The 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival breaks out of the barriers today with AAMI Victoria Derby Day, with the VRC expecting a 100,000-strong crowd at Flemington. The forecast is for clear skies and a mild top of 22 degrees with less than 5 per cent chance of rain.
Gates open to the public at 8.30am and the first race of the Carnival is scheduled for 11.20am. Racegoers are encouraged to catch public transport to Flemington, with the first train departing Flinders Street Station at 8.15am, then at five minute intervals. Trains will stop at Southern Cross and North Melbourne stations before travelling express to Flemington Racecourse.
VRC Chief Executive Dale Monteith said the Melbourne Cup Carnival was the most anticipated event on the racing calendar.
“Owners, trainers, jockeys and racegoers keenly look forward to seeing the beautiful Flemington racecourse come alive for AAMI Victoria Derby Day,” Mr Monteith said.
“An all-Group raceday with four Group 1s, AAMI Victoria Derby Day is seen as the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing in Australia. We have the privilege of hosting this incredible day of racing, which gets better every year.”
The main event, the AAMI Victoria Derby for three-year-olds will be run over 2,500 metres at 3.00pm.
In the competition’s 50th year, Myer Fashions on the Field for both men and women will commence, with registrations from 10.15am. With fashion traditionally themed black and white, AAMI Victoria Derby Day is classically elegant and sets the pace for the entire week.
The Cornflower is celebrating 50 years as the official flower for AAMI Victoria Derby Day in 2012.
With a beautiful day forecast, the VRC is expecting strong sales this morning. Limited tickets are still available at www.ticketmaster.com.au and from Flinders St, Southern Cross and North Melbourne stations. Tickets cannot be purchased at the gates.
Today’s last race is at 5.10pm and trains will continue to take racegoers back to the city until 9.00pm.