Flemington to celebrate the New Year

One of the most important staying races on the Flemington racing calendar, the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) was first run in 1884 and this year's edition will see a quality field of stayers line up in the feature.

Reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman will be looking to start the year on a winning note with Glentaneous headlining the race. Damian Lane will ride the former international and has a strong book of rides across the day.

The Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m), named in honour of the former VRC Chairman, has also boosted the strength of the race meeting with a strong number of middle-distance horses assembling, including last start Flemington winner Pascero for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

Another interesting race on the program is the Henry Byron Moore Handicap (1600m), where horses will be trying to win their first metropolitan race. Henry Byron Moore and Robert Cooper Bagot were the first two secretaries of the VRC and both instrumental in the establishment of Flemington racecourse and surrounding gardens.

Off the track, there will be entertainment to bring in the New Year including live music in The Club Stand, the Piano Man in the G.H. Mumm Champagne Bar and a DJ on The Roof Garden.

The Flemington Family Lawn will be transformed into the perfect summer playground with lawn games, crafts, kids' activities. Mr Whippy van will also be keeping the crowd cool selling ice creams and treats.

For those racegoers wanting to start the year with a winner, the VRC Punters Club will be open in Saintly Place Sports Bar for everyone to enjoy for just $10 per ticket. A guest tipster will be on-site to provide exclusive insights and selections for the racing program.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Club was looking forward to the annual New Year’s Day race meeting.

“The New Year’s Day Race Day is always a popular date on the calendar for VRC Members and their guests. The wide spaces of Flemington are the perfect spot to celebrate the first day of the New Year, to relax and watch high-quality racing,” Mr Rosich said.

“The VRC are looking ahead to a big year of racing and can’t wait to kick off 2024 with New Year’s Day Race Day.”

Popular Living Legend Behemoth will be on-course with multiple Hong Kong Group 1 winner Beauty Only. The legends will parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4 with racegoers able to visit them in the race day stalls throughout the day.

Gates open at 12:00pm ahead of the eight-race program starting at 1:10pm. General Admission tickets are $20 per person with children under 12 admitted free to Flemington. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.

Summer racing at Flemington continues in January 2024 including VRC Standish Handicap Race Day on Saturday 13 January and VRC Summer Fun Race Day on Saturday 20 January.

New Year’s Day Race Day Program