For Rebecca Cassar, VRC Racing Stakeholder Executive, it’s about keeping racing’s stars — the horses — in peak condition. “Horses are like any other high-performing athlete — recovery is critically important,” she explains as a team leads thoroughbreds into the water.
“The salt water acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, but it also soothes their minds. It’s part of their wellbeing and our daily rhythm.”
Back on course, Mick Ryan, long-serving Keeper of the Roses, is focused on ensuring Flemington is picture-perfect. “It takes a team of 20 to keep Flemington at its best,” he says. “After 35 years here, I can honestly say this is the best team we’ve had.
The roses are looking magnificent — and yes, they’ll be ready for Howden Victoria Derby Day.”
As the finishing touches are made across 18 hectares of lawns, 3 kilometres of hedging and 17,000 roses, VRC CEO Kylie Rogers says the excitement is building.
“Springtime in Melbourne means racing, fashion, entertainment — and community."
“Every person who walks through our gates contributes to the energy of Cup Week. We can’t wait to welcome them back,” says Rogers.
With world-class racing, style, and spectacle on the horizon, Flemington is ready for Cup Week.
