Festival of Racing launches with relaxed dress code

THE 2018 Festival of Racing kicks off this Saturday — but before you reach for a fascinator, there’s no need to frock up. This is the latest dress code rule that’s been relaxed at Caulfield.

Monique Peeler, ex-racehorse Steel More and jockey Juana Andreou giddy up for summer-autumn racing. Picture: David Caird

THE 2018 Festival of Racing kicks off this Saturday — but before you reach for a fascinator, there’s no need to frock up.

For the first time, Caulfield Racing Club will allow members to wear shorts, which follows a similar sock-free ruling at last year’s Spring Racing Carnival.

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The relaxed dress code mirrors the general atmosphere of the summer-autumn showpiece, which is more laid-back than its spring racing counterpart.

Held across the state’s legendary racecourses, this year’s event features nine Group 1 races, 13 country cups and more than $30 million in prizemoney.

Among the headline race events, racegoers can look forward to the $1.5 million Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 24, in addition to the highly coveted Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 3.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will also run in conjunction with the event, offering racegoers and foodies a selection of the state’s finest cuisine and vintages.

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“The Festival of Racing is a fantastic opportunity for Victorians to see racing’s best in action in a relaxed atmosphere with first class food and entertainment on offer,” Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said.

The event launches on Wednesday at South Wharf’s Common Lawn.

The Festival of Racing runs from Saturday February 10 until March 24, for more information visit festivalofracing.com.au