Two Listed races headline the program with the Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) and Bagot Handicap (2800m) attracting quality fields.
The VRC’s new ‘Party After the Last’ series will keep the action going after the final race, with the Stafford Brothers on stage from 3:30pm on the Front Lawn Beer Garden.
Racegoers can enjoy the day under sunny skies on the Parade lawn with kids’ activities such as face painting and pony rides, or keep cool in one of Flemington’s comfortable dining venues.
Members and guests can take up a seat inside the Club Stand with options including The Byerley, the Dining Room and Straight Six while both members and non-members can indulge in a seven-course degustation menu in The Terrace.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said VRC New Year’s Day Race Day was a favourite on the Flemington calendar.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the start of the New Year than at Flemington,” Mr Rosich said.
“The time-honoured Bagot Handicap is the feature staying race of the summer that last season announced Tralee Rose as a genuine Lexus Melbourne Cup contender and this season we’re looking forward to seeing Tigertiger, a horse who has never finished worse than third in his nine Australian starts.
“The Listed Chester Manifold Stakes will be run for the first time on New Year’s Day and it’s attracted a strong field including Lighthouse who is undefeated in Australia.
“We invite anyone in Melbourne on New Year’s Day to take up a table on the front lawn or pre-book a seat in one of Flemington’s indoor venues to enjoy the day with family and friends.”
The VRC will also have a close eye on the Victorian jockey premiership standings with metropolitan and country teams for Resimax Group Rapid Racing to be determined by the top seven on each premiership table at the end of New Year’s Day race meetings across the state.
Resimax Group Rapid Racing will be held on Friday 21 January at Flemington.
A digital race book for VRC New Year’s Day Race Day will be available at vrc.com.au and 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 9:35am with the first race at 10:35am.
Race times have been brought forward due to forecasted warm weather.
