Emirates Stakes Day 2017: Everything you need to know about the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival
EMIRATES Stakes Day, the final race day of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, is one for the families to enjoy.
SuperRacing
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperRacing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
EMIRATES Stakes Day is the final race day of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.
The day is highlighted by the $2 million Group 1 Emirates Stakes, which was formerly the Mackinnon Stakes. The weight-for-age race over 2000 metres was traditionally run on Derby Day but was switched to the final day of the carnival in 2016. The Darley Classic for sprinters is another feature race on the card.
Stakes Day usually has a more laid-back feel with a focus on attracting families to enjoy a day at the track and soak up the spring carnival atmosphere. Food stalls, kiosks and cafes and a Fashions On The Field for boys, girls and families are among the features of the day, while there are plenty of kids activities in The Arcade.
This year music group Sheppard will entertain the crowd in The Park, a family-friendly area which is located on the hill, adjacent to the Flemington train station, and is free for all Melbourne Cup Carnival ticket holders.
EMIRATES STAKES — THE RACE
WHEN: Saturday, November 11, 2017
WHERE: Flemington racecourse
DISTANCE: 2000 metres
CONDITIONS: Weight-for-age
STATUS: Group 1
PRIZEMONEY: $2 million
THE RACEDAY
Gates open: 10.15am (AEDT)
First race: 12.15pm
Last race: 5.45pm
THIS TIME LAST YEAR ...
The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Awesome Rock scored an upset win in the Emirates Stakes. The stayer withstood a late challenge from Hauraki and Seaburge to take out the Group 1 race.
HOW TO WATCH
We will live blog the day from midmorning until after the last race.
TV: Channel 7 will have live race day coverage.
TICKETS
$110: Family pass (2 adults + 2 children) $110
$55 Adult
$48 Student/Concession
$28 Pensioner
Free: Children under 16
More info: www.flemington.com.au
HOW TO GET THERE
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Trains: Special trainers run direct to Flemington racecourse on racedays. Flemington-bound trains depart Flinders St Station and/or Southern Cross Station.
Trams: From the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street catch the No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram to Flemington Drive (stop 30).
Buses: Plenty of options, the best routes are the 472 bus from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Fisher Parade. Enter Flemington Racecourse via Riverbank entrance and Route 404 bus from Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Smithfield Road. Enter Flemington Racecourse via Stables Drive entrance.
PUBLIC CAR PARKS
Limited parking in the centre car park is available for $20. Car park opens at 9am.
Full details: www.flemington.com.au
DRESS CODE
General admission: There is no formal dress code for GA, but racegoers are encouraged to “dress smart”. If you can snare a ticket into the VRC Members’ Enclosure, there are strict dress codes. Men are required to wear a suit, plus tie and dress shoes, while the ladies are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity of the Members’ Enclosure.