The VRC will pay tribute to the late journalist and Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour ambassador Tony Bourke, with Race 5 being renamed the Tony Bourke Memorial in honour of his enormous contribution to racing. The influential media figure had a distinguished career for more than 40 years at The Age and covered numerous Melbourne Cup Carnival’s before retiring in 2008.
The Entertainment
3AW’s Ross Stevenson’s popular Love Letter to Racing event returns to The Peak featuring five special guests reading aloud their ‘Love Letter to Racing’. Speakers include three-time Olympic gold medallist Emily Seebohm, commentator Michael Felgate, racing expert John “Dr Turf” Rothfield, journalist and presenter Kate Watts and racing analyst Michael Sharkie.
Racegoers can spend the day enjoying the summer fun on the Flemington Front Lawn, which will feature live entertainment, food trucks and a pop up Pimm’s and croquet bar.
There will also be plenty of fun for kids, with a host of family friendly games lining the Front Lawn including face painting and lawn games.
For those looking for an elevated view of Flemington, the Furphy Deck is the place to be with expansive views overlooking the Winning Post. An all-inclusive package is available for racegoers which includes food, drink, private bar, seating and umbrellas. Tickets start at just $175.
Victoria Racing Club CEO Steve Rosich said the club was looking forward to the return of Group 1 racing to Flemington.
“The Black Caviar Lightning has cemented itself as the best Group 1 sprint race in the world and the support program is a strong pointer to the three Group 1 races at Flemington in March,” Mr Rosich said.
“The feature race on Saturday is a tribute to Black Caviar and how lucky we are that another champion in Nature Strip will be competing at Flemington, so I’d encourage racing fans to get to the track and see him in action.
“There’s also plenty of fun to be had off the track so whether you are a racing fanatic, a family looking to enjoy a day out or a group of friends wanting to catch up at the track, Black Caviar Lighting Race Day has something for everyone and the weather is set to be spectacular.”
Gates open at 10.35am with Race 1 at 12.35pm and the last race at 5.40pm.
The Living Legends
Living Legends Silent Witness and Good Ba Ba will be on-track for Black Caviar Lightning Race Day with racegoers able to visit the legends in the race day stalls or see them parade in the Mounting Yard between races 2 and 4.
The Tickets
General Admission tickets are $25 per person and more information on ticketing for Black Caviar Lightning can be found at Ticketmaster.
Black Caviar Lightning Day sets the scene for a bumper month of racing at Flemington in March with the new-look Flemington Racing Spectacular featuring Australian Guineas Day on Saturday 4 March, Super Saturday on Saturday 11 March and the TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 25 March.
