with thousands joining in.
The Cox Plate is expected to return to Moonee Valley next year.