Key participants took to the stage to provide insight into their racing preparation, including one of Australia’s most successful trainers and VRC ambassador Gai Waterhouse AO as well as Group 1 winning jockey and good friend of the Good Friday Appeal (GFA) Harry Coffey. In addition to discussing his upcoming rides at Flemington, Harry also spoke about the important charity partnership between the VRC and the GFA across the Flemington Racing Spectacular. He was joined by Elly Wicks who represented this year’s Pin & Win charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS).
To celebrate Penfolds 180th anniversary Penfolds Australia Ambassador Henry Schreier spoke to the carefully curated wine list that over 300 guests indulged in along with a seasonal four-course menu prepared by Crown Executive Chef at VRC Josh Pelham, to showcase what racegoers can enjoy in many venues at Flemington this season.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson also provided an overview of this year’s Flemington Racing Spectacular and what racegoers can look forward to.
“Today we launched the Flemington Racing Spectacular, with four days of Group 1 racing starting this week with Black Caviar Lightning Race Day and then into Howden Australian Guineas Day, Super Saturday, featuring the Yulong Newmarket Handicap, and concluding with TAB Australian Cup Day on the last Saturday of March,” Mr Wilson said.
“We are enjoying the company today of racing people, sponsors, charity organisations and our many members and that’s fantastic that they are all here with us.”
“On TAB Australian Cup Day we also have of course the Lexus Roy Higgins which is the first of the golden ticket races, can you believe it that we are talking about golden tickets into the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.”
Group 1 winners over autumn and now Living Legends residents Apache Cat and Harlem were also on hand as part of the festivities along with all four Group 1 trophies also on display.
Other VIP guests in attendance included VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich, 7NEWS sport presenter and host Abbey Gelmi, Australian high jumper Amy Pejkovic, 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field host and TV personality Brihony Dawson, social media personality Tayla Damir, 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador and model Demi Brereton, 2023 Fashions on the Field judge and fashionista Crystal Kimber-Peters, model and social media personality Mia Fevola, social media personality Eleanor Baillieu and Olympian and VRC Ambassador Amanda Ross.
