Kidman to steal celeb racing limelight

Celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton have stolen the spotlight at previous Melbourne Cup carnivals, but this year's Hollywood imports will be taking a back seat to Australia's very own Nicole Kidman.

The Academy Award-winning actress will grace Flemington at today's Derby Day.

It's understood to be her first visit to Melbourne in a decade and is linked to her deal as a global ambassador for a major Australian multi-vitamin company.

In true Hollywood style she's due to arrive just before midday and fly out in the evening to France, where she's filming the Grace Kelly biopic, Grace Of Monaco.