Meet Frank Smith, EP extraordinaire driving the casual multi-studio set-up across Flemington Racecourse, offering viewers unprecedented access to jockeys, trainers, owners, celebrities and of course all the fashions on the field over the four days of the carnival. Easy right? No doubt his voice will be a little hoarse by the end of it…
We did it, Frank. We finally made it to a Covid-free Melbourne Cup Carnival. What have you been able to achieve this year that you weren’t able to do in previous years?
Plan for people without interruptions! Whether that’s presenters, or people in the crowd and production crew.
How far in advance do you have start planning our coverage and what is involved?
We’re preparing for the Melbourne Cup Carnival all year, although it gathers real pace from July. Whether it’s reviewing the previous broadcast, locking in crew and facilities, to planning and executing stories and the days themselves.
Tell about the on-air team this year and what they’ll be covering.
Everything from the track, to The Birdcage, The Park and The Nursery. We have assembled our biggest on-air team to ensure that we have everything covered.
What’s been your most memorable moment covering the Melbourne Cup Carnival?
Denis Pagan winning the Victoria Derby in 2020, in what was a difficult year for everyone, this moment stands out by far.
Got any hot tips for us for the big race?
Back yourself! If you have a favourite trainer, jockey, horse name or colour, stick with them.
It’s a big field, anyone can win.
If you change your mind at the last minute, you will regret it.
