Such is the popularity of Black Caviar, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has gone back to the drawing board since it was confirmed the wonder mare would seek her 19th consecutive win in Saturday’s Coolmore Lightning Stakes.
“We have looked at every aspect of the raceday and made adjustments to ensure that the thousands of expected extra racegoers enjoy what will be a memorable day,” said VRC CEO Dale Monteith.
Channel Seven has announced it will take the race live with a national broadcast beginning at 4.05pm, with the race at 4.10 pm.
Black Caviar was among nine horses to accept for Australia’s only 1000m Group 1 race, which is the opening leg of the Global Sprint Challenge. A win would equal the Australasian record of 19 straight metropolitan wins held jointly by Gloaming and Desert Gold.
“The general public now understands that Black Caviar is a once in a lifetime horse and that opportunities to witness her rewrite history are finite,” Mr Monteith said.
“She is a game changer like no other horse. We have increased or adjusted every element of our raceday preparations.”
Staffing levels, free children’s activities, ticketing outlets, racebook quantities, train frequencies, temporary tote, bar and catering facilities and outdoor furniture are just some of the elements that have been bolstered since trainer Peter Moody confirmed the Coolmore Lightning Stakes was on the agenda.
A big screen for the east end of the front lawn has been booked to ensure the thousands of extra racegoers don’t miss out.
Last year Black Caviar drew 13,136 to Flemington for her Coolmore Lightning Stakes win – her ninth – but her profile and pull have increased in proportion to her winning streak over the past 12 months.
“We expect Black Caviar to draw thousands more to Flemington this year for what will be one of her final appearances in Australia before tackling the world,” Monteith said.
The VRC’s advertising campaign and on-course signage have been tailored to harness the Black Caviar effect, and extra customer service staff have been put on to cater for demand.
A suite of Black Caviar promotions and competitions are also on offer.
Four Facebook fans will experience the Coolmore Lightning Stakes alongside Black Caviar’s owners in the Mounting Yard and enjoy raceday hospitality in the Panorama Restaurant by visiting facebook.com/flemingtonracecourse.
Two racegoers will fly Emirates to London to join Black Caviar’s likely Royal Ascot campaign in June by purchasing a racebook on-course on Saturday.