Premier Ben Carroll attends Cox Plate at Flemington

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll attended the Cox Plate at Flemington on Saturday, following a weekend of political scrutiny regarding reports that he had napped in his parliamentary office. Carroll addressed the allegations via Instagram, stating, “You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the newspaper.”

The Liberal opposition had previously released a billboard mocking the premier in response to the claims. Despite the controversy, Carroll attended the event alongside his wife, Fiona Rothville, mingling with representatives from the Moonee Valley Racing Club, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, and Racing Victoria.

This year’s Cox Plate was held at Flemington rather than its traditional home at Moonee Valley due to ongoing reconstruction at the latter racecourse. Moonee Valley chairman Adam Lennen described the temporary relocation as the race “couch-surfing at a mate’s place.”