Members celebrated on Flemington’s season finale

The Byerley Handicap offers a glimpse of spring, with the race holding ballot exempt status into the Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m) and/or the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) for the winner.

The Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) is named in memory of highly respected form analyst, breeder, owner, jockey manager and mentor Deane Lester, who passed away in 2023. Lester was passionate about re-instating the race, formerly known as the Flemington Cup, on the racing program at Flemington.

The Flemington Cup is the oldest surviving Victorian racing trophy, first awarded to the winner of a race in 1849.

Elsewhere on the program, the RMBL Investments Rising Stars Final (1600m) will showcase the state's top apprentices in the series finale. Four jockeys will have their first ride at Flemington including eighteen-year-old apprentice Luke Cartwright who currently holds an unbeatable lead in the series and will be presented with a trophy on Saturday. Previous winners of this award include Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockeys Jye McNeil and Blake Shinn.

Other races will acknowledge the VRC’s valued members and a host of exclusive prizes will be on offer for members who attend the race day. The VRC celebrated a record number of members with more than 34,240 in the 2023-2024 season. Membership renewals have just opened for the upcoming season with packages for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival on-sale now.

VRC Chief Executive Steve Rosich said the club was looking forward to celebrating its members on the final race day at Flemington for the 2023-2024 racing season.

“This race day is a special celebration and nod of thanks to our 34,240 members for their loyal support during the past racing season. It has been a super season, and we are looking forward to seeing many members trackside on Saturday,” Mr Rosich said.

“The club is already looking forward to Cup Week with connections looking to secure their spot in the Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby or the Group 1 VRC Oaks through the Byerley Handicap. And the next generation of jockeys will be on display in the Rising Stars Final with an opportunity to have their first race ride at Flemington, Australia’s premier racetrack.”

Living Legends Redkirk Warrior and The Cleaner 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 11:00am with race 1 at 12:05pm. General Admission tickets are $20 per person with children under 12 admitted free. Click here for more ticketing information.

VRC Members Race Day Program

Racing returns to Flemington in the new season on Saturday 3 August for VRC Season Premiere Race Day.