Official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, G.H. Mumm announces today its partnership with AFL star and cultural leader Isaac Quaynor as its 2026 racing carnival ambassador.
Recognised as one of the AFL's trailblazing stars, Quaynor has established himself as a consistent performer for Collingwood Football Club through his composure, determination and commitment to continual growth, earning respect both within his club and across the sporting industry.
Beyond football, Quaynor continues to forge his own path through fashion, fragrance and business, building a reputation as a creative tastemaker with an ambition that extends well beyond the game. This year he takes another step on that journey with the launch of his own fashion label, Qamare, further cementing his innovative spirit and creative vision.
Appointed as an ambassador for the 2026 AFL Cultural Heritage Series, Quaynor continues to use his platform to champion culture, inspire future generations and create meaningful impact.
Quaynor’s fearless pursuit of excellence, willingness to embrace new opportunities and forward-looking mindset make the ambassadorship a natural fit for G.H. Mumm, both sharing the belief that life's most extraordinary moments are shaped by the journey as much as the destination.
“I’m thrilled to partner with G.H. Mumm for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. I’ve always believed that success is built through the journey - by embracing new opportunities and challenging yourself. G.H. Mumm’s trailblazing spirit and celebration of those who push boundaries really resonates with me. I’m looking forward to raising a glass of Champagne to the extraordinary moments that make Carnival so iconic,” says Quaynor.
Quaynor will officially open G.H. Mumm’s marquee, The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express, when the Birdcage opens its gates for a media-only preview on Thursday 29 October, with an iconic tap tap moment that sees a three-litre jeroboam of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge opened and Champagne soaring metres into the air above. Quaynor will attend Derby Day with G.H. Mumm and experience The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express as it journeys the day, bringing the House’s trailblazing spirit of celebration to life.
G.H. Mumm is approaching its 200-year anniversary in 2027, and this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrates that legacy through The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express, an extraordinary Birdcage experience inspired by the golden age of luxury rail travel, where the anticipation, discovery and unforgettable moments found along the journey are just as meaningful as the destination.
Since its founding in 1827, G.H. Mumm has celebrated trailblazers who challenge convention and push boundaries. From accompanying pioneering Antarctic expeditions to becoming the first champagne enjoyed in space, the Maison has long been synonymous with extraordinary journeys.
As the official champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the past 17 years, G.H. Mumm is thrilled to be back trackside with the Victoria Racing Club to celebrate this milestone moment. More than 100,000 glasses of G.H. Mumm are likely to be enjoyed across the Carnival period, as guests come together to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic moments on the sporting and social calendar.