It was only official once 1970s pop icon John Paul Young took to the stage - Melbourne Cup organisers were unable to secure an international pop star to replace Taylor Swift in time for the pre-race entertainment.

Instead they opted for not one, but two local artists.

Swift pulled out of her highly-publicised performance last month amid a backlash over animal welfare in the racing industry. At the time, the American singer's representatives said scheduling issues were to blame for her Melbourne Cup no-show.

For weeks the Victoria Racing Club remained tight-lipped about Swift's replacement. Last Friday, a spokeswoman for the club said there would be no announcement at all and people would need to attend the Melbourne Cup in person or tune in live to find out who would be headlining its pre-show entertainment.