Copyright news
Deals of the Week 1:47AMWednesday, November 5th, 2025 In the know quiz Set your local weather Breaking News Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law South Australia Western Australia Northern Territory Breaking News North America US Politics South America Middle East UK Politics Health Problems Mental Health Inspiration Weight Loss School Life Restaurants & Bars Food Warnings Relationships The Sealed Section Family & Friends Fashion Shows Fashion Trends Face & Body Cosmetic Surgery True Stories Lifestyle Videos Travel Ideas Short Breaks Food & Drinks Destinations North America New Zealand Middle East Central America South America Travel Advice Tips & Tricks Accommodation Australian Holidays Northern Territory South Australia Western Australia Travel Videos Entertainment Celebrity Life Hook Ups & Break ups Celebrity Photos Celebrity Kids Celebrity Deaths Celebrity Style What To Watch Morning Shows Current Affairs Upcoming Movies Movies Reviews Music Festivals Books & Magazines Golden Globes Entertainment Videos Social Media Mobile Phones Home Entertainment Archaeology Environment Climate Change Sustainability Natural Wonders Motoring News On the Road Technology Videos Cost of Living How to Save Salary Secrets Personal Finance Superannuation Australian Culture Power & Influence Inside Parliament Gig Economy Breaking News Manufacturing Other Industries Australian Economy World Economy Interest Rates Federal Budget Australian Markets World Markets Australian Dollar Cryptocurrency Real Estate Sydney & NSW Melbourne & VIC Adelaide & SA Cricket Live Scores V8 Supercars Sports Life American Sports Paralympics Horse Racing Expert Opinion More Sports Sport Videos Sales & Deals Home & Appliances Health & Wellbeing Horse Racing ‘Astonishing’: Iconic Melbourne Cup incident takes twist as figure speaks out A figure involved in the Melbourne Cup’s infamous “blue dress” incident has spoken out in a new chapter to the viral saga. @tottodtsport November 5, 2025 - 11:26AM Share via Email Share on Facebook Share on Whatsapp Écoutez cet article Copied URL to clipboard Emotional scenes as female Cup winners embrace Jamie Melham and Michelle Payne shared an emotional post-race moment. The camera operator who filmed the Melbourne Cup’s iconic “blue dress” incident has provided another twist to the viral saga. Ten years on from the moment racegoer Sarah Finn pushed a policeman over outside Flemington racecourse, Channel 7 cameraman Will Pristel has spoken out about how the incident unfolded. Finn was in 2016 issued an $800 fine after she pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a police officer following the race in 2015. Finn sent acting Superintendent Steven Cooper flying into a flower bed outside the famous venue in front of television cameras. The officer’s glasses broke in the fall. She was also ordered to pay court costs of $117 as well as $150 for the glasses. Copied URL to clipboard Female jockey's insane Melbourne Cup workout Celine Gaudray is leaving nothing to... The 33-year-old famously defended herself by posting a message on Channel 7’s Facebook page saying: “You guys forgot to mention that you told me to do it.” Camera operators from multiple broadcast networks were set up at the scene ahead of a scheduled press conference where Cooper was going to speak to reporters about the behaviour of the 94,000 crowd. 7News cameraman James Paul has previously denied Finn was told to do it. “No, no one said unequivocally go and push a police superintendent in the chest that will be a grand idea — no one at all said that at any point of time.” Sarah Finn shoves Acting Superintendent Steven Cooper. Sarah Finn watches as Acting Superintendent Steven Cooper falls after her stunning shove. Now Pristel has spoken publicly to say camera footage and audio of the incident shows Finn was not told by assembled media to carry out her now infamous act. “You can hear on camera we didn’t say anything,” Pristel has told 7News. “It was unfounded, nothing like that happened at all. I think it was something more to do with (her level of) intoxication.” He went on to say: “It’s pretty astonishing actually. I still don’t to this day understand how she did it and why she would do it.” He said he noticed Finn was “staggering a bit” as she walked towards members of the media. He said he had kept his camera filming as he panned away from Cooper towards spectators when Finn put the policeman on his backside. Sarah Finn turns back to stunned media after shoving Acting Superintendent Steven Cooper. