A blessing of the track will occur in the Mounting Yard following Race 6, marking the start of the new racing year and wishing jockeys and horses safe passage throughout the season.
The race day also coincides with Horses’ Birthday in the Southern Hemisphere.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said Phar Lap Race Day was a fitting stage to launch the club’s new partnership with Asahi Beverages. "There's no better day to welcome Asahi Beverages to Flemington than Phar Lap Race Day, celebrating a horse whose story still captures the imagination of Australians to this day," Ms Rogers said.
"This partnership will help elevate the racegoer experience across Flemington, from the first race day of the season through to the Melbourne Cup Carnival and beyond, with some of Australia's best-loved beer and cider brands available on course, including the much-anticipated return of Carlton Draught."
Asahi is already the long-standing non-alcohol beverages partner of the VRC with drinks such as Schweppes.
Asahi Beverages Group CEO Amanda Sellers said the new deal gives racegoers access to more of Asahi’s unrivalled multi-beverage portfolio.
“Asahi’s new partnership with the VRC means racegoers at one of Australia’s leading sporting venues can enjoy beers such as Carlton Draught, Great Northern and Balter.
“Carlton Draught is a Victorian icon, so it’s only right that Flemington racegoers can enjoy it while cheering on a winner at the iconic Flemington Racecourse.
“We will have exciting activations across the course, including the new Carlton Draught Pavillion, and we know racegoers will love enjoying a Carlton Draught while cheering on a winner.”
Living Legends Apache Cat and Almandin will be on-course for the day, with racegoers able to visit the legends in the horse stalls and watch them parade in the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.
Gates open at 11:15am with Race 1 at 12:15pm. For more race day information, visit vrc.com.au.
