Melbourne races: Elsa Pataky is announced as a special guest at Derby Day

Elsa Pataky will bring Hollywood star power to the Birdcage during the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year.

The 46-year-old Spanish actress – and wife of Chris Hemsworth – has been announced as special guest at Saturday’s Derby Day.

She will return to the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day as a special guest of Lexus Australia.

Spanish actress Elsa Pataky (pictured on June 27), who is married to Chris Hemsworth, will bring Hollywood star power to the Birdcage during the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year 

‘I’ve loved horses since I was little and own a few ex-racehorses for both pleasure riding and show jumping,’ Pataky told The Herald Sun. 

‘Seeing the world’s best thoroughbreds in action on the track is always so exciting, and to experience it in Landmark by Lexus will be really special.

‘The races are always such a fun day out, and I can’t wait to share it with my friends.’

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She has been announced as special guest at Saturday’s Derby Day, and will return to the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day as a special guest of Lexus Australia

It’s not yet confirmed if Hemsworth will join his wife in the Lexus pavilion.

Crowds are expected to flock to Flemington as the Melbourne races return properly for the first time in three years post-Covid.

Other guests include Delta Goodrem, Nicole Trunfio, model sisters Ash and Jess Hart, and New York-based supermodel Duckie Thot, who is a guest of G.H. Mumm.

New Bachelors Thomas Malucelli, Jed McIntosh and Felix Von Hofe will make their first public outing as a trio at the Paramount pavilion.

It’s not yet confirmed if Chris Hemsworth (right) will join his wife in the Lexus pavilion 

Pataky has often spoken of her passion for horses.

In August last year, it was revealed she and Hemsworth had submitted plans to build a second ‘Westfield-style’ home near their existing Byron Bay mega-mansion. 

The A-list couple also faced scrutiny for building a large stable complex on their existing property, knocking the top off a hill to create an enormous horse ring.

Pataky has often spoken of her passion for horses 

‘Apparently his mates call it “El Caballo Blanco” – named after a large equine Andalusian theme park that operated in western Sydney in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,’ a source told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

Pataky discussed her love of horse riding in an interview with Women’s Health in March last year, saying the activity kept her sane during Covid lockdowns.

‘When we were in lockdown, I could still ride, so it was [all about] my family, my husband and my horses,’ she said.

‘It’s such a passion, kind of like meditation for me. I think it’s important for your mind to have something you enjoy – a hobby that’s just for you and your time.’

Pataky (pictured with daughter India) discussed her love of horse riding in an interview with Women’s Health in March last year, saying the activity kept her sane during Covid lockdowns