Flemington is the oldest continually operating racecourse in Australia, and the home of the country's most prestigious race - the Melbourne Cup. It is the most famous two mile race in the world, and in 2010 there will be $6million in prize money on offer. The Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington is over four days - Derby Day (Saturday), Cup Day (Tuesday), Oaks Day (Thursday) & Stakes Day (Saturday.)
History: a crowd of around 4000 people were at Flemington for the very first running of the Melbourne Cup on the first Thursday in November 1861. It is widely believed that the winner, Archer, walked the 800+ kms from Nowra to Flemington, however it now appears more likely the horse travelled to Melbourne by sea. Archer would return to Flemington to win again the following year.
Flemington was attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 for the Melbourne Cup within the first couple of decades. The 1880's gold rush made Melbourne one of Australia's most prosperous and dynamic cities and the Melbourne Cup quickly became Australia's top social and fashion event - as it is to the present day.
Cup day has been a holiday in Melbourne since the mid 1870's, and is celebrated around the nation as a sporting highlight of the year. 2010 will see the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup, lots of special activities are being planned.
The Racecourse: There are several places areas of interest at Flemington, starting at it's very own railway station. On special racedays, trains leave from Flinders Street Station to Flemington every four minutes.
At the entrance to the course you will see a bronze statue of Australia's most famous racehorse, Phar Lap. He was a big horse, but the statue is 10% larger than life size. Although, some would say this is still not big enough.
The Birdcage is the complex where up to 125 horses can be stabled on race day. A tunnel allows the horses to safely travel from the parade ring to the mounting yard. The nearby Birdcage Enclosure is open to VRC members and invited guests, known as the place to rub shoulders with international celebrities and enjoy some gourmet food and beverages.
The Mounting Yard is in front of the Members Grandstand, this is where to see the jockeys mount up on the horses before the race. Only the connections of the horse are permitted in the Mounting Yard, the rest of us Plebs are welcome to fight with the roses and try to catch a glimpse of the horses from the lawn.
The Hill Stand is regarded as the best place to view the races, open to the public with bookmakers, tote, restaurants & bars.
The Racecourse: There are several places areas of interest at Flemington, starting at it's very own railway station. On special racedays, trains leave from Flinders Street Station to Flemington every four minutes.
At the entrance to the course you will see a bronze statue of Australia's most famous racehorse, Phar Lap. He was a big horse, but the statue is 10% larger than life size. Although, some would say this is still not big enough.
The Birdcage is the complex where up to 125 horses can be stabled on race day. A tunnel allows the horses to safely travel from the parade ring to the mounting yard. The nearby Birdcage Enclosure is open to VRC members and invited guests, known as the place to rub shoulders with international celebrities and enjoy some gourmet food and beverages.
The Mounting Yard is in front of the Members Grandstand, this is where to see the jockeys mount up on the horses before the race. Only the connections of the horse are permitted in the Mounting Yard, the rest of us Plebs are welcome to fight with the roses and try to catch a glimpse of the horses from the lawn.
The Hill Stand is regarded as the best place to view the races, open to the public with bookmakers, tote, restaurants & bars.
What to wear: All four days of Melbourne Cup Week are an opportunity to wear your very best Spring fashion - ladies, a hat or fascinator is essential if you want to get noticed for Fashions on the Field, a gent in a hat always scores extra points.
Derby Day: the finest card of events in the Australian racing calendar with many top quality Group races including the Victoria Derby. Held on the Saturday before Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, black & white is traditionally the theme for the ladies, for gentlemen it is the grey morning suit and top hat. But this is Flemington, not Ascot, so it's flexible. The traditional flower for this day is the Blue Cornflower.
Cup Day: the people's day. Always the first Tuesday in November. A good racing card beginning shortly after 10am, there is usually a clear hour of betting before the Melbourne Cup (Race 7 at 3pm) so everyone has a chance to get their bet on, and we do mean everyone. It's the day to make a fashion statement, the more flamboyant the better and hats are essential. Some people will go the extra mile and arrive in full costume fancy dress. The flower for this day is the Yellow Rose.
Oaks Day: ladies day. Fashion is almost as important as the feature race for 3yo fillies. The final day for Fashions on the Field, the fashionistas save their best ensembles for Oaks Day. Held on the Thursday after the Cup, many Melbournians are suddenly taken ill with a mysterious 24 hour virus called Oaks disease and are unable to go to work. The flower for this day is the Pink Rose.
Stakes Day: family day. The Carnival concludes on Saturday with a day of entertainment for the whole family, including Fashions on the Field for those aged 6 to 17 - how cute. Feature race is the Emirates Stakes (also known as the Get-Out Stakes.) The flower for this day is the Red Rose.
Betting: There are two ways to place a bet at Flemington - the TAB/Tote or with a Bookmaker. The lines at the TAB windows will be very long on Melbourne Cup Day, whether you're betting on course or off course it's always a good idea to get all your bets on early so you can enjoy the rest of the day.
Best Tip: If you don't want to wait in line to place your bet on Melbourne Cup Day, consider using an online bookmaker such as Sportsbet. Betting online is easy and stress free. You will get the best TAB Odds available anywhere in Australia (City Best) and you can put money into your account using a credit card or instant deposit from your bank. PLUS if you click through now from this page they'll give you a cash refund up to $100 on your first bet - that's something you definitely won't get from the TAB!! Visit Sportsbet to find out more about opening an online account.
