8 September 2022 • Written by VRC
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) will celebrate the first Group 1 of the season at Flemington as spring stars step out on Sofitel Girls’ Day Out, Saturday 10 September.
Sofitel Girls’ Day Out will see Australia’s elite middle-distance horses tackle the Group 1 PFD Food Services Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), the feature race named after three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva.
The $1 million race features an array of Group 1 winners including I’m Thunderstruck, Alligator Blood, Cascadian and Regal Power. The race sets the scene for the remainder of the spring and has been a major springboard on the road towards the Lexus Melbourne Cup. This form line was franked with last year’s winner Incentivise subsequently winning the Caulfield Cup and placing second in the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Flemington also hosts the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) for sprinters, the Group 2 Furphy Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) for mares and The Sally Chirnside (2500m) for stayers which will see 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare come up against Point Nepean who secured his place in this year’s Cup after winning The Lexus Andrew Ramsden in the autumn.
VRC members and guests can find some Cup Week inspiration at the Spring Salon in The Atrium, where the latest trends will be on show as part of the Meet the Milliner activation. The Pamper Lounge returns to The Atrium where racegoers can treat themselves to a complimentary hair and makeup touch up.
For racegoers looking to indulge in first-class food and wine, members can still reserve seats in the Dining Room with a menu by Executive Chef at Flemington, Josh Pelham, take up a seat in The Byerley with an exclusive menu designed by Guillaume Brahimi or The Terrace restaurant is the perfect option for non-members and guests.
The excitement continues with DJ John Course spinning tunes in the Roof Garden after the last race.
The Flemington Family Lawn is back for families, hosting activities such as arts and crafts, face painting and sports and games. It is free entry for kids under 12, with pony rides on offer under the Parade Deck. It’s a perfect day out at the races.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said Sofitel Girls’ Day Out was a turning point in the annual Flemington calendar.
“There is a buzz that comes with being in Melbourne at this time of year and Sofitel Girls’ Day Out really signals the start of spring, looking towards the best four days of racing at the Melbourne Cup Carnival with the first Group 1 of the season at Flemington,” Mr Rosich said.
“The stars of the track start to warm up for bigger targets during the Melbourne Cup Carnival while racegoers start thinking about booking their seats and planning their outfits for Cup Week.”
Mr Rosich also commented on another important element of Sofitel Girls’ Day Out.
“On Sofitel Girls’ Day Out, the VRC will launch sales of the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup lapel pin which supports our Pin & Win charity partner, the Australian Childhood Foundation.
“All racegoers are encouraged to purchase a pin if they can as it supports children to recover from abuse and family violence.”
This is the first time the Australian Childhood Foundation will partner with the VRC for Pin & Win, an initiative established in 1995 that has raised more than $6.9 million for charity.
By simply purchasing a pin, racegoers have the opportunity to enter the draw to win more than $130,000 in prizes including a brand-new Lexus NX 300h F Sportvalued at $81,694. The commemorative pins cost $5 and $10 for a diamante horseshoe pin and are available for purchase on course at Sofitel Girls Day Out.
Current Living Legend and 2015 Makybe Diva Stakes winner, Fawkner will be on-course accompanied by Fields of Omagh and will parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
Gates open at 11:00am ahead of race 1 at 12:30pm. General Admission tickets are available for purchase for $25, for more information or to purchase tickets visit vrc.com.au.
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