The Flemington Bell: Ringing in a new era

For over a century, bells have marked the pace of race day at Flemington. In colonial times, a large iron bell sounded five minutes before each race and again as the field jumped. Later, when the betting ring was in the Elms, it signalled punters to clear the track before the horses thundered past.

The bell, originally housed in the Old Judge’s Box opposite the winning post, is believed to have been installed around 1870. When the Hill Stand was completed in 1976, the Judge’s Box was relocated to the roof. However, due to its loud noise and enormous weight, the bell did not move with it.

That same bell, affectionately known as the gong, is now preserved near the Phar Lap statue, serving as a reminder of Flemington’s heritage.

This spring, the sound of the bell returns. The VRC is introducing a new on-course bell that will be rung as the horses approach the straight. Its purpose is straightforward but significant: to alert spectators that the end of the race is near, drawing everyone’s attention to those final strides when champions are crowned.

The initiative links today’s racegoers with Flemington’s past. Just as the old bell once guided crowds and signalled the start of a race, the new bell will heighten anticipation for the grand finale, adding to racing’s unique theatre.

Installed on the first level of the clocktower, above the Lexus sign, the bell will be rung manually as the field straightens. Its presence is both practical and symbolic: a reminder that Flemington’s rituals endure even as racing evolves.

The Flemington Bell

Positioned above the Lexus sign on Flemington’s iconic clocktower, the bell will sound as the field nears the 500‑metre mark, signalling that the horses’ approaching the concluding stages of the race.