The Victoria Racing Club has revamped the third day of Melbourne Cup week, combining a later start with less time between races.
Known as Ladies Day, the VRC Oaks day meeting at Flemington will commence at 1.50pm, instead of 12.15pm in previous years, with the final race to run at 6.25pm.
The day’s feature, the Kennedy Oaks, will be run at 5.50pm while the usual 40 to 45 minute gaps between races will be cut to between 30 and 35 minutes intervals.
“As the custodians of Australia’s premier racing event it is incumbent on the VRC to look at new ways to innovate and redefine the experience for all on course and this is just one of many exciting changes for the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival,” VRC chief executive Neil Wilson said.
“Kennedy Oaks Day is immensely popular every year and the club believes providing a dedicated lunch period and a later start to the race program is the logical step forward to further enhance the success of the day while broadening the appeal to a new audience.
“Those who want to enjoy the day in full can make the most of Flemington’s acclaimed dining venues during the lunch period or take up their place on the front lawn before the racing action begins at 1:50pm.
“The updated program of events will also make it easier for those with work commitments to take a half-day or finish work and get to the track to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and first-class racing that the VRC’s Melbourne Cup Carnival is known for.”
The Melbourne Cup Carnival will kick-off on 2nd November being Victoria Derby day with the highlight the Melbourne Cup to be run on the 5th.
