The $250,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) is the highlight on the nine-race card, having been moved from its traditional position on New Year’s Day. It is the third leg of the $1 million Summer Sprint Series, following the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on December 11 and the Listed Christmas Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on December 26.
Kensington Stakes winner Mileva is among 12 runners in Saturday’s feature, along with 2020 Standish Handicap victor Halvorsen and the returning The Astrologist and Turaath – both Group winners at Flemington during the spring.
The winner of the Standish Handicap gains an automatic start in Australia’s most historic sprint, the $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) held on Super Saturday at Flemington on Saturday 12 March.
The Flemington Family Lawn will be the perfect spot for families to enjoy the day, with an abundance of free kids’ activities including face painting and pony rides on offer.
Those on track within the first hour of gates opening at 11:35AM on VRC Summer Fun Race Day will also be able to enjoy “Happy Hour”, with half price drinks by the glass from all retail venues across course.
Members and guests can take up a reserved seat inside with options including the Dining Room, The Peak and Straight Six. Both members and non-members can indulge in a seven-course degustation menu in The Terrace or spend the day in the Front Lawn Beer Garden enjoying stunning winning post views. Bookings are still available for all reserved seat venues via Ticketek.
Racegoers keen to keep the celebrations going after the last race can delight in the VRC’s new ‘Party After the Last’ series, with dance music royalty The Aston Shuffle on stage from 5:45PM. The talented DJ recently wrapped up a 10 year residency on Triple J as host of the legendary Friday Night Shuffle and will be sure to keep the party going.
Racegoers will have the opportunity to meet Living Legends California Memory and 2020 Lexus Melbourne Cup champion Twilight Payment as they parade around the Mounting Yard throughout the day. This will be Twilight Payment’s first appearance at Flemington since his move to Living Legends in November.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said VRC Summer Fun Race Day was the perfect way to spend a summer’s day.
“There’s no better place to spend a summer Saturday in Melbourne than on track at Flemington Racecourse,” Mr Rosich said.
“Whether you are a racing enthusiast, a family looking to enjoy a day out or a group of friends wanting to enjoy the summer sunshine, VRC Summer Fun Race Day has something for everyone.
“The Standish Handicap has long been the pinnacle of summer sprints and, as the third leg of the Summer Sprint Series this year, it has attracted a field worthy of the title. With a spot in the Newmarket Handicap up for grabs, it is the perfect lead-in to what will be another terrific Flemington Racing Spectacular in autumn.”
Gates open at 11:35am with Race 1 at 12:33pm and the last race at 5:35pm.
A digital race book for VRC Summer Fun Race Day 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, RSN and Sky Racing.
| Race |
Name |
| Race 1 |
Resimax Group Rapid Racing, Friday 21 January (1100m) |
| Race 2 |
Furphy Refreshing Ale Trophy (1410m) |
| Race 3 |
California Memory Living Legends Plate (1720m) |
| Race 4 |
Twilight Payment Living Legends Plate (2000m) |
| Race 5 |
Be A Mate, Nominate Trophy (1410m) |
| Race 6 |
VRC Event Staff Handicap (1410m) |
| Race 7 |
Standish Handicap (1200m) |
| Race 8 |
The Stud and Stable Staff Awards (2000m) |
| Race 9 |
Resimax Group Jockeys Challenge, Friday 21 January (1610m) |
The VRC’s final race day in January will be Resimax Group Rapid Racing on Friday 21 January. Now in its third year, Resimax Group Rapid Racing features a short, punchy program with all races run on the famous Flemington straight over distances ranging from 1000m to 1200m with 30 minute gaps between races.
