The final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, TAB Champions Stakes Day, is held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Flemington Racecourse. This day is a spectacular showcase of world-class racing, featuring three Group 1 races and a thrilling conclusion to the Carnival. Known as "Family Day," it offers a blend of elite horse racing and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 TAB Champions Stakes Day, from race details and ticketing to fashion and transport.
📅 Race Schedules – The Day’s Highlights
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Race Name
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Prizemoney
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Distance
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Group/Status
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Race 1 (Details TBC)
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$150,000
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1700m
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-
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Listed Always Welcome Stakes
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$175,000
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1200m
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Listed
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Race 3 (Details TBC)
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$200,000
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1000m
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-
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Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes
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$300,000
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2600m
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Group 3
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Group 2 TAB Matriarch Stakes
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$300,000
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2000m
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Group 2
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Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint
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$3,000,000
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1200m
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Group 1
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Group 1 VRC Champions Mile
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$3,000,000
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1600m
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Group 1
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Group 1 TAB Champions Stakes
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$3,000,000
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2000m
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Group 1
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Race 9 (Details TBC)
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$175,000
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1600m
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Listed
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Flemington Racecourse Map
Packages, Tickets & Prices
General Ticketing
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Ticket Type
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Price in AUD (per person)
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Description
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Flemington Pass (General Admission)
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Adults from $65
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Experience the racing action from the famous Flemington lawns.
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Saturday Flemington Pass
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Adults from $110
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Join us for two super Saturdays across Howden Victoria Derby Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day!
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Four Day Flemington Pass
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Adults from $250
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A single ticket to experience all four unforgettable days of the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
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Hill Stand Reserved Seat
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From $79
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Secure your seat with prime views of the racing action and the Winning Post.
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Lawn Stand Reserved Seat
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Adults from $102
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Enjoy a reserved seat with great views of the Winning Post.
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Club Lawn Reserved
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From $180
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Book a reserved table for six right next to the track.
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Birdcage Reserved
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Adults from $550
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Experience the exclusivity of The Birdcage from the comfort of a Birdcage Reserved site in The Rails Promenade.
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Mates Rates
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From $150
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Book a table of 6 on the Front Lawn to settle in for a day of racing and socialising.
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Hospitality & Dining Packages Price per person.
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Package
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Price in AUD (per person)
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Description
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Marmont in The Birdcage
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From $900
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A Californian-inspired vibe in the heart of The Birdcage.
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TAB Clubhouse
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From $375
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A new experience located in the Infield across from the Winning Post.
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Parade Lounge
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From $670
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An all-inclusive offering with views over the Parade Ring.
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Makybe Diva Marquee
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From $495
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All-inclusive plated table service with premium views.
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The Rose Room
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From $695
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A premium dining experience in an elegant setting.
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Skyline Lounge
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From $535
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An elevated grazing experience with breathtaking views.
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Skyline Dining
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From $595
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A refined dining experience with sweeping views of the racecourse.
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The Terrace Restaurant
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From $725
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Sweeping vistas frame this spectacular dining room.
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Kirin Ichiban Pavilion
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From $460
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An elevated race day experience with unrivalled track views.
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Members Dining Price per person. VRC Membership is required.
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Venue
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Price in AUD (per person)
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The Dining Room
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From $495
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The Byerley
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From $620
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Straight Six
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From $325
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The Parade Social
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From $650
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Atrium Flat
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From $365
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Atrium Tiered
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From $465
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Members Car Parks
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Car Park
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Price in AUD (per site)
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Description
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The Nursery
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$200 per site
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Reserve a site to create your own unique experience.
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The Rails Promenade
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$845 per site
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An unbeatable view from within The Birdcage.
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Nursery Super Site
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$1210 per site
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The ultimate in space, style, and trackside hosting.
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Other Members Pricings Pricing for VRC Members and their guests.
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Section
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Price in AUD (per person)
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Members Guest Ticketing - Members Enclosure Daily Guest
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$295
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Members Guest Ticketing - Birdcage Pedestrian Pass
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$199
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Private Hospitality - Hill Stand Corporate Suites
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Price on application
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Members Reserved Tables - The Birdcage
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From $105
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Members Reserved Tables - The Forum
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From $105
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Members Reserved Tables - Members Lawn
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From $105
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Members Reserved Tables - Furlong Bar
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From $105
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Members Reserved Tables - The Peak
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From $125
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Fashion & Atmosphere — What You Need to Know Dress Code – A Celebration of Style:
While Crown Oaks Day is known for its feminine elegance, TAB Champions Stakes Day is a celebration of classic style and sophisticated raceday attire. Attendees often opt for bold, confident outfits that reflect the high-stakes racing on the day. Fashions on the Field: The prestigious Fashions on the Field competition continues on this day, returning to the Front Lawn with a significant prize pool. It's an opportunity to showcase your final race-day look. The Park & The Birdcage: "The Park" is a lively, family-friendly precinct with live entertainment. "The Birdcage" is the world-famous, invite-only enclosure for exclusive hospitality, where you can rub shoulders with A-list guests and celebrities.
