The Victoria Racing Club will be throwing open the gates at Flemington racecourse this Saturday 13 March, providing all racegoers with free entry to Super Family Day to witness the running of the Group One $1,005,000 Darley Australian Cup.

VRC CEO, Mr Dale Monteith stated that the decision to provide the public with free admission followed the postponement of the Super Saturday program after race six due to the unexpected deluge experienced at Flemington racecourse on the weekend.

“While it was disappointing not to be able to feature two of the three group 1 races programmed, we are pleased that we have been able to re-schedule both the Darley Australian Cup and Crown Guineas to this Saturday, which will provide racegoers with yet another super day of racing.”

“Super Family Day offers a rare opportunity to be part of what will now be one of the biggest race days on the Victorian racing calendar, with two Group 1s and one Group 2 headlining the day,” said Mr Monteith.

“The postponement of the Darley Australian Cup may also provide a second opportunity for Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, who was scratched last Saturday, so it may be true that every cloud has a silver lining.”

Tabcorp has also come to the party, providing a $6 BIG6 betting voucher to every Flemington racegoer at the gates, with two lucky punters to be randomly selected on entry to win a $1000 BIG6 from the TAB. The Victorian Bookmakers Association will also provide 500 $10 vouchers for punters on Super Family Day.

Super Family Day will include an outstanding line up including the Group 1 races, the Darley Australian Cup and Crown Guineas, Group 2 race the Blamey Stakes and two Group 3’s - the National Jockeys Celebration Day Victoria Plate and Volunteers’ Matron Stakes.

The day will also feature live entertainment and activities for families, with parents and children alike being able to get up close and personal with former champions and Melbourne Cup winning horses, Might and Power and Rogan Josh, who will make the trip from their home at Living Legends to spend the day with families at Flemington.

A highlight for kids is set to be a free concert from special guest, singer, actress and Play School star Justine Clarke, who will perform songs from her children’s albums, Songs to Make You Smile and I Like to Sing.

“Whether parents are first-time racegoers or keen racing enthusiasts, Super Family Day is the perfect opportunity to share the excitement of a day at the races with their partners and children,” said Mr Monteith “…and the weather forecast is for a fine day!”.

Located near the horse stalls on the Flemington lawn, the children’s area will include a Craft Zone and Active Zone. The Craft Zone will feature a painting studio, face painting, badge making, bead design, plaster art, mask making and pop stick creations, while the Active Zone includes jumping castles, pony rides, animal farm, giant outdoor games, mini golf and roving clowns.

Super Family Day will also highlight two special causes, commemorating National Jockey Celebration Day with the Group 3 Fillies and Mares 1400m race named in tribute. The Flemington track will receive a special blessing by Father Brendan Dillon and a minute’s silence will be held to honour fallen jockeys.

The VRC will also dedicate the Group 3 Volunteers Matron Stakes to thanking emergency service volunteers for their work in protecting our state from fire and other natural disasters.

Picture: Sportpix