The Melbourne Cup Carnival bursts out of the barriers tomorrow (Saturday) with the VRC expecting over 100,000 racegoers at AAMI Victoria Derby Day.

Considered by most racing purists to be the best single day of thoroughbred racing in Australia, AAMI Victoria Derby Day is an all-Group raceday, featuring four races at the elite Group 1 level.

The fashion stakes are equally high with the commencement of the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field competition for both men and women. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the competition at Flemington. It’s the day for classic elegance, which sets the pace for the entire week. Black and white is the traditional outfit for women, while men often wear a grey morning suit. The cornflower is the official flower of AAMI Victoria Derby Day.

The doors will open on Flemington’s famous Birdcage Enclosure, as this year’s bespoke marquees host a long list of local and international VIPs.

The crowd will be entertained before the feature race, the Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby, with a performance by The X Factor’s Samantha Jade and Bella Ferraro.
This year there is a host of new free attractions for general admission racegoers to enjoy including the Swisse Body Day Spa, Yellowglen House, James Boag’s Draught Escape, Johnnie Walker Whisky Bar and the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, serving the Carnival’s Flemington’s first signature cocktail.

The Melbourne Cup 2012 Carnival will also offer free entry to children under 16 and accompanied by an adult.

The official barrier draw for the $6.2 million 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup will take place in the VRC Committee Dining Room after the last race on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, at approximately 6.30pm. Media must contact Marcus Williams in the Media Centre to request access to this event.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10.00am

HENRY BUCKS MORNING SUIT PROMOTION
Registration commences inside The Forum

10.15am

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Women’s Racewear – Registration

11.20am
Race 1
INGLIS CARBINE CLUB STAKES (G3)

11.30am

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Women’s Racewear – Preliminary Final

11.35am

ARRIVAL OF THE VICTORIAN VICE-REGAL PARTY
The Honourable Alex Chernov, AC QC, Governor of Victoria, and Mrs Elizabeth Chernov.

12.00noon
Race 2
THE LEXUS STAKES (G3)

12.10pm

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Women’s Racewear – Daily Final

12.30pm

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Men’s Racewear – Registration

12.40pm
Race 3
WAKEFUL STAKES (G2)

1.20pm
Race 4
COOLMORE STUD STAKES (G1)

1.25pm

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Men’s Racewear – Preliminary Final

1.50pm

MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD AT FLEMINGTON
Men’s Racewear – Grand Final

2.15pm
Race 5
LONGINES MACKINNON STAKES (G1)

2.20pm

HENRY BUCKS MORNING SUIT PROMOTION
Initial judging on Champagne Bar steps (east end of Members’ Lawn)

2.30pm

HENRY BUCKS MORNING SUIT PROMOTION
Final judging and presentation in the Mounting Yard

2.50pm

PRE-DERBY ENTERTAINMENT
Performance by Samantha Jade and Bella Ferraro from The X Factor in the Mounting Yard.

3.00pm
Race 6
AAMI VICTORIA DERBY (G1)

3.45pm
Race 7
MYER CLASSIC (G1)

4.30pm
Race 8
YELLOWGLEN STAKES (G2)

5.10pm
Race 9
tab.com.au STAKES (G3)