Flemington Racecourse facts for kids
Main grandstand during the 2013 Melbourne Cup
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| Location | Flemington, Victoria |
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| Coordinates | 37°47′25″S 144°54′45″E / 37.79028°S 144.91250°E |
| Owned by | Victoria Racing Club |
| Date opened | 1840 |
| Screened on | Seven Network Network 10 |
| Course type | Flat Jumps steeplechase |
| Notable races | Melbourne Cup Victoria Derby LKS Mackinnon Stakes Emirates Stakes Newmarket Handicap Australian Cup |
Flemington Racecourse is a very famous place in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where exciting horse racing events happen. It's best known for hosting the incredible Melbourne Cup. This race is super important because it's one of the richest horse races in the world for its distance! The racecourse is built on flat land right next to the Maribyrnong River. People first started racing horses here way back in March 1840.
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About Flemington Racecourse
The Flemington Racecourse covers a large area of land that belongs to the government. In 1848, the land was first used by the Victoria Turf Club. Later, in 1864, this club joined with another called the Victoria Jockey Club. Together, they formed the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), which still manages the racecourse today.
The very first Melbourne Cup race was held at Flemington in 1861. A special law was passed in 1871, giving the VRC official control over the racecourse.
The racecourse itself is shaped a bit like a pear. It has a long, straight section that's about 1,200 meters (or six furlongs) long, often called 'the Straight Six'. The entire track is about 2.3 kilometers around. For longer races, the final straight part is about 450 meters. Horses race around the track in an anti-clockwise direction.
Flemington Racecourse can hold a huge number of people, more than 120,000! The biggest crowd ever was on Victoria Derby Day in 2006, when nearly 130,000 people came to watch. Even Pope John Paul II visited the racecourse in 1986 and held a special Mass there!
In recent years, the racecourse has been updated with new buildings. A new grandstand opened in 2000, and another new members' grandstand opened in 2018. You can also see a bronze statue of the famous racehorse Phar Lap here. This statue was given to the club in 1988 to celebrate Australia's 200th birthday. There's also a big mural by Harold Freedman that shows the history of horse racing, located in The Hill Stand.
Flemington Racecourse is so important that it was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006. This means it's a very special place in Australia's history and culture. It's also listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Today, Flemington Racecourse hosts many of Australia's most important races. These include the Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby, VRC Oaks, Mackinnon Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, Australian Cup, and Lightning Stakes.
Getting to Flemington Racecourse
It's easy to get to Flemington Racecourse, especially on race days!
- Trains: The racecourse has its own special train line that runs on race days. Trains take visitors right to the station next to the track. You can catch these trains from platforms 8 and 9 at Flinders Street Station in the city.
- Trams: You can also take the No. 57 tram from the city (Elizabeth and Flinders Streets). It stops right at the Epsom Road entrance to the racecourse.
- Cars and Taxis: There are special parking spots for people with disabilities, and taxi stands are located near the main entrances.
- Shuttle Buses: Shuttle buses also run from Epsom Road to the main gates of the racecourse, making it easy to get inside.
- Accessibility: If you need lift access, it's available in the Prince of Wales Stand and to the first floor of the Members Stand.
Famous Races at Flemington
Flemington Racecourse is home to many exciting horse races throughout the year. These races are often grouped into different levels based on how important they are. The most important ones are called "Group 1" races. Some of the famous Group 1 races held here include:
- Melbourne Cup
- Victoria Derby
- Australian Cup
- Newmarket Handicap
- LKS Mackinnon Stakes
- Black Caviar Lightning
- VRC Oaks
Images for kids
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A wide 180-degree view of the racecourse.
See also
In Spanish: Hipódromo de Flemington para niños
