Stars align at Flemington for TAB Turnbull Stakes Day

Headlining the program is the Group 1 $750,000 TAB Turnbull Stakes (2000m), where spring’s biggest names will face off. Favourites for Melbourne's three majors - the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Lexus Melbourne Cup – will battle for supremacy in this star-studded clash.

The country’s best racehorse, Via Sistina, lines up with champion jockey James McDonald aboard as she looks to defend her Turnbull Stakes title. She will face stiff competition from the likes of Sir Delius, Aeliana and Antino.

Chris Waller will saddle up four runners in this year’s TAB Turnbull Stakes as he aims to become the most successful trainer in the race’s 78-year history. With six victories in the past 10 years, Waller is looking to surpass Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman’s record.

Another highlight on the card is the Group 3 $350,000 The Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) which offers a coveted Golden Ticket into the Group 1 $10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m). The undercard features the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m), Group 2 TAB Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m), and Group 2 Kirin Ichiban Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m).

The excitement continues off the track, with quality entertainment, kids’ activities and tasty food options including the popular Dipped & Co who will be serving up fresh strawberries with melted chocolate.

The VRC at Flemington is all about fashion, with Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus returning to the Front Lawn. VRC Members can enjoy complimentary 10-minute hair and makeup touch-ups at the Pamper Lounge in the Atrium. To complete the experience, live fashion illustrations will capture your look, providing a special memento to take home.

Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is one of Flemington’s most popular race days.

“TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is known as “moving day” because that’s when we see the best horses at Flemington as they prepare for spring's biggest richest races,” Ms Rogers said.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is just around the corner, and the dream will be alive for one lucky horse and their team, with a golden ticket on offer in the Lexus Bart Cummings.”

“With brilliant weather forecast and so much on offer, TAB Turnbull Stakes Day delivers the full Flemington experience.”

Racegoers can support the VRC’s Pin & Win charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities VIC & TAS by purchasing a 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup lapel pin on-course for $10 or $15 for the horseshoe diamante version. All purchasers will go into the draw to win a share in over $214,000 of prizes including a brand-new Lexus.

Flemington gates open at 11:00am, with Race 1 at 12:25pm. General Admission tickets are $30 per person, with free entry for children under 12. For tickets and further information, visit vrc.com.au

Due to the Melbourne Royal Show, we are expecting traffic congestion around Flemington Racecourse and surrounding arterials, including Racecourse Rd, Ascot Vale Rd, Epsom Rd and Langs Rd.

It is recommended to access Flemington Racecourse via train on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, with Metro advising extra arrivals and departures will operate throughout the day. For details on train times, please visit the PTV website.

If driving to Flemington, please allow extra travel time and access the racecourse via Flemington Drive and Members Drive. Please note, due to altered traffic controls there is no right-hand turn into Flemington Drive or Members Drive from Epsom Road.