Victoria Racing Club extends ‘Fancy a Gallop?’ campaign via Thinkerbell for 2026 Melbourne Cup
Victoria Racing Club, alongside its creative company Thinkerbell, has extended the successful ‘Fancy a Gallop?’ brand platform again this year as the invitation to an elevated 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Positioned as both a teaser of the event and an invitation to be part of the action, Fancy a Gallop? celebrates the evolution of this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival as an elevated cultural and sporting spectacle that spans thrilling racing, high fashion, fine dining, and world-class live entertainment.
At the heart of the platform is a cinematic film and suite of assets that invites racegoers to awaken their seasonal alter-ego. Anchored in the sensory feast inherent to this world-class event, the work appeals directly to the individuals that make up the vibrant Flemington crowd — from the ‘Show Ponies’, to the ‘Work Horses’, and the spirited ‘Wild Horses’ — celebrating that there’s truly something for everyone at this year’s Carnival.
Says Nikki Clarkson, Chief Marketing Officer, Victoria Racing Club: “The Melbourne Cup Carnival brings world-class sport and culture together, placing Melbourne firmly on the global stage. ‘Fancy a Gallop?’ is an open invitation to racing fans, fashion lovers and major-event goers alike to experience the unrivalled racing, entertainment and atmosphere of Melbourne Cup Carnival week. We’re thrilled with how the campaign captures the breadth of experiences on offer, while reflecting the elevated experience our guests can expect at Flemington this year.”
Says Tom Wenborn, Chief Tinker, Thinkerbell: “Visually, we wanted to bridge the world of editorial high fashion with the uninhibited energy of Melbourne Cup Carnival Week. The film creates a world that feels dreamlike yet grounded in Melbourne’s distinct creative and sporting spirit.”
The integrated invitation rolls out across TV, digital, OOH and social from Sunday.
Client: Victoria Racing Club
Creative: Thinkerbell
Director: Harry Welsh
Production: DIVISION
Post Production: ARC
Music Composer: Public Press
Sound: Rumble Studios
Photography: Simon Eeles, Artboxblack
Casting: Amy Mete Casting
Stylist: Stuart Walford
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