The highlight of the nine race card is the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap, the first group race of the season that will afford racegoers the chance to see some potential spring players in action including Group winners Just Folk, King of Sparta and Danny O’Brien’s new recruit Stageman.
The Aurie’s star was first run in 1974 and features an honor roll of talented sprinters such as Group 1 winners Voodoo Lad, Hey Doc, Niconero and Fields Of Omagh.
The race day also marks National Jockey Celebration Day, which recognises current and former jockeys.
Guests of the National Jockeys Trust and Victorian Jockeys Association will enjoy the day from The Dining Room while a minute’s silence and a blessing of the track will take place from 2:40pm.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said VRC Season Premiere Race Day will be a fantastic opportunity to get the 2022/23 season underway with some star talent to be viewed on the track.
“We are delighted to commence the 2022/23 season at Flemington with the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap and an acknowledgement of our brave and talented jockeys,” Mr Rosich said.
“The club is proud to host National Jockey Celebration Day and thank the horsemen and women who contribute so much to racing.
“Spring is on our doorstep so there is plenty to be excited about in the next few months leading up to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”
The undercard features last-start Flemington winners Sirius Suspect (Race 5), Horrifying (Race 7), Nicolini Vito (Race 8) and Squid Game (Race 9) with some of Australia’s leading riders including Jamie Kah, Damien Oliver and Craig Williams looking to start the new season in winning fashion.
Living Legends will bring fan favourites Tom Melbourne and Pakistan Star to Flemington for racegoers to meet in the horse stalls throughout the day. The pair will also parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
Members can book into spaces such as The Byerley or the Straight Six while non-members can enjoy dining in The Terrace or a more relaxed environment with great views of the winning post inside Saintly Place.
Gates open at 11.10am ahead of race 1 at 12:10pm.
Main photo credit: The Astrologist winning the 2021 Aurie’s Star Handicap (Credit: Racing Photos)
