Flemington welcomes back punters to its famous racecourse
Australia’s horse racing industry heaved a collective sigh of relief last month when the nation’s best-loved racetrack reopened its doors for the first time in nine months.
The reasons for the closure were obvious, and have affected other events in equal measure, but there is something about thoroughbred racing that leaves it looking particularly forlorn when races are run in front of empty grandstands, especially the expansive stands at Flemington Racecourse. Unable to attend racing, punters instead may have referred to the best online pokies Australia.
The reopening was particularly good news for those who enjoy placing a bet. Of course, meetings taking place behind closed doors didn’t prevent them from enjoying some online betting, and even when racing was suspended entirely, casino offers for as little as $5 potentially meant they spent less on the pokies than they would on the horses. But still, there is nothing quite like being trackside with a betting slip in hand.
A return to normality
Of course, all things are relative, and we are all having to get used to a new type of normal under current circumstances. But after the sad non-spectacle of a Melbourne Cup with no spectators in attendance back in November, it was a hugely positive step to see around 1,000 guests attend the Living Legends Race Day on 16 December.
The Victorian Racing Club granted permission for up to 900 members to sit in the club stand, while up to 100 owners could also be in attendance. Those in attendance were treated to some classic action that included Jack Hill securing his first winner at Flemington since 2012 and Damian Lane taking a hat trick of wins.
Looking to the future
It means that race fans can look ahead to the forthcoming season with a renewed sense of optimism following a miserable 2020 in which the entire Spring Carnival was held behind closed doors. Headline events to look forward to over the coming months include the following:
Australia Guineas Day – 27 February. This food-focused festival is always a big hit with families, including circus fun for the youngsters, a beer garden for their parents and plenty of pop-up restaurants. The racing is also top-notch, and the headline event will be the Group 1 Kennedy Australian Guineas, with its $1 million prize pot.
Super Saturday – 6 March. Super is no understatement, with two iconic races on the same card, the TAB Australian Cup and the Seppelt Newmarket Handicap. There’s plenty happening off-track, with wine tasting and a visit from celebrity chef Neil Perry.
Anzac Day – 25 April. Here’s an event that is an Australian institution, and typically attracts plenty of high-profile racegoers who join in paying tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women, both present day and from years gone by. The meeting also highlights the important role that horses have played in times of conflict.
Looking further ahead, there is another Living Legends event scheduled for May, the Bagotvillle race day in June and lots more throughout the year, leading up to the 2021 Spring Racing Carnival including the Melbourne Cup. All races are open to the public subject to any further changes in regulations, and as per all event days at Flemington, will have special trains services running from the city.