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he said. The term “blue dress girl” quickly started trending after the incident as the clip spread across cyberspace. According to report at the time, Finn asked camera operators: “What do I have to do to get on the news?” Her lawyer, Anthony Brand, later claimed that media members encouraged her to do something; and that one even held her handbag. She was seen charging around 10m towards Cooper before she shoved the officer with both hands. Finn was quickly grabbed by two other police officers. Sarah Finn is led away by police after her infamous Melbourne Cup Day incident. Acting Supt Cooper didn’t know what hit him. “I’m copping it from mates all over the world,” he said. “I thought she was one of the journalists approaching me and next thing I know she’s knocked me over. “Unfortunately instead of giving the news I ended up making the news.” He told 3AW: “She wanted her five minutes of fame and got it”. Earlier in the day, Finn had posed for a photo on top of a Victorian Police motorbike — while holding four bags of Red Rock Deli chips — and posted the image to a Facebook group called “I do what I want when I wanna”. Finn was working as a digital marketer at the time, foxsports.com.au reports. Sarah Finn atop a police motorcycle earlier that Melbourne Cup Day. It wasn’t Finn’s first brush with the law. She was charged with car theft in 2011, then multiple drug-related charges and driving offences in 2013; later downgraded to dealing with the proceeds of crime and possessing a weapon, which drew a conviction and $700 fine. Brand said during Finn’s court appearance over the Cup incident that she suffered from anxiety and also had a history of “poor impulse control”. He also claimed she had paid a heavy price for such a public error of judgment. “She has been subject to vilification in the press,” he said. “She has been threatened on social media, mostly by men, your honour.” Sarah Finn leaves the magistrate's court after copping a fine for shoving over a policeman on Melbourne Cup Day 2015. Multiple drug and driving-related charges followed her 15 minutes of fame moment. She escaped with a relative slap on the wrist for the Cup incident. In total, she was fined $800, plus $117 in costs and $150 for the broken glasses — $1067. “I accept it was not malicious. I accept that it was reckless and stupid but you meant no harm,” magistrate Megan Aumair said, noting that Finn had suffered a “harrowing ordeal” by being suddenly thrust into infamy. Finn expressed remorse and apologised to Acting Supt Cooper. “My level of intoxication is no excuse,” she told Channel 7 after being charged. “I deeply apologise for my actions. I acknowledge a massive error in judgment on my behalf. Read related topics:Melbourne Join the conversation (1 Comment) Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Join the conversation, you are commenting as More related stories Horse Racing ‘Didn’t stay the distance’: UK trainer plots Melbourne Cup return English trainer Ed Crisford says Meydaan ran “super” in the Melbourne Cup but plans to return next year with a contender who will be better suited. Horse Racing Aussie Premier torched over Cup photo An Australian Premier has been roasted over an embarrassing Melbourne Cup photo following on from a viral blunder. Horse Racing Moment Cup winner shoves husband to win Jockey Jamie Melham has revealed the brutal moment she had to shove her own husband out of the way to make Melbourne Cup history. Registration In The Know Quiz Newsletters Competitions Welcome to news.com.au Code of Conduct Help and Support General Feedback Advertise with us Standards of Practice Licensing & Reprints Our News Network The Daily Telegraph The Courier Mail Our Partners realestate.com.au CODE Sports A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out.Sometimes our articles will try to help you find the right product at the right price. We may receive payment from third parties for publishing this content or when you make a purchase through the links on our sites. Privacy policy Relevant ads opt-out Cookie policy Terms of use Nationwide News Pty Ltd © 2025. All times AEDT (GMT +11). Powered by WordPress.com VIP More stories before you go
