Nine adds Olympian Jessica Fox, Billy Slater, Eddie McGuire and Michelle Payne to its Spring Carnival coverage

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and VRC ambassador Michelle Payne will also provide regular insights, while Nine stalwart Tony Jones will conduct trainer and owner interviews.

Coverage will turn to TAB form experts Grace Ramage and David Gately for race predictions and analysis.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the biggest spectacles in world sports, and we couldn’t be prouder to be the host broadcaster,” said sporting director Brent Williams.

“With such an extraordinary line-up of talent, combined with our state-of-the-art production, we are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for all Australians.”

In a first for spring racing coverage, the VRC will produce 20 to 25 minutes of content for every hour of coverage, primarily from the time the horses arrive at the mounting yard until the jockeys return to scale.

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“We have invested in state-of-the-art technology, graphics, four drones, a helicopter and some key technology to ensure the racing content is world-class,” said VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers.

Nine’s nightly news bulletin, featuring Alicia Loxley and Tom Steinfort, and the teams from Today And Weekend todayled by Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, will broadcast live from the Southbank Promenade in Crown and from Flemington during the carnival.

Viewers will also get exclusive Cup Week content on 9Now.