November 3, 2026 — 7:49pm

If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

In what was an epic coup for Crown Resorts and its private equity owner, Blackstone, the casino company landed new US ambassador to Australia David Brat at Flemington on Tuesday.

US ambassador David Brat (left), Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell (taking a selfie) and US consul-general Colin Crosby outside the Crown marquee. Penny Stephens

When Crown asked if Brat, who started in his role as Donald Trump’ s man Down Under in August, would like to be at the track and attend its Birdcage marquee, he said yes and diplomacy swung into action.

It was the first visit to Melbourne for Brat, who was joined by his wife, Laura .…