Hurry Curry and Stylish Secret race into Melbourne Cup Carnival contention

The race meeting, which this year attracted more than 4,100 racegoers, has proved to be a popular pathway for horses on their way to Melbourne Cup Carnival glory. It could be a winning one for Stylish Secret, the winner of the Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) for jockey Luke Nolen and Mornington trainer Mick Nolan, who notched his first Flemington win with the victory.

In the Crown Oaks Preview (1800), Hurry Curry was an impressive winner for Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien and jockey Jye McNeil.

Before the race day more than 500 people enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit of the world-class Flemington stables as part of the Flemington Stable Tour. Some of Australia’s leading trainers including Gai Waterhouse AO, Danny O’Brien and Godolphin opened their doors to the public with people able to interact with horses and pose for photographs with the 1965 Melbourne Cup.

Four-time Group 1 winner and Godolphin Lifetime Care Program flagbearer, Hartnell was a popular attraction among attendees. Since retiring from racing in 2019, Hartnell has found a new career as a show horse with prominent Victorian equestrian Sheralee Patterson.

VRC Ambassador and Olympian Amanda Ross attended the Flemington Stables Tour and said it was a fantastic experience.

“The Open Day is amazing. The public get to see there’s an enormous amount of attention to detail that goes on with these horses and their care,” Ms Ross said.

“The horses are very calm and content, and really enjoyed having that connection with people, which shows just how well-handled they are.”

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the race day marked an important step in the lead up to the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

“It was great to see more than 500 people sign up for the second annual Flemington Open Day to enjoy a morning at the Flemington stables alongside the stars of our sport, the horses and stable staff,” Ms Rogers said.

“We are only 41 days away from the beginning of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and today’s race day helps build the excitement of what to expect across the carnival with Hurry Curry and Stylish Secret impressive winners in their respective races.”

Jockey Michael Dee was sent for scans following a fall in Race 2 and the VRC sends him its best wishes for a speedy recovery. The VRC has shared its condolences for the connections of his mount Greta Moon, who was given immediate expert veterinary care by Racing Victoria vets following the fall but was sadly euthanised on humane grounds due to the nature and extent of her injury.

The next race day at Flemington will be TAB Turnbull Stakes Day on Saturday 5 October.