How to Get to Flemington – Real Travel Insights
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Train (Flemington Racecourse Line):
The most popular method, but trains are extremely crowded.
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Tram 57:
A good option for a direct route, but is slow in traffic.
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Taxi / Rideshare:
Subject to extreme surge pricing (fares of $60+ are common) and chaotic pickup/drop-off zones.
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Self-drive & Parking:
Discouraged due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
MNMRiDEZ – Your Smooth, Stylish Cup Day Ride
Fixed, upfront pricing:
No surprise costs.
Luxury vehicles:
Arrive in comfort and style.
Experienced chauffeurs:
Navigating race day traffic with ease.
MNMRiDEZ Transfer Rates (from Melbourne CBD)
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Vehicle Type
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Price
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Sedan (1–3 passengers)
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from $149 one-way
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Premium European Sedan (1–3 passengers)
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from $199 one-way
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SUV (up to 4 passengers)
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from $189 one-way
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Luxury Van (5–7 passengers)
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from $259 one-way
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Executive Minibus (8–14 passengers)
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from $399 one-way
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Sample TAB Champions Stakes Day Itinerary
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Time
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Experience
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10:30 am
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MNMRiDEZ collects you from home/hotel, avoiding traffic build-up.
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11:45 am
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Arrive at Flemington refreshed and ready to explore the grounds.
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12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
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Enjoy a premium dining package or explore the trackside atmosphere.
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2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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Find your perfect spot to enjoy the high-stakes racing and soak in the atmosphere.
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5:10 pm
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The Group 1 TAB Champions Stakes race begins.
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5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
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Celebrate with friends and enjoy the final race of the day.
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6:45 pm
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Your chauffeur collects you from the designated pick-up zone, bypassing the long queues.
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Final Word
TAB Champions Stakes Day is a unique and thrilling event that offers a different atmosphere from the other days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. With its focus on elite racing and the crowning of a new racing champion, it’s a day to truly immerse yourself in the power and prestige of the sport. However, the crowds and logistical challenges of getting to and from Flemington remain a significant part of the experience. The chaos of packed trains and surge-priced rideshares can quickly detract from a day of celebration. By choosing a premium transfer service like MNMRiDEZ Chauffeur, you can ensure your journey is as smooth and stylish as your race day attire. Spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the thrilling atmosphere of Australia's most fashionable race day. Avoid the crowds, the stress, and the surprises. Choose MNMRiDEZ Chauffeur for a seamless, stylish, and stress-free TAB Champions Stakes Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the official flower for TAB Champions Stakes Day?
- The official flower for TAB Champions Stakes Day is the red poppy. This is a special nod to Remembrance Day, which falls close to the event date.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to the racecourse?
- You are generally permitted to bring your own food into the public areas of Flemington Racecourse. However, alcohol is not allowed to be brought in from outside. A wide range of food and beverages can be purchased from on-course vendors.
Q: Are there activities for children and families?
- Yes, TAB Champions Stakes Day is known as "Family Day." The event offers family-friendly precincts like "The Park" with activities such as lawn games, face painters, and other entertainment to keep children engaged.
Q: What is the total prize money for the main Group 1 races?
- The three main Group 1 races on the day—the TAB Champions Stakes, the VRC Champions Mile, and the VRC Champions Sprint—each carry a massive prize pool of $3,000,000.
Q: What are the specific public transport options for getting to Flemington Racecourse on the day?
- Special event trains run directly from Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station to Flemington Racecourse Station. You can also catch the Route 57 tram from the CBD which stops directly at the Flemington Drive entrance. Several bus routes also service the area.
Q: Are there designated parking areas for public vehicles at Flemington Racecourse?
- Yes, public parking is available via the Epsom Road entrance. However, parking is very limited on major event days and is not the recommended way to get to the racecourse.
Q: How do taxis and rideshare services operate on a major race day?
- Taxis and rideshare services have designated drop-off zones at the main entrances. Getting a ride home can be challenging due to high demand and surge pricing. Several official taxi ranks operate at the venue for departures, but be prepared for long queues.
Q: What is the best option to go to Flemington?
- The best option depends on your priorities. For a stress-free and stylish experience, a private chauffeur service like MNMRiDEZ is highly recommended. It avoids the long queues and surge pricing of ride-shares. For a popular and cost-effective choice, the train is the best option as it takes you directly to the racecourse, but be prepared for large crowds.
