Victoria Derby 2017: Everything you need to know about the three-year-olds staying classic

VICTORIA Derby Day brings together sophistication and style on an afternoon widely recognised as one of the most prestigious days of racing in Australasia.

VICTORIA Derby Day brings together sophistication and style on an afternoon widely recognised as one of the most prestigious days of racing in Australasia.

It’s centrepiece is the $1.5 million Derby (2500m), the country’s premier staying race for three-year-olds, and is supported by an impressive array of black type races.

Three other Group 1s feature on day one of Flemington’s four-meeting extravaganza — the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), the Kennedy Mile (1600m) and Myer Class (1600m).

The Group 2 Lexus Stakes is another significant event on the card with the winner exempt in the Melbourne Cup ballot and guaranteed a spot in Tuesday’s famous race.

Off the track there’s plenty of action too. Live music, amazing bars and restaurants to keep you entertained all day long.

VICTORIA DERBY — THE RACE

Distance: 2500m

Conditions: Set weights. (colts & geldings 55.5kg, fillies 53.5kg)

Status: Group 1

WHERE

Flemington Racecourse

448 Epsom Rd, Flemington

WHEN

Saturday

TIME

Victoria Derby 3.50pm

Prized Icon wins last year’s Victoria Derby. Picture: Ian Currie

HOW TO WATCH

We will live blog the day from 10am right through until after the final race.

TV: Channel 7 will air the race day coverage

THE DAY

Gates open: 8.30am

First race: 11.45am

Last race: 5.20pm

PRIZEMONEY

This year’s Derby offers a purse of $1.5 million.

Trainer James Cummings celebrates after Prized Icon’s Victoria Derby victory. Picture: Nicole Garmston

THIS TIME LAST YEAR

PRIZED ICON /JAMES CUMMINGS

James Cummings shone on racing’s biggest stage when he became the fourth generation member of the nation’s most famous racing family to win the Victoria Derby in front of 90,136 race fans.

Cummings, 28, led his colt, Prized Icon, back to the winner’s stall, flanked by the trainer’s wife, Monica. His career has definitely gone on since then with the young trainer overseeing Godolphin’s Australian training operation.

TICKETS

As far as race days go, it’s the jewel in the crown. Tickets always sell fast so get in early to avoid disappointment.

Adults: $74

Students: $60

Pensioners: $40

Children (Under-16): Free

MORE INFORMATION: BUY HERE

Andy Lee and Kris Smith attend the Myer Marquee on Derby Day last year. Picture: Getty Images

HOW TO GET THERE

Plenty of options to find your way to Melbourne’s biggest racecourse:

UBER & TAXI/LIMO/PRIVATE CAR

Want to avoid the masses? This is the obvious choice, but get in very, very early. Just remember cars cannot enter Flemington via Epsom Rd. Entry is via Smithfield Rd at the Stables Drive entrance or the Lynch’s Bridge entrance.

TRAIN

Flemington racecourse-bound trains depart Flinders St Station and/or Southern Cross Station, stopping at North Melbourne Station, then express to Flemington.

The journey takes about 15-20 minutes.

TRAM

From the corner of Elizabeth St and Flinders St catch the No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram to Flemington Drive (stop 30).

MORE HERE: MELBOURNE TRANSPORT

DRESS CODE

Sophisticated elegance sets the tone for the opening day of Flemington Week. Flemington and fashion go hand-in-hand with the classic theme of black and white the order of the day.

Cornflower is the traditional flower for Derby Day.

Myer’s Fashions on the Field competition begins for both men and women.

WEATHER

It’s late spring but it certainly won’t feel like it. Be prepared for a chilly afternoon. Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 20 to 30km/h during the morning. Maximum 17C.