The Victorian racing industry will again come together to honour the ANZAC spirit with a range of commemorative activities planned at the race clubs hosting meetings this ANZAC Day (Monday, 25 April).
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and Moe Racing Club (MRC) will offer free entry to current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) and all Returned and Services League (RSL) members, and will also give racegoers the chance to pay their respects to Australia’s and New Zealand’s wartime heroes at the traditional ANZAC Day ceremony.
The race clubs will also raise money for the annual ANZAC Appeal, with Racing Victoria (RV) kickstarting the fundraising courtesy of a $10,000 donation.
RV has again collaborated with the Victorian branch of the RSL to produce special commemorative silks, which incorporate the ANZAC Appeal Rising Sun logo and will be worn by the jockey riding the top-weighted horse in each race at Flemington and Moe.
The Victoria Racing Club’s family-friendly ANZAC Day Race Day will feature traditional games of two-up for the adults and tug-of-war for the youngsters on the front lawn between races.
The Moonee Valley Brass Band will also play the Australian national anthem and The Last Post, and a minute’s silence will be observed following the laying of the wreath.
The action on the track at Flemington will be highlighted by the running of the historic VRC St Leger (2800m) and the William Newton VC Handicap (2600m).
Both staying races hold a ticket into the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) next month, with the winner of that race guaranteed a start in the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).
At the Moe meeting, between the seven races on the card patrons can enjoy wares from food and coffee trucks and watch the AFL match between Essendon and Collingwood on the big screen.
Families are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on one of the grass areas under the large umbrellas, or else take a seat in the grandstand.
The traditional flag-raising ceremony will also take place prior to the running of the first race.