As racing clubs such as Flemington’s Victoria Racing Club continue to grapple with the balance of tradition and innovation,Thursday’s time-honoured Oaks reminded punters of bygone eras.
Oaks Day may be lighter on celebrities,but it is firming as the most stylish day of the carnival.
Another Oaks,another Cummings - this time it was Anthony who saddled the winner She’s Extreme,to claim a race his father Bart won a record nine times,and his son James won last year.
Two days after winning their first Melbourne Cup,Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will be back at Flemington searching for another group 1 win when they saddle-up Zennzella in the VRC Oaks.
Just days after getting a stunning VRC Derby win with Hitotsu,Ciaron Maher Racing has its eyes set on another 2500-metre grand final with a three-year-old,this time with Oaks contender Biscayne Bay.
Wearing a pantsuit and belt she designed herself,designer Christine Spielmann has made history twice in the Fashions on Your Front Lawn competition.
A wretched week for Coolmore after the death of Anthony Van Dyck has been turned around with Thursday’s VRC Oaks victory with Personal.
The Country Carnival Final at Flemington gives up-and-coming trainers or smaller rural stables a chance to grab a moment in the spotlight.
Flemington will be one of the big benefactors in a revamped Inglis race series,which will include a brand new $250,000 mile race for fillies and mares on Oaks day.
Oaks filly Gamay will be set for a late autumn campaign following a small operation to remove a bone chip from her near fore knee.
Stewards have maintained a harsh stance on whip breaches following the Melbourne Cup,handing jockey Darryl McLellan a $2500 fine and six-meeting ban.