Flemington set for a spectacular finale on TAB Australian Cup Day

The newly created Flemington race meeting will cap off a sensational month of entertainment at Headquarters and will be headlined by the $3 million Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m).

The TAB Australian Cup boasts an honour roll of some of the champions of the turf including Makybe Diva, Saintly and Fiorente, with a full field of 16 horses looking to etch their name in the history books.

Reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will saddle up three chances in the race including Steinem and Right You Are, both winners of key TAB Australian Cup lead up races.

They've got a Golden Ticket

The day will also feature the running of The Lexus Roy Higgins, which will offer the first Golden Ticket into the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup with ten contenders set to battle it out for a guaranteed spot in the world’s richest handicap race on the first Tuesday in November.

The winning owners will be presented with a special miniature Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy handmade by W J Sanders. The trophy is a quarter of the size of the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy and will be a keepsake for owners for winning the first golden ticket of the year.

Another highlight on the card is the $500,000 Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m) with an elite bunch of three-year-olds set to compete.

Off the track

The Flemington Fareground will finish in fantastic fashion with delicious food, beverages and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

The Flemington Front Lawn will be buzzing with activity with merchandise giveaways and competitions in the TAB Dome. The ‘Front Lawn Party Hour’ is set to finish with a bang with DJ Paris Lawrence on-course to keep the party going for racegoers after the last race.

For the families, the Fareground Stage will transform into a Sesame Street fan’s dream with a special performance from Elmo and Cookie Monster from 1.15pm. This Saturday will also be the last chance for racegoers to get up close and personal with the team from the Wild Action Zoo, who will bring a selection of furry, scaly and cuddly friends.

The Good Friday Appeal

The VRC will continue their partnership with the Good Friday Appeal to raise much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.  Racegoers will be encouraged to contribute on the day with volunteers out in force rattling tins and selling raffle tickets for a dedicated race day raffle generously supported by the VRC’s partners. All proceeds raised will help contribute to the Good Friday Appeal’s 2023 fundraising campaign.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said it has been a big month for the club with TAB Australian Cup Day a fitting finish.

“Close to 30,000 spectators have experienced what Flemington has to offer over the past two race days and we are looking forward to celebrating the finale of the Flemington Racing Spectacular on TAB Australian Cup Day,” Mr Rosich said.

“The race day will become a staple on the Australian racing calendar and the first golden ticket on offer for the year in the Lexus Roy Higgins makes for an exciting journey toward the first Tuesday in November.”

Gates open at 10:55am with Race 1 at 12:25pm and the last race at 5:40pm.

Two-time TAB Australian Cup winner Harlem will be on-course to meet racegoers alongside fellow Living Legend Gailo Chop in the race day stalls. They will parade in the Mounting Yard between races 2 and 4.

General Admission tickets are $25 per person with children under 12 admitted free. Find out more information on ticketing for TAB Australian Cup Day.