Flemington will host crowds under sunny skies with tickets and dining for members and general admission racegoers available at vrc.com.au, with options ranging from fine dining in The Byerley to a more relaxed environment in The Lounge, located right in front of the winning post.
VRC Legends Race Day will feature the $200,000 Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m), moved from its traditional January home, as the opening leg of the new Summer Sprint Series.
Melbourne Cup Carnival winner Halvorsen headlines a strong field of sprinters that also includes Flemington specialist Prezado.
The Greg Miles Trophy (1100m) for the two-year-olds will kick off the race program, with recent victors including eventual stakes winners Profiteer and Yes Yes Yes.
The undercard also features former American-trained mare Lighthouse in the Des Gleeson Handicap (1400m) as she looks to make it three wins from as many starts in Australia.
Off the track, there will be toasts aplenty for Flemington legends across all aspects of the industry.
Lexus Melbourne Cup winners Brew and Efficient will return to Headquarters as part of the VRC’s partnership with Living Legends.
Brew and Efficient will be honoured with a race name each, as will another star of the Flemington turf in Mahogany.
The Byerley will host some famous faces synonymous with Flemington including AFL premiership-winning coach turned Group 1-winning trainer Denis Pagan, the voice of Flemington for four decades Greg Miles and passionate racehorse owner Colin Madden, part-owner of Australia’s undefeated champion Black Caviar. They will share their favourite racing memories with guests in between races.
On screens across course there will be interviews with Flemington stars like thoroughbred retrainer Fiona McIntyre (2:40pm), Living Legends CEO Dr Andrew Clarke (4:00pm) and former chief steward Des Gleeson (5:20pm).
Attendees can learn about Flemington’s rich history, which dates back to 1848, with guided tours in between races of areas such as the Carbine Stall and Makybe Diva statue. Members can also visit The Club Stand Lobby and The Atrium to view a special photographic tribute to some of the finest to grace Flemington’s famous turf, both equine and human.
The Flemington Family Lawn in The Elms is the place for young and old to enjoy VRC Legends Race Day, with face painting, pony rides and lawn games for kids amidst all of the racing action.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said that VRC Legends Race Day is a chance to recognise those who are indelibly linked with the club.
“It is fitting that on VRC Legends Race Day we pay tribute to those who have made Flemington one of the world’s greatest racetracks,” Mr Rosich said.
“It’s not just the big races and the stars, though. It’s also about those who dedicate their lives to the racing industry, in whatever capacity, those people that have been a part of Flemington’s rich tapestry for decades. We want to recognise those people on Saturday.
“It’s also great to be able to welcome VRC members and racegoers back to Flemington in a more traditional format, with freedom to move across our wonderful course and experience the best of summer racing.”
A digital race book 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 and share their experiences at the track or from home using our official hashtag #Flemington on social media.
Gates open at 11:35am with Race 1 at 12:35pm.
VRC Legends Race Day – Race Program
| Race |
Name |
Race 1
|
Greg Miles Trophy (1100 METRES) |
| Race 2 |
Brew Living Legends Handicap (1600 METRES) |
| Race 3 |
Fiona McIntyre Sprint (1100 METRES) |
| Race 4 |
Vale Mahogany Handicap (2530 METRES) |
| Race 5 |
Efficient Living Legends Plate (1400 METRES) |
| Race 6 |
Des Gleeson Handicap (1400 METRES) |
| Race 7 |
Listed Kensington Stakes (1000 METRES) |
| Race 8 |
Gary Fennessy Handicap (1800 METRES) |
| Race 9 |
Darren Gauci Trophy (1200 METRES) |
Image: Efficient will be honoured on VRC Legends Race Day (Credit: Racing Photos)
