Inside Headquarters 2025

Inside Headquarters is your exclusive access behind-the-scenes to Flemington and the world of thoroughbred racing. Curated for passionate racing enthusiasts, this features in-depth articles, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert commentary from the leading trainers, jockeys, and industry insiders.

From the track to the training yards, we bring you closer to the people, places and moments that define Flemington and beyond.

Dive into a world where tradition meets innovation - and discover what makes Flemington exceptional.

EVENT

Inside Headquarters Live

VRC Members were treated to an engaging evening at Flemington on Wednesday night for the first Inside Headquarters event of the 2025-2026 racing season. Recap the evening by clicking play above for the evening highlights.

Melbourne Cup Carnival

2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival Reimagined!

This year, the Melbourne Cup Carnival has been reimagined to bring fashion, food and entertainment even closer to the trackside action. TICKETS available now!

FEATURE

Matt Hill: Calling the shots

With a voice that’s become part of the soundtrack of both Flemington and the footy, Matt Hill seamlessly bridges two of Australia’s great sporting passions. In this exclusive, he opens up about his dual life behind the microphone, from solo race calls to sharing the commentary box on AFL game days.

RACING

Robbie Dolan’s ride of a lifetime

Irish jockey Robbie Dolan defied the odds to win the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup aboard longshot Knight’s Choice, creating one of the race’s most heartwarming underdog stories.

GOLDEN TICKET

The Brownes’ big leap turns golden

For Emma-Lee and David Browne, this spring represents the culmination of years of hard work, patience, and belief – as their much-loved homebred mare Basilinna takes a giant leap onto racing’s biggest stage, booked for a start in the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

PROFILE

Craig Williams: A legacy in motion

Craig Williams has spent more than 30 years at the top of Australian racing – a champion jockey whose skill, humility, and generosity have made him one of the sport’s most admired figures. From his Melbourne Cup triumph on Vow And Declare to his partnership with Mr Brightside, his legacy is built on talent, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport.

PROFILE

Celebrating Bart Cummings

A decade since the passing of Bart Cummings, the Melbourne Cup still bears his unmistakable imprint. His statue at Flemington is more than a tribute – it’s a reminder that no one shaped Cup history quite like him.

Fashions

Celebrating Lillian Frank AM MBE

Now in its third year, the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award is a highlight of Fashions on the Field at Flemington — a top honour celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of Australia’s leading headwear designers.

FASHIONS

Spring style starts here

As assistant stylist to Suzy Eskander, Sheridan Paine spends her days helping dress people for television and the track. She’s also no stranger to the racing scene herself – with a family background in the sport and married to jockey Regan Bayliss, she’s a regular at Flemington and well-versed in race day style.

Jaylah Kennedy: Finding her own form

From mucking out stables as a teen to winning the Ballarat Cup, apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy is fast becoming a name to watch. At just 24, her resilience, discipline and deep connection with horses are driving a rising career defined by passion, precision – and a love for the long game.

Buffalo River: Back in familiar hands

Life after racing means slowing down, learning something new, and settling into a new routine – ideally with familiar faces and a permanent home. Buffalo River is beginning that next chapter under the care of his regular race-day jockey, Celine Gaudray.

A portrait of style

Between the thrill of the races and the clink of champagne glasses at Flemington, a swift sketch transforms into a timeless memento – a tribute to personal style, a handcrafted treasure, and a lasting echo of the day's elegance.

History in plain sight at Flemington

We all have our own favourite vantage points and meeting places at Flemington. Let’s venture out of our comfort zone, and explore parts of this historic precinct that might surprise us.

Upcoming events

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