Now in its third year, Resimax Group Rapid Racing features a short, punchy program with all races run on the famous Flemington straight course over distances ranging from 1000m to 1200m with 30 minute gaps between races.
The race card is highlighted by the Jockeys Challenge, a competition that will see the top fourteen riders in Victoria do battle over seven sprint races.
Each team is made up of the top seven jockeys on the Victorian country and metropolitan leader boards. Riders were determined by the premiership standings at the end of Monday 3 January.
Current Victorian premiership leader Jye McNeil headlines the metropolitan team alongside champion jockey Brett Prebble plus multiple Group 1 winners Damian Lane, Jamie Kah, Michael Dee and leading apprentices Matthew Cartwright and Josh Richards.
The country team stars 33-time Group 1 winning rider Craig Newitt plus Patrick Moloney and fellow riders Will Gordon, Declan Bates, Jarrod Fry, Damien Thornton and Dean Holland.
The last two years has seen a tight finish to the Jockeys Challenge with the metropolitan team taking home the honours in 2020 and 2021. This year the winning team will be awarded an annual membership to Eynesbury Golf Club and two nights’ accommodation at Melbourne’s Adelphi Hotel.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Club was looking forward to hosting Resimax Group Rapid Racing once again.
“Rapid Racing is an exciting concept introduced by the VRC two years ago that has created a fun, fast and fresh atmosphere for jockeys and racegoers,” Mr Rosich said.
“The unique element of the day is the Jockeys Challenge, which will see some friendly rivalry between Victoria’s best riders and their team coaches, who will be announced prior to the race day.
“The on course offering is also appealing with a later start and a focus on quick and convenient service so our guests can follow the entertainment on the track and then again off the track after the last race.”
A special Happy Hour will run from an hour after gates open with half-price drinks by the glass in all retail venues.
Tickets are now on sale at vrc.com.au with options including The Byerley and The Dining Room for members, or the Front Lawn Beer Garden for all racegoers, with ice-cold drinks and food trucks to satisfy a range of tastes.
Throughout the day, the west end of the front lawn will play host to an array of free activities for families with lawn games and face painting.
There will be extended hours after the last for those who want to settle in and kick on into the evening. Racegoers can stay for the VRC’s ‘Party After the Last’ with John Course headlining the DJ set on the Front Lawn Beer Garden.
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 using our official hashtag #Flemington on social media and via Racing.com and RSN.
