Now that the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival has settled, get ready for fantastic summer action, with brilliant racing and events to please anyone looking for a memorable and relaxed day out this summer. It all starts with the VRC Christmas Race Day on Saturday 17 December.

For the final race day of 2022, the festive spirit will be in full swing at Flemington, as we embrace the joy and sense of community the Christmas season brings. A time of year when family and friends are at the forefront, Flemington has long been the ideal meeting place to come together and celebrate, especially if you have children. With its expansive lawns and gardens and a number of different event spaces, it is the perfect place to bring the kids for a day out.

Like footy and cricket, horse racing has always been a part of the Australian sporting culture. Educating the next generation about the incredible equine athletes and the people who dedicate their time to look after them is important, and where better than the racecourse?

As children get up close and personal to the jockeys, trainers, and of course, the magnificent horses themselves, they learn first-hand just how seriously equine welfare is taken into consideration. There is something so exciting about walking around the pre-parade ring and stalls, seeing the horses in real life and marvelling at their beauty and athleticism.

The Living Legends that frequent Flemington each race day are always a hit, as children have the opportunity to pat and maybe even feed the majestic animals. Most of the time they are blissfully unaware that they have just met and touched racing royalty!

A Phar Lap membership for children under 12 is completely free, and ensures they are always entertained with special events and offers while you enjoy a relaxing day out. For the older kids, a Junior Membership (12-18) is the perfect way to get them involved.

Kids will not want to miss the activities on Christmas Race Day. Santa will be on course to spread the cheer and meet and greet young and old alike, and he is ready for his close-up!, There'll be fun, creative, and crafty things to do, including face painting, giveaways, and even a Christmas scavenger hunt.

But the most exciting thing of all is the ice skating rink for Phar Lap Members! Get your skates on and take a turn gliding across the ice. If you or the kids aren't too confident, skating penguins will be available for stability.

Elsewhere on course you’ll be entertained with beautiful Christmas carols performed by professional carollers, and the popular Mates Rates Christmas Picnic Tables are back on the Front Lawn with exceptional views of the Winning Post and Mounting Yard. Tables are sure to sell quickly and will be complemented with extra Christmas cheer including a bucket of drinks and special festive goodie bag with bon bons, mince pies, Santa hats and more.

On the track, the racing will be as spectacular as always, and the $1 million Summer Sprint Series begins with the running of the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m).

Find out more about Summer Racing at Flemington.