Spring Group 1 racing and Flemington’s signature annual celebration of style will break out of the barriers with Sofitel Girls’ Day Out on Saturday 7 September.
The recently-upgraded feature Makybe Diva Stakes will be run as a Group 1 for the first time on Sofitel Girls’ Day Out. The 1600 metre race – won by Emirates Melbourne Cup champion Shocking and Caulfield Cup conqueror Southern Speed in recent years – marks the beginning of the campaign towards the first Tuesday in November for Australia’s best staying horses.
With the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival fast approaching, Sofitel Girls’ Day Out provides the perfect opportunity for stylish racegoers to discover the spring fashion must-haves in the glamorous Paris Lane marquee.
Located above the horse stalls with fabulous views of the parade ring and racecourse, Paris Lane is a free fashion precinct to pamper all racegoers in VIP style. Open from 11am, fashion savvy racegoers can ring in the new season with hundreds of fashion giveaways, a free pop-up nail bar, runway parades, a retail village brimming with spring millinery and fashion accessories, impeccable hospitality, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Guests who choose to dine in Flemington’s opulent Panorama Restaurant on Sofitel Girls’ Day Out will experience a feature event of spring fashion hosted by the stylish Bree Laughlin. In addition to a gourmet buffet lunch – including French-inspired desserts by Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – diners will be treated to an insider’s look at the latest spring fashion trends courtesy of special guests, as well as competitions and giveaways throughout the day.
For the punters, Sofitel Girls’ Day Out features four Group races including the elite Makybe Diva Stakes – one of the pivotal races of the season that regularly unearths a star of the Carnival.
Younger racegoers can enjoy a host of free entertainment, including inflatables, active games, craft activities and pony rides.
General admission to Sofitel Girls’ Day Out is $25 for adults, $20 for students, and $12 for pensioners. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Or take advantage of Flemington’s General Admission Season Pass, offering $560 value and access to all racedays in the 2013/14 racing season – including the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – for only $200.