Visiting Flemington during Cup Week:
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a fully ticketed event and tickets are not available at the gate, this means you must purchase your ticket BEFORE you arrive at the racecourse. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster from 1st August 2009, also on raceday from Flinders Street, Southern Cross & North Melbourne rail stations.
Proof of Age (over 18) wristbands must be worn by everyone purchasing alcohol on the course. No alcohol is permitted to be taken into Flemington, but you can take a picnic (and they will check to see if you've hidden a bottle inside a loaf of bread.)
How to get to Flemington racecourse:
Train: The most popular way to arrive at the track. Trains travel direct from Flinders St, via Southern Cross & North Melbourne then express to Flemington. Purchase a metcard before you travel.
Park & Ride: Leave your car at Etihad Stadium (used to be Telstra Dome) and catch the train from Southern Cross Station (used to be Spencer Street.)
Tram: Catch the No. 57 tram from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders St. Trams stop at Flemington Drive off Epsom Road.
Ferry: Ferries for exclusive groups travel from the City Centre to Flemington down the Maribynong River.
Car: Very limited public car parking is available at the racecourse, fees apply. There is a taxi rank, but traffic in and out is a nightmare on regular race days, let alone during the Cup Carnival when it's hell. If you're not a member with reserved parking - take the train.
Helicopter: Flemington has a helipad. If you're unlucky enough not to own a helicopter, melbournecuphelicopters.com.au can get you there in style.
For more information on Flemington racecourse and to find out more about the Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit www.vrc.net.au
Derby Day: the finest card of events in the Australian racing calendar with many top quality Group races including the Victoria Derby. Held on the Saturday before Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, black & white is traditionally the theme for the ladies, for gentlemen it is the grey morning suit and top hat. But this is Flemington, not Ascot, so it's flexible. The traditional flower for this day is the Blue Cornflower.
Cup Day: the people's day. Always the first Tuesday in November. A good racing card beginning shortly after 10am, there is usually a clear hour of betting before the Melbourne Cup (Race 7 at 3pm) so everyone has a chance to get their bet on, and we do mean everyone. It's the day to make a fashion statement, the more flamboyant the better and hats are essential. Some people will go the extra mile and arrive in full costume fancy dress. The flower for this day is the Yellow Rose.
Oaks Day: ladies day. Fashion is almost as important as the feature race for 3yo fillies. The final day for Fashions on the Field, the fashionistas save their best ensembles for Oaks Day. Held on the Thursday after the Cup, many Melbournians are suddenly taken ill with a mysterious 24 hour virus called Oaks disease and are unable to go to work. The flower for this day is the Pink Rose.
Stakes Day: family day. The Carnival concludes on Saturday with a day of entertainment for the whole family, including Fashions on the Field for those aged 6 to 17 - how cute. Feature race is the Emirates Stakes (also known as the Get-Out Stakes.) The flower for this day is the Red Rose.
Betting: There are two ways to place a bet at Flemington - the TAB/Tote or with a Bookmaker. The lines at the TAB windows will be very long on Melbourne Cup Day, whether you're betting on course or off course it's always a good idea to get all your bets on early so you can enjoy the rest of the day.
Best Tip: If you don't want to wait in line to place your bet on Melbourne Cup Day, consider using an online bookmaker such as Sportsbet. Betting online is easy and stress free. You will get the best TAB Odds available anywhere in Australia (City Best) and you can put money into your account using a credit card or instant deposit from your bank. PLUS if you click through now from this page they'll give you a cash refund up to $100 on your first bet - that's something you definitely won't get from the TAB!! Visit Sportsbet to find out more about opening an online account.
Visiting Flemington during Cup Week:
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a fully ticketed event and tickets are not available at the gate, this means you must purchase your ticket BEFORE you arrive at the racecourse. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster from 1st August 2009, also on raceday from Flinders Street, Southern Cross & North Melbourne rail stations.
Proof of Age (over 18) wristbands must be worn by everyone purchasing alcohol on the course. No alcohol is permitted to be taken into Flemington, but you can take a picnic (and they will check to see if you've hidden a bottle inside a loaf of bread.)
How to get to Flemington racecourse:
Train: The most popular way to arrive at the track. Trains travel direct from Flinders St, via Southern Cross & North Melbourne then express to Flemington. Purchase a metcard before you travel.
Park & Ride: Leave your car at Etihad Stadium (used to be Telstra Dome) and catch the train from Southern Cross Station (used to be Spencer Street.)
Tram: Catch the No. 57 tram from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders St. Trams stop at Flemington Drive off Epsom Road.
Ferry: Ferries for exclusive groups travel from the City Centre to Flemington down the Maribynong River.
Car: Very limited public car parking is available at the racecourse, fees apply. There is a taxi rank, but traffic in and out is a nightmare on regular race days, let alone during the Cup Carnival when it's hell. If you're not a member with reserved parking - take the train.
Helicopter: Flemington has a helipad. If you're unlucky enough not to own a helicopter, melbournecuphelicopters.com.au can get you there in style.
For more information on Flemington racecourse and to find out more about the Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit www.vrc.net.au
