The day also signals the start of this year's Pin & Win program, raising funds for the VRC’s charity partner Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria and Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS).
Racegoers will have the opportunity to purchase their miniature 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup pin as part of the annual community initiative with pins starting $10 and each purchase offering the chance to win more than $188,000 in prizes including a brand-new Lexus.
On the track, Ciaron Maher’s grey stayer Berkshire Breeze will be looking to secure his fourth straight win and take another step on the road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup when he lines up in Race 2, the Inside Run Trophy (2530m) on Saturday, before he heads to the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Makybe Diva Stakes Day, Saturday 14 September where he will be aiming to secure a golden ticket into the Cup.
The Aurie’s Star Handicap features an impressive honour roll including Group 1 winners Fields of Omagh, Hey Doc and Temple of Boom. Those to watch this year include 2023 winner It’sourtime, 2021 winner The Astrologist, Queensland visitor Zarastro, and Right To Party who is looking to assemble three Flemington wins in a row.
VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said the club was looking forward to hosting the first metropolitan meeting of the new racing season at Flemington on Saturday.
“This race day is one of the highlights of the winter months and serves as a great preview as we continue to build towards this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Mr Wilson said.
“Berkshire Breeze is looking like a genuine Lexus Melbourne Cup contender, and it will be an opportunity for everyone at Flemington to be able to witness his progression on Saturday.
“It is also the start of the 2024 Pin & Win campaign, with volunteers on course to provide all racegoers with this year’s first opportunity to purchase their Lexus Melbourne Cup and horseshoe diamante pins, raising important funds for our charity partner Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria and Tasmania.
“We look forward to welcoming VRC members and racegoers back to Flemington on Saturday for the start of the 2024-25 racing season.”
Living Legends Fawkner and Gailo Chop will be trackside with racegoers able to visit the legends in the horse stalls and watch them parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
Gates open at 11:30am with race 1 at 12:20pm. General Admission tickets are $20 per person with children under 12 admitted free.
For more ticketing information, visit vrc.net.au.
