With the Lexus Melbourne Cup celebrating its 100 year anniversary of their iconic trophy, and the prize money up at a record $8 million, it’s set to be a big year for the Victoria Racing Club. With plenty of events and highlights to come, here’s a Spring guide to make sure you don’t miss a single thing.
It’s often as much about the fashion as it is about the races and it’s also a fun day for the family with outdoor games, arts and crafts, and face painting.
There will also be trial races involving future stars from AAMI Victoria Derby and Kennedy Oaks.
TAB Turnbull Stakes Day
| When | Saturday 5th of October, 2019 |
| Where | Flemington Racecourse |
| Time | Gates open at 11:05 am. First race at 12:35 pm. Last race at 5:45 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Adults ($25), Students ($20), Pensioners ($12), Children under 16 (free) |
This event serves as a sort of preview to the Melbourne Cup with races from the $500,000 Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, and the $500,000 Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings.
It’s a relaxing day that can be enjoyed outside under the shade of the umbrellas, the acoustic tunes, and Lawn Bar or inside at the lounge inside Saintly Place West where you can play billiards, foosball, and enjoy craft beers.
AAMI Victoria Derby Day
| When | Saturday 2nd of November |
| Where | Flemington Racecourse |
| Time | Gates open at 8:30 am. First race at 11:45 am. Last race at 5:15 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Adults ($83), Students ($67), Pensioners ($45), Children under 16 (free) |
One of the highlights of the Spring lineup, the AAMI Victoria Derby Day is widely regarded as one of the more esteemed racing days in Australasia.
The day features nine Group races, four of which are part of the elite Group 1 worth $1 million or upwards.
The event is very much a classic not only in terms of races, but the etiquette. Women will embrace the classic black and white theme, while the men sport the glamorous greys, reminiscent of an era of allure and sophistication.
Lexus Melbourne Cup
| When | Tuesday 5th of November, 2019 |
| Where | Flemington Racecourse |
| Time | Gates open at 8:30 am. First race at 11:00 am. Last race at 5:15 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Adults ($89), Students ($72), Pensioners ($47), Children under 16 (free) |
The headline, the main event, the poster boy event – whatever you want to call it – it’s the biggest racing event in Australia worth a gargantuan $8 million, full of not only racing, but food, fashion, and entertainment.
As part of this year’s pre-Cup entertainment show, ten-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Taylor Swift will perform two of her hits in the Mounting Yard. The national anthem will be sung by Australia chart-topper, Anthony Callea.
On top of that, the Park entertainment will feature the likes of Birds of Tokyo and Owl Eyes.
Cup Day Festival
| When | Tuesday 5th of November, 2019 |
| Where | Barangaroo, Sydney |
| Time | 12pm-9pm |
| Entry Fee | Free |
If you can’t attend, you can experience it live at the festival in Barangaroo, with a beautiful view on the waterfront.
Kennedy Oaks Day
| When | Thursday 7th of November |
| Where | Flemington Racecourse |
| Time | Gates open at 11:00 am. First race at 1:50 pm. Last race at 6:25 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Adults ($60), Students ($52), Pensioners ($31), Children under 16 (free) |
A day to mix the classic and the contemporary when it comes to food, fashion and racing.
There’s competition on and off the track with the Group 1 Kennedy Oaks – valued at $1 million in prize money – at 5:50 pm, but also the Myer Fashions competition, emerging designer and millinery awards and the Women’s Racewear national winner.
It should be a fun day full of glamour and excitement in a relaxed ambiance.
Seppelt Wines Stakes Day
| When | Saturday 9th of November, 2019 |
| Where | Flemington Racecourse |
| Time | Gates open at 10:15 am. First race at 12:15 pm. Last race at 5:45 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Adults ($64), Students ($56), Pensioners ($32), Family (2 adults + 2 children) ($128), Children under 16 (free) |
The highlight of the day being the $2 million Group 1 Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes. The races are accompanied by a variety of free activities and live entertainment for attendees of all ages, including a Junior Member Nursery Hangout for the younger members, and Chill Ville for the slightly older members. Also in attendance will be Victoria’s own Kian and Aussie DJ Young Franco.
Whichever event(s) you’ll be attending, you’re sure to have a great time, with family, friends, or even on your own. There’s an event for everyone this Spring, hope to see you down there!