Sprinting into 150 years of history at Flemington

The Group 1 $1.5 million Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap (1200m) promises to capture the attention of racegoers with some of the best sprinters in the country set to compete in the 150^th running of the race.

Defending champion Roch ‘N’ Horse will hope to join the honour roll and become just the sixth horse in the race’s history to win the feature in consecutive years. Previous winners that have won back-to-back include Redkirk Warrior (2017 & 2018), Razor Sharp (1982 & 1983), Correct (1960 & 1961), Gothic (1927 & 1928) and Aspen (1880 & 1881).

The reigning champion will face fierce competition in the form of Peter Moody trained I Wish I Win and Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner In Secret, who returns to Flemington with leading jockey Jamie Kah booked to ride.

Other highlights on the racing card include the $300,000 Group 2 TAB Kewney Stakes (1600m) for three-year-old fillies and the $300,000 Group 2 MSS Security Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) for two-year-olds.

The race day will also see the debut of the $200,000 TAB Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) which will be a strong preview for the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup on Saturday 25 March.

The Fareground

Off the track, racegoers can spend the day in the Flemington Fareground, with a huge offering of delectable food, wine and live entertainment. A host of family friendly activities will also be available within the Fareground including the Wild Action Zoo, a special seed planting activation and an assortment of lawn games and carnival rides.  JJ from Cocomelon will also be doing a meet and greet with fans at 1:15pm on the Flemington Fareground stage.

For those looking to continue the celebrations, DJ John Course will keep the party going after the last race, spinning tunes for the ‘Front Lawn Party Hour’.

The Community

Super Saturday will also see the VRC team up 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 CEO Steve Rosich said the Club was looking forward to Super Saturday.

“Super Saturday is shaping up to be a sensational day of racing with one of the highest rated fields assembled for the 150^th running of the Group 1 Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap,” Mr Rosich said.

“The Flemington Fareground proved to be very popular for racegoers of all ages on Australian Guineas Day and Super Saturday is the perfect chance for families and racegoers to get trackside and enjoy the entertainment.”

The Details

Gates open at 11:05am with Race 1 at 12:35pm and the last race at 5:40pm.

Two-time Newmarket Handicap winner Redkirk Warrior will be on-course to meet racegoers alongside fellow Living Legend Almandin 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 Super Saturday.

The Flemington Racing Spectacular will conclude in fantastic style on the new TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 25 March with the running of the Group 1 $3 million TAB Australian Cup and the $500,000 Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) with the first golden ticket into the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup up for grabs.