Santa will be on course to celebrate the occasion, alongside Christmas carollers and Living Legends Fields Of Omagh and Santa Ana Lane.
The racing program will feature two lead-ups to headline races which will be run on New Year’s Day Race Day at Flemington on January 1.
The Kennedy Handicap (1400m) is the prime lead-in to the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) on New Year’s Day Race Day, with Blazejowski set to carry top weight.
He will face eight rivals, including Group 2 winner Yes Baby Yes.
The Schweppervescence Handicap (2600m) is the final opportunity to race at Flemington for horses bound for the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) in two weeks, with subsequent stakes winners Etymology, Secret Blaze and Wentwood among recent winners of the VRC Christmas Race Day feature.
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have won more staying races than any other stable at Flemington this year and will be represented by High Emocean in the Schewppervescence Handicap.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said VRC Christmas Race Day will cap off the year at Headquarters.
“The racing at Australia’s premier racecourse this year has been first-class. We hosted a Melbourne Cup Carnival for the ages and an additional 21 highly rated meetings at Flemington throughout the year,” Mr Rosich said.
“Headquarters will again come alive for a day of celebration this Saturday and I would encourage all VRC members and Melburnians to join in the festivities.”
Great ticket options are available including Christmas on the Rooftop for VRC members, dining in The Byerley and The Dining Room featuring a delicious Christmas-themed menu or a mates rates table on the famous front lawn.
The Elms will be the place for young and old to enjoy Christmas Race Day, with plenty of activities to keep entertained between races.
Santa Claus and his elves will be the guests of honour at Santa’s Playground.
Located near The Elms, there will be a Christmas scavenger hunt, pony rides, face painting, lawn games and the opportunity to become one of Santa’s little helpers.
Those 11 and under can join the Phar Lap Club for free, granting access to Phar Lap’s Christmas Party where there will be arts and crafts and a Christmas Disco.
Santa will also be appearing from 1pm – 4pm in The Club Stand Lobby for photos.
Popular retired racehorses Fields Of Omagh and Santa Ana Lane will be making the trip from Living Legends to Flemington where they will spend the day in horse stalls enjoying a Christmas carrot and a pat from fans.
A digital race book will be available at vrc.com.au and VRC members, owners and all racing fans are encouraged to follow the race day via the VRC social media platforms and share their experiences at the track or from home using our official hashtag #Flemington on social media.
Gates open at 11:40am with the first race at 12:40pm.
Christmas Race Day – Race Program
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Race
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Name
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Race 1
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TAB Trophy (1400 METRES)
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Race 2
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Lexus Holiday Plate (1200 METRES)
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Race 3
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Schweppervescence Handicap (2600 METRES)
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Race 4
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Rubaroc Handicap (1200 METRES)
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Race 5
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Myer Giftorium Handicap (1400 METRES)
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Race 6
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Kennedy Handicap (1400 METRES)
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Race 7
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Furphy Festive Season Sprint (1200 METRES)
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Race 8
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#Lovethehorse Trophy (1600 METRES)
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Race 9
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G.H. Mumm Christmas Plate (1000 METRES)
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