Flemington prepares for blockbuster crowd for TAB Turnbull Stakes Day

Australia’s top horses are set to clash on the track, matched by a supreme off-track experience celebrating the best of Melbourne - including the return of Fashions on the Field, entertainment, delicious food and beverages.

As part of the day, racegoers can celebrate the VRC’s partnership with Asahi Beverages with select beer available at special TAB Turnbull Stakes Day prices, including Carlton Draught and Carlton Dry 3.5%, available from $9.50 for VRC Members and $12.50 for the general public, while a range of low and zero-alcohol options remain the most affordable choice on course, with Carlton Light, Cascade Light and Asahi 0% cans and bottles $8.50 for VRC Members and $12 for general public.

A new race day competition, The Flemington Fortune, will also be introduced, giving racegoers the chance to win $100,000 by correctly tipping every winner on the card.

Racegoers who successfully “tip the card” will be in the running to win the $100,000 prize pool. If no one tips the entire card, the person with the most correct winners who entered the competition earliest will win $10,000. Entrants must submit their tips on-course before the jump of the first and be on track after the last race.

The Group 1 $750,000 TAB Turnbull Stakes (2000m) headlines the meeting, with some of the biggest names of the spring set to do battle, including the current favourites for the Cox Plate and Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Last year's TAB Turnbull Stakes winner, Sir Delius, lines up with regular jockey Craig Williams aboard as he looks to become the first horse since Winx in 2018 to win consecutive TAB Turnbull Stakes. However, tough competition awaits him, including multiple Group-1 winning mare Aeliana and 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup hero, Half Yours.

Chris Waller will saddle up five runners in this year’s TAB Turnbull Stakes as he aims to become the most successful trainer in the race’s 79-year history. Meanwhile, Australia’s leading trainer, Ciaron Maher, will also bring an army of five runners, headlined by Caulfield Cup favourite Zahrann.

The excitement continues off the track, with Fashions on the Field set to return to the Front Lawn, with hosts Kris Smith and Elle Ray set to bring the style spotlight to Flemington. Racegoers will showcase their best spring racing looks, offering a first glimpse at the fashion trends set to take centre stage during the upcoming Melbourne Cup Carnival. Winners of the Best Dressed and Best Suited categories will secure their place to compete on Crown Oaks Day.  

Melbourne Demons AFL star Changkuoth Jiath will swap his footy boots for DJ decks this Saturday, performing a special set at the Fashions on the Field stage and judging the Best Suited competition.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said TAB Turnbull Stakes Day offers a great day's entertainment for everyone.

"TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is one of the great days on the Flemington calendar, and we’ve worked hard to ensure there is something for everyone, from world-class racing, great food and drink options and the return of Fashions on the Field.

With a big crowd anticipated, the atmosphere is going to be fantastic as we draw closer to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”

Racegoers can support the VRC’s Pin & Win charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities VIC & TAS by purchasing a 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup lapel pin on-course for $10 or $20 for the horseshoe pin. This year, a limited-edition Lexus Melbourne Cup horse pin featuring diamantes will also be available for $50, with only 2,000 pins produced and each worth five entries into the Pin & Win draw.