VRC and RSL come together this Remembrance Day at Flemington

The race day will raise funds for the Annual Poppy Appeal, a fund that has supported Australian veterans and their families by delivering life-changing support for more than 100 years.

Racegoers will have the opportunity to contribute to the Poppy Appeal by purchasing a red poppy lapel pin with prices ranging from $2 to $50 from on-course RSL Victoria volunteers, with the poppy set to replace the iconic red rose as the official flower for the race day.

In recognition of their service, free General Admission entry will also be offered for all past and current service men and women with approved ID.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the Club is proud to support the RSL’s Annual Poppy Appeal this year.

“Remembrance Day is a chance for all of us to reflect and pay our respects to our service personnel that contributed to Australia’s war efforts,” Mr Rosich said.

“Flemington played an important role as a training ground for soldiers and the VRC has long acknowledged the role of our much-valued service personnel.

“TAB Champions Stakes Day is one of our biggest race days and we invite members and racegoers to join us at Flemington to pay our respects and support a great cause before enjoying a day of exhilarating racing.”

AFLW Player, Reservist and daughter of champion racehorse trainer Peter Moody Celine Moody joined RSL Victoria’s Fundraising Manager and Vietnam Veteran Peter Smith OAM and member of the 4^th/8^th Light Horse Troop Darcy Macauley at Flemington to celebrate the collaboration.

“Having grown up with a dad who is heavily involved within the racing industry as well as having served in the Australian Defence Force for almost seven years myself, it is great to see the Victoria Racing Club support the RSL on one of their biggest race days,” Miss Moody said.   

 “I enlisted into the Australian Defence Force in 2016 and served full-time until earlier this year when I transferred across to reserves to focus more on my football career.  

“I’d encourage everyone to come to Flemington this Remembrance Day to pay their respects, buy a poppy and enjoy an epic day of racing.” 

The gates at Flemington Racecourse will open at 10:40am, with a Remembrance Day Commemorative Service held in the Mounting Yard at 10:53am. The service will feature a bugler sounding the Last Post, a minute of silence at 11am and a recitation of the Ode of Remembrance by State President of RSL Victoria Dr Rob Webster OAM.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.

All the action from the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival can be seen live and free on 10 and 10 Play.

General Admission tickets start from $60 on TAB Champions Stakes Day and can be purchased via the website.