New racing boss Kylie Rogers reveals plans to reinvigorate Flemington

New Victoria Racing Club boss Kylie Rogers has revealed her vision to “reinvigorate” Flemington Racecourse, including luring some global pop stars to perform at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

New Victoria Racing Club boss Kylie Rogers has revealed her vision to “reinvigorate” Flemington Racecourse, racing and the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival.

In her first major interview after this month taking over as VRC chief executive, Rogers told the Herald Sun she wanted to be a trailblazer for women in a traditionally male led industry.

“I am genuinely honoured and privileged to be leading what can only be described as one of the most important and iconic racing institutions in the word, the VRC … steeped in tradition and a really strong club,’’ she said.

“I don’t really think about being the first female but if this appointment can pave the way for other women who have ambitions to lead sporting organisations, if this has helped in any way, shape or form, then I will take that.’’

Kylie Rogers wants to see big names perform during Cup Week. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ms Rogers, who broke down barriers in her previous executive role at the AFL, said she could “of course” do the same for racing.

“I see racing as no different,’’ she said.

After securing Robbie Williams for the 2022 AFL Grand Final, Rogers revealed her wish list of acts to lure to Cup Week in Melbourne.

“I’d love to see a big name like Dua Lipa or Miley Cyrus,’’ she said.

“Time will tell and whatever we do I want to balance local artists and international but we have a potential international audience of 750 million on Melbourne Cup Day so it deserves a great music act.’’

Ms Rogers was prepared to take on Peter V’landys and NSW racing to ensure Victoria remained Australia’s horse heartland.

“We are competitors and we are also friends – I look forward to meeting him,’’ she said.

She wanted to expand Cup Carnival celebrations to a week, on and off the track.

“I have great ambition to expand the carnival outside of four days,’’ she said.

“What major events can we introduce that engage our community and industry in and around the four day carnival?

“I just want to make it bigger and better.’’

Rogers would love to see Miley Cyrus perform. Photo: Getty Images

Strict members’ dress codes would remain unchanged but under review on her watch.

“I know there has been a lot of chatter around when we introduced shorts and no socks and we will continue to loosen things when and if appropriate,’’ she said.

“But I feel the balance is quite right at the moment.’’

She wanted to “open up” Flemington to the public, to better activate 127ha of space 6km from the city.

“We could have pony club, we could have equestrian offerings, we could have public stables for those that own horses.

“I really want our club to have a horse at the heart of everything we do.’’

And more year-round concerts for “a more youthful audience” would build on the 350,000 people expected through the gates between September–April for non-race day events.

Rogers wants Flemington to become an event and community destination. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I want this to be an event and community destination,’’ she said.

“I want Flemington Place to be known by all as a precinct that delivers 365 day a week content.’’

While 41 per cent of VRC members were female, Ms Rogers wanted to create “world class experiences and racing events for all to enjoy”,

“Melbourne Cup Carnival is a major event in this country connected to the hearts and minds and spirit of Australians,’’ she said.

“One in two Australians engage with the Melbourne Cup on Cup Day, it’s a powerful product and I’m excited to play my role to reinvigorate the sport.

“A lot of the things I worked on at the AFL to reinvigorate the sport, I will play my role for step change growth for this club.’’