As part of the special event, Australia's most successful big-race rider Damien Oliver, The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile ambassador Erin Holland and Ciaron Maher Racing Bloodstock Manager Will Bourne took to the skies in a hot air balloon above Melbourne before landing at Flemington, which will host the $5 million feature race on Saturday 19 March for the second time following the inaugural running in 2019.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich and Racing Victoria EGM Racing Greg Carpenter were also on hand for the celebrations.
A total of 78 horses are vying for 10 spots determined by a public vote, with five wildcards also selected amongst the 15 runners who will make up the final field.
Among those in the public ballot are Lexus Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant, Penfolds Victoria Derby winner Hitotsu and TAB Empire Rose Stakes victor Colette, as well as exciting Melbourne Cup Carnival winners Espiona and Zaaki.
The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile features nominations from some of Australia’s biggest stables but also some boutique stables like South Australia's Travis Doudle, should his horse Not Usual Glorious gain enough votes.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich welcomed the return of The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile to its initial home at Flemington on Saturday 19 March.
"In just three years, The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile has become one of the most highly anticipated races on the Australian calendar," Mr Rosich said.
"It is a fitting finale to Flemington's Autumn Racing Spectacular, which will also feature the Australian Guineas, the TAB Australian Cup and the Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap.
"The last time The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile was at Flemington we had a fairytale result with Tasmanian wonder filly Mystic Journey - purchased for just $11,000 - defeating one of the most popular horses in recent memory in Hartnell.
"That is the essence of The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile and I can't wait to see who will gain the most votes over the next three weeks."
Australian and New Zealand residents have until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, 13 February, to submit their Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile votes, with the top 10 in polling to be unveiled by Racing Victoria (RV) on or before Saturday, 19 February.
The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile will be held at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday 19 March. For more information visit www.vrc.com.au or www.allstarmile.com.au.
