both referees are very senior people in my organisation
I would have kept them out of the loop.
So would have I. The other company approached you Jessica because they've seen your talent through dealing with you already. They've offered a high salary to attract you to their company. I believe the references are purely academic in this situation if the only references that count are from the employer you're jumping ship from. Any company should understand that if a person is looking for employment whilst employed then the (future) former company is the last avenue for references. It's obviously to fullfill their HR red tape and dot the the proverbial.
Did you tell the poachers if the references from your current employer had to be provided?
Please keep us informed and I hope it swings your way.
