The gates of Caulfield will be thrown open to the public on Saturday week when champion mare Black Caviar runs in the Group One C F Orr Stakes.
Melbourne Racing Club chief executive, Alasdair Robertson, confirmed on Monday the club would grant free admission to encourage the public to come and see the world’s best sprinter try for her 18th successive win in the Orr which will be her first attempt at 1400 metres.
The unbeaten five-year-old, yet to race beyond 1200m, was watched by a crowd of 15,000-plus when she won her 17th straight race in the Group Two Australia Stakes (1200m) under lights at Moonee Valley on Friday.
The Moonee Valley Racing Club catered for a crowd of 8000 to 10,000 but with queues of people lining up to see the great mare race, the club threw the gates open and let the remaining racegoers outside the course in for free.
“The Melbourne Racing Club doesn’t underestimate the greatness of this very special horse and we’d love as many people as possible to come to Caulfield and celebrate her,” Robertson said.
“Allowing the public to attend free of charge sets the foundation for a memorable occasion.
“We can’t predict how many more times we’ll see her race again so we’d like to make the most of this wonderful opportunity which will be made extra special if Black Caviar can win her first Group One on her home track.
“We’re expecting a bumper crowd and one of the great aspects of our club and Caulfield as a venue is the ability to accommodate large numbers of people on the spur of the moment.”
A definitive program for Black Caviar after the Orr Stakes, will be mapped out by trainer Peter Moody and the mare’s owners late this week.
Options include races in Sydney, Adelaide, Dubai and Royal Ascot.
AAP TURF
