Racegoers ready for some summer fun at Flemington

The 10-race program will start at 12:15pm with two-time Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra returning to Flemington for the first time since his Cup Week triumph.

A selection of family activities will be on offer to keep the kids entertained including the Phar Lap Club Teddy Bear Picnic where Phar Lap Club Members can create their own teddy bear to take home. Membership into the Phar Lap Club is free to all children under the age of 12 and provides priority access to kids’ activities and events throughout the season. Phar Lap Club Members are also invited to enter a competition to name the club’s new horse plush toy, which is a part of the new merchandise range.

Racegoers can soak up the summer sun on the Front Lawn with lots of seating options and fantastic products on offer. The popular Mates Rates tables are selling fast which offer reserved seating for groups of four or six. Tickets are also available to The Furphy Deck for $120pp which includes a selection of finger food, a complimentary drink on arrival and access to a private bar. The elevated position on the western side of the racecourse provides the perfect spot to view all the racing action.

VRC Members and guests can indulge in a selection of food and drink specials including $15 espresso martinis on the Roof Garden and $2 oysters in the Mumm Champagne Bar and Furlong Bar (limits apply).

This weekend also marks the start of Tour d’Horse, an endurance charity horse ride that is raising funds for the Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports young Australians in childhood injury prevention and injury recovery. The VRC is proud to be a supporter of the inaugural running of the event alongside other racing organisations including Michelle Payne Racing, Godolphin, Sam and Anthony Freedman Racing.

“This Saturday's race day is shaping up to be the perfect summer afternoon of racing and family fun at Flemington for all to enjoy,” VRC Chief Executive Steve Rosich said.

“We are less than a month out from Black Caviar Lightning Race Day where we will see the world's best descend on Flemington for the first Group 1 race day of the year. The feature race is shaping up to be a scintillating contest with New Zealand star sprinter Imperatriz set to light up the Flemington straight again,” Mr Rosich said.

Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment will be trackside alongside fellow Living Legend, Lucky Nine. The legends will parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4 with racegoers able to visit them in the race day stalls throughout the day.

Gates open at 11:30am ahead of the ten-race program starting at 12:15pm. General Admission tickets are $20 per person with children under 12 admitted free to Flemington. More information or to purchase tickets.

The VRC is preparing for a big two months of Group 1 racing throughout February and March with four feature Group 1 race days. Forming part of Flemington Racing Spectacular, the event is not to be missed and will begin on Saturday 17 February for Black Caviar Lightning Day, and three March race days, Howden Australian Guineas Race Day on Saturday 2 March, Super Saturday on Saturday 9 March and TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 30 March.

VRC Summer Fun Race Day Program