Some of Flemington’s favourites will return this autumn including the Flemington Fareground, while Australasia’s top horses and jockeys are set to contend for Group 1 glory.
The Flemington Fareground makes an exciting return with a resort style inspiration for families that sets the stage for a day of fun for all ages. A specially designed roller rink from Rolla Bae will take prime position in the leafy Elms area with racegoers able to skate around to the sounds of disco tunes. The Fareground will be a foodie paradise with endless options including complimentary sparkling-tasting experiences plus the opportunity to purchase a cheese and charcuterie box as the perfect accompaniment. Melbourne pizza royalty Johnny Di Francesco’s Gradi will be dishing out delicious delights with Wonder Whip keeping racegoers cool with their ice cream treats.
General Admission tickets are $30 for adults with entry to the Fareground free with your race day ticket, children under 12 are admitted free to Flemington.The new Furphy Beer Garden will be a good spot to chill and enjoy the racing action with seating in front of the Winning Post and for those wanting to secure their spot on the famous Flemington Front Lawn early, Mates Rates tables or a Picnic Pod include a reserved spot and a bucket of drinks on arrival. For an extra $40 per person, racegoers can upgrade to Mates Rates Plus and each person will also receive a $50 food and beverage credit.
There is fun galore for the kids with free family friendly entertainment all day including carnival-themed rides, face painting, pony rides, lawn games and live music. Tailored exclusively for our youngest members in the Phar Lap Club Retreat, a retro beading station, arts and crafts, ball pit, a sensory station and free popcorn are all on offer.
Named in honour of one of Australia’s greatest horses, Black Caviar Lightning Race Day on Saturday 17 February is a new inclusion into the Flemington Racing Spectacular with some of the Australasia's top-class sprinters set to showcase their speed up the Flemington straight including multiple Group 1 winning mare Imperatriz. The day also plays host to the popular Love Letter to Racing event hosted by 3AW’s Ross Stevenson with guest speakers to read their letter describing what they love most about racing. This year’s speakers include UFC athlete Jack Jenkins, crime reporter John “Sly” Sylvester, Victorian Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Guerra and Te Akau racing’s Karyn Fenton-Ellis.
A magnificent March awaits with three fantastic Group 1 race days and more than $13 million in prizemoney to be won, Howden Australian Guineas Day (Saturday 2 March), Super Saturday (Saturday 9 March) and TAB Australian Cup Day (Saturday 30 March).
The final day of the Flemington Racing Spectacular, TAB Australian Cup Day, will feature a special Easter flavour with the Fareground playing home to an Easter Fare. Many family activities will be offered including a chocolate egg hunt, petting zoo, Easter themed arts and crafts and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.
Continuing the strong ties to the local community, the VRC will be supporting two important charities throughout the period, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania and The Good Friday Appeal.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said Melburnians can look forward to a super Flemington Racing Spectacular.
“The VRC is looking forward to four action-packed race days throughout the Flemington Racing Spectacular, which all have their own unique drawcards for racegoers to enjoy,” Mr Rosich said.
“On the track fan favourites like Mr Brightside will return and some new contenders will be looking to make their mark and enter the history books. We are particularly excited for the first Group 1 race of 2024 at Flemington, the Black Caviar Lightning, and welcoming world-class sprinter Imperatriz back after her blistering performance during Melbourne Cup Week.”
“Off track there’s something for every event lover including the resort inspired Flemington Fareground, with food, wine, and lots of free entertainment.”
For more information on the Flemington Racing Spectacular or to purchase tickets visit vrc.com.au.
