Howden Australian Guineas Day to kick off Flemington Racing Spectacular

The $1 million Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) brings together the nation’s best three-year-olds to compete over the iconic Flemington mile. Star colt Angel Capital and CS Hayes Stakes winner Sepals will both be looking to make their mark while Another Prophet for Ciaron Maher is one of three fillies in the race.

Other feature races on the day include the $300,000 Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) which along with the Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas offers automatic entry into the Group 1 The All-Star Mile on Super Saturday at Flemington on Saturday 8 March.

The All-Star Mile has a unique element, with 16 lucky people being selected as owner ambassadors and going into the draw to win $200,000. Anyone who attends Flemington on certain race days, including Howden Australian Guineas Day and Super Saturday, go into the draw to win.

Off the track, racegoers can spend the day exploring Feast by Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF), which will see the east end of the Flemington Front Lawn transformed into a foodie’s paradise.

Racegoers will be spoilt for choice with food offerings from Chinese fine-diner Lee Ho Fook and Latino firebrand San Telmo as well as classic cocktails from Everleigh Bottling Co.  To further add to the festival style experience, there will be long dining tables so racegoers can enjoy a largescale outdoor dining experience with prime views of the Flemington straight.

Flemington Pass (General Admission) tickets are just $30 for adults with access to the Feast by MFWF included with any race day ticket. The age limit for free entry has been extended to those under 17 to keep a day at the races affordable, complementing the Flemington Favorites $5 range of food and beverage.

There will also be a host of family-friendly activities on offer throughout the day, including pony rides, face painting, a food-themed play area and a fun Bike’N’Blend smoothie station.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the club was looking forward to kicking off the Flemington Racing Spectacular with Howden Australian Guineas Day.

“Howden Australian Guineas Day is shaping up to be a sensational day and there is so much to look forward to both on and off the track,” Ms Rogers said.

“The Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas will see some of Australia’s best three-year-olds take to the track in what’s set to be a thrilling start to the Group 1 action in March.

“We also look forward to the debut of Feast by Melbourne Food and Wine Festival which will feature on every day of the Flemington Racing Spectacular.”

2006 Australian Guineas winner and fan favourite Apache Cat will be on-course to meet racegoers alongside fellow Living Legend So Si Bon. The legends will parade in the Mounting Yard throughout the day and people can also get photos with them at the race day stalls.

Howden Australian Guineas Day also kickstarts the VRC’s partnership with the Good Friday Appeal (GFA) in March, with racegoers able to show their support via an on-course raffle. Race five on the program, The Good Friday Appeal Plate, will be a nod to the appeal with GFA representatives to present the winning memento.

The Flemington Racing Spectacular continues next weekend with Super Saturday, featuring the Group 1 Yulong Newmarket Handicap and Group 1 The All-Star Mile on Saturday 8 March and concludes with TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 29 March.

Gates open at 11:00am with Race 1 at 12:15pm and the last race at 5:35pm.