Australian Guineas Day launches a month of elite autumn racing at Flemington

Marking the official start of the Flemington Autumn Racing Carnival, the day will set the tone for an unforgettable four weeks ahead, blending elite racing with exciting celebrations and trackside experiences for all ages.

On the track, the Group 1 $1 million Australian Guineas (1600m) headlines the program, showcasing some of the nation’s most exciting three‑year‑olds. Off the track, Flemington will come alive with Lunar New Year celebrations, including a beautifully crafted Prosperity Garden and a special Year of the Horse photo moment. Crown Melbourne’s renowned Silks restaurant will also take over The Byerley, offering guests an elevated Chinese dining experience.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the VRC has partnered with the Queen Victoria Market to bring some of its most loved vendors on-course, including including Manila Boy BBQ & Grill, Lui Boss, Drums Street Food, Ink‑Credible Calamari and The Li’l Dumpling Van. Friend of the VRC Adelle Petropoulos will be trackside sampling the flavours on offer.

Families will be well catered for, with a full program of kid‑friendly entertainment including creative zones, face painting, roaming performers and Pony Putt Mini Golf.

The $1 million Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) is set to deliver a blockbuster showdown between some of the nation’s most exciting three‑year‑olds. The Chris Waller‑trained Sixties, an impressive last‑start debut winner at Flemington, will take on Group 1 Victoria Derby champion Observer in what promises to be a compelling clash of emerging stars.

Jockey Damian Lane will be looking to extend his impeccable Group 1 record at Flemington and will partner Sixties as he aims to elevate his rise to the next level.

The Australian Guineas boasts an honour roll featuring modern greats including Alligator Blood, Shamus Award and Miss Finland, underscoring its reputation as a launchpad for future champions.

Adding further interest to the card, the $300,000 Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) will offer the winner automatic entry into the Group 1 The All-Star Mile (1600m), to be held on Super Saturday at Flemington on 8 March. The Australian Guineas winner will also secure a place in the $2 million feature.

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman's in‑form filly Alpha Sofie, who is chasing her fifth consecutive victory, lines up in the $1 million Inglis Sprint (1000m), which has attracted a full field of three‑year‑olds for lucrative prizemoney.

Excitement is building ahead of next weekend’s Super Saturday meeting, headlined by the Group 1 $2 million All‑Star Mile (1600m). Fans can take their involvement to new heights through the Own The Mile competition, which will see 16 winners enjoy exclusive Mounting Yard access and share in a $200,000 prize pool - including a life‑changing $100,000 if their allocated horse claims the race. Entries are now open via the VRC website.

The VRC is proud to support the Good Friday Appeal as the official charity partner of the Flemington Autumn Carnival. Across all three race days, racegoers will have the opportunity to contribute to the Appeal’s vital work in helping The Royal Children’s Hospital deliver world‑class care to children and families. Volunteers will also be selling raffle tickets on-course, with an incredible first prize of a 100g ABC Bullion Cast Gold Bar, valued at over $23,000.

Living Legends Serpentine and 2006 Australian Guineas winner Apache Cat will parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4, with racegoers invited to visit both champions in the race day stalls throughout the afternoon.

Flemington Pass (General Admission) tickets are $30, with children under 18 admitted free. Gates open at 11:00am, with the ten‑race program commencing at 12:15pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.