Flemington Races
Another famous racecourse in Australia is the Flemington Racecourse. In fact, most people would say that this racecourse is the most famous racetrack in the country. This is famous because the prestigious Melbourne Cup is held in Flemington and a lot of people go there to witness this event every year. The Cup is usually head on the first Tuesday of November. Strategically located near the Maribyrnong River, the location of the Flemington Racecourse itself compliments the quality of races being held.
Features of Flemington Racecourse
The Flemington Racecourse very much reflects the distinctive culture of Australian and Melburnian heritage. Before the Flemington Races were officially established, racing had already started in the area. The first races were held in 1840, making the rough river flats of the Maribyrnong River as the racetrack. Later on, the area was developed into one of the greatest race tracks in Australia. As proof of this, Flemington Racecourse was cited one of the few locations in the National Heritage List in 2006. This citation is given to establishments that serve as center for cultural and traditional heritage, and being a sports venue that is the passion of most Australians.
Regarding the track, the total circumference of the area is about 2312 meters. The course type is flat similar to the river flats. This was opened in 1840 and is managed by a prestigious racing club, the Victorian Racing Club. For those that want to contact Flemington Racecourse, their phone number is 1300 727 575.
Famous Flemington Races
The Melbourne Cup is Australias biggest horse race. It is often called the race that stops a nation and features horses that are three years and older. This race is managed by the Victoria Racing Club and is held every first Tuesday of November. Through the years, the race has been getting bigger and bigger including the prizes. Because of the prestige, this race attracts racing teams all over the world not only for the big prizes but also for the rich history that goes with the race. In 2011, the prizes reached to about six million dollars including trophies reaching up to $125,000.
Aside from the big Melbourne Cup, Flemington Racecourse holds and is also famous for the Spring Racing Carnival, which is considered by many as the best racing carnival around the world. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is famous and attracts a lot of tourists and visitors because during it is on this period that Group One races held in Melbourne are done in the carnival. Another reason why there are many Australians attending the event is that it is scheduled at the end of the cricket and football seasons which are also popular sports for Australians. During this time, most of the sports fans shift their interest to another Australian passion horse racing.
Flemington is famous for another feature of the track. The Flemington racecourse is also famous for the streams of roses placed on enclosures that surround the race track. During the time of the carnival, the roses are in full bloom which gives additional beauty to the races. Other races featured in Flemington Racecourse include the Victoria Derby, Crown Oaks, Emirate Stakes, Mackinnon Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, Australian Cup and Lightning Stakes. Although not all those who watch the races are race enthusiasts, some go there for the betting. Low-stake gambling during the carnival races is available for those that are interested to participate.
Getting to the Flemington Races
The availability of public transportation to the Flemington Races is another reason why there are many visitors to the track. Guests can go there using the available forms of public transportation. You can go there either using the train, the tram or using a private vehicle.
Transportation using the train is much more convenient to many people. The station nearest to the race track is the Flemington Racecourse Station which is conveniently location at the gates of the Flemington Racecourse itself. You need not walk and you need not ride another vehicle after riding the train.
If you prefer the Tram, the nearest station is the stop 29 of the 57 tram. This stop is a few minute walk from the race track itself.
If you prefer going there using a private vehicle, Flemington Racecourse is at the 400 Epsom Rd within Flemington. This is about 5 kilometers north of the Melbourne CBD and should only take about 15 minutes for you to get there. Just like other race tracks in the area, there is a limited number of parking spaces. During big races, guests are advised to take the public transportation to avoid parking fees and parking space problems.
The Flemington Races continue to attract many visitors today. It is a testament of how passionate Australians are regarding horse racing and how rich and diverse the Australian culture is. Horse racing has been in Australia for a long time now and with the help of race tracks such as Flemington Racecourse, racing will be appreciated by the next generations to come.
