Oaks day racegoers won’t have to rush as much after the Victoria Racing Club announced that the meeting this year would start more than hour later than usual.
With more than $2 million prizemoney on offer, the first of nine races will be run at 12.20pm, 70 minutes later than last year, with the Oaks shifting from race six to seven for a 4.25pm start time.
The changes to the showcase event on the third day of the Melbourne Cup carnival are designed to improve the raceday experience for patrons while relieving pressure on Melbourne’s peak commuter rush.
VRC chief executive Dale Monteith said customer feedback inspired the time changes.
“We know racegoers tend to arrive later at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day than the other days of the carnival,” Monteith said.
“The move is about accommodating our customers’ needs.
“Crown Oaks Day is the only Flemington raceday held on a working day. With a later start, racegoers can work a half-day and still attend Ladies’ Day at Flemington, while interstate visitors will be able to fly that morning.”
Oaks day is on Thursday, November 3.
AAP TURF
