Getting To Flemington
Trains depart Southern Cross Station, stopping North Melbourne through to Flemington Racecourse.
11:31 AM - 2:03 PM
Happy birthday to all Southern Hemisphere-bred horses.
2026 marks a century since the legendary Phar Lap was born at Seadown Stud in Timaru, New Zealand. A true icon of Australian culture, Phar Lap captured the imagination of a nation, winning 37 races during a remarkable career highlighted by his triumph in the 1930 Melbourne Cup.
The new racing season begins with the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m), a race that has long served as a springboard to stakes success. Past contenders include So Si Bon, I Am A Star, Temple Of Boom and The Astrologist, along with future Group 1 winners Voodoo Lad, Hey Doc, Niconero and Fields Of Omagh.
Saturday 1 August, 2026
Feature race
Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m)
Members
Kids Corner
The Kids Corner in The Atrium will be a popular destination for the little ones with various games, a reading corner, and arts and crafts.
Members
Live DJ
Head up to The Roof Garden to enjoy live entertainment post the feature race with our guest DJ who will be playing all your favourite tunes.
Members
Live Entertainment
Join fellow members after the feature race for lively sing-along in the G.H. Mumm Champagne Bar.
VRC Punters Club
Join in the fun with our expert tipsters who have been in hot form lately. Register before Race 4 for just $10 in TAB Saintly Place Sports Bar or members are able to book in The Atrium.
TAB Saintly Place Sports Bar
Visit the TAB Saintly Place Sports Bar and enjoy the casual-style atmosphere with comfy lounges, pool tables, foosball, cold beers, and food specials. In-between races, sit back and watch the footy!
Members
Phar Lap Club
Tailored exclusively for our youngest members, an exciting range of fun activities will be available all throughout Flemington Racing Spectacular. Members are invited to immerse themselves in Kids Club-style fun and entertainment. Sign up on the day or via the link below!
Prizemoney: $203,285
Open Handicap. Apprentices cannot claim.
58th of Series
Race History
AURIE’S STAR (Stardrift (GB) - Aurie Anton)
The brilliant South Australian gelding Aurie’s Star won 28 races over a decade from 1935. He won the Oakleigh Plate–Newmarket double in 1937, the1939 Oakleigh Plate and Adelaide’s 1940 Goodwood Handicap. Then, in September 1940, carrying 10st 2lb (64kg) down the Flemington straight, Aurie’s Star created a record Australasian time for six furlongs (1:08.25) that was never bettered. In 1972 with the change from imperial measures, Straight Six races were shortened by 7 metres to 1200 metres. Aurie’s Star’s record was theoretically adjusted to a Flemington “Pacesetter Record” (1:07.8) which remained unequalled until 1991.
Prizemoney: $150,000
Open Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $150,000
2YO Handicap (VOBIS Silver). Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $150,000
Benchmark 100 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $130,000
4YO & Upwards Mares Benchmark 84 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $130,000
Benchmark 78 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $130,000
Benchmark 84 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $130,000
Benchmark 84 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.
Prizemoney: $80,000
3YO & Upwards Benchmark 74 Handicap. Apprentices can claim.