Superstars descend on Flemington for Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day

Three-time Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva will be one of the star attractions on the day with the champion mare returning to Flemington to lead out the field for the $750,000 Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at 4:20pm.

A stellar field has been assembled for the feature including the Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina who will take on the titans of Australian racing Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni.

Fan favourite Mr Brightside was an impressive winner of this race last year and is aiming to become the first horse since Sailor’s Guide in 1957 to win the race back-to-back.

Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey James McDonald will take the ride aboard current TAB favourite Via Sistina and holds a strong hand of rides across the remainder of the day. Race 5 on the program, the $300,000 Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) offers a golden ticket into the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Other feature races on the day include the $300,000 Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) and Group 2 Furphy Lets Elope Stakes (1400m).

Away from the fantastic racing action, racegoers can spend the day in The Spring Social Club, the go-to destination at Flemington this spring. The popular sport of Pickleball will be trackside with a full-sized court set up along the famous Flemington straight, just past the Winning Post along with pop-up bars, delicious pizza and live music throughout the afternoon.

The Byerley will play host to Charlie Carrington, head chef and owner of renowned Melbourne restaurant Atlas. Mr Carrington will be serving up a Latin American inspired menu for VRC Members and guests.

The Pamper Lounge will make a return this spring with the Runway Room by Alex Fevola providing VRC Members with complimentary make-up touch-ups, express lashes and hair to leave racegoers glowing, from race 1 in The Atrium.

And the popular Meet the Milliner pop-up returns to The Atrium, with local designers on hand to help racegoers find the perfect piece for spring. Racing is the only sport with its own fashion category and the VRC is proud to support retailers, including milliners, with a platform to showcase their incredible talents and drive economic benefit to the retail sector.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said she was looking forward to the first Group 1 race day for the new season at Flemington.

“Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day is the perfect way to kick start spring at Flemington with world-class racing, fashion, hospitality and entertainment providing a preview of what Melburnians can expect over the next couple of months including the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Ms Rogers said.

“It is a rare opportunity to be able to see a hero of the sport in Makybe Diva up close and personal and I encourage every racing fan to come to Flemington to see the three-time Melbourne Cup winning champion.

“We are pleased to welcome Crown as the naming rights sponsor for the race day and the Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes which has all the elements of a great sporting contest with some of Australia’s best horses including Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top.”

“And the excitement is building towards the Lexus Melbourne Cup with a golden ticket on offer via the Lexus Archer Stakes with horses trying to win their way into the race that stops a nation.”

Racegoers can support the VRC’s Pin & Win charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities VIC & TAS by purchasing a 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup lapel pin on-course for $10 or $15 for the horseshoe diamante version. All purchasers will go into the draw to win a share in over $188,000 of prizes including a brand-new Lexus.

Gates open at 11:00am ahead of race 1 at 12:10pm. General Admission tickets are $30 per person with children under 12 admitted free to Flemington. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vrc.com.au.