Flemington to host stable tour ahead of Spring Classics Preview Day

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) will host the annual Spring Classics Preview Day this Sunday 22 September with the club opening its doors to the local community and general public for an exclusive behind the scenes Flemington Stables Tour.

Ahead of the race day, Flemington trainers including Gai Waterhouse AO, Danny O’Brien and James Cummings will open their stable doors to the public from 9:30am. The tour is free to attend with a host of activities including an opportunity to meet some of the sports past champions from Living Legends, pony rides and complimentary coffee and crepes. Registrations to attend the stable tour can be made on the VRC website.

With the Melbourne Cup Carnival just around the corner, the race meeting provides a strong guide of what horses to follow over the carnival with ballot exemption into the Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m) and Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) on offer.

The Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) will see a classy group of colts and geldings assemble hoping to secure their spot in this year’s Penfolds Victoria Derby including the well-bred Lavalier for Godolphin head trainer James Cummings. The son of Microphone is half-brother to Group 1 winning Darley stallions Epaulette and Helmet.

In the Crown Oaks Preview (1800m), trainer John Sargent is aiming to win the race for the third year in a row and will saddle up Inevitable Truth.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the club was looking forward to this Sunday’s race day and stable tour.

“This Sunday’s Spring Classics Preview Day gives racegoers a small taste of what to expect this spring with horses on their way to bigger targets including the time honoured Penfolds Victoria Derby and Crown Oaks,” Ms Rogers said.

“The Flemington Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for those interested to have a behind the scenes look at world-class racing stables and see firsthand the care that goes into looking after our equine athletes.

“It will be a perfect way for families to spend the day getting up close and personal with horses before enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Flemington Front Lawn.”

The west end of the Flemington Front Lawn will be pumping for the Spring Social Club with Pickleball, pop-up bars and delicious bites to eat on offer. For younger racegoers, Phar Lap Club members are invited to join the “Paddle Club” to learn to play, and receive a free sweatband and ice-cream.

Gates open at 12:30pm ahead of race 1 at 1:25pm with General Admission tickets available for $20 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.

The next race day at Flemington will be TAB Turnbull Stakes Day on Saturday 5 October. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.