VRC sets to build on unprecedented growth across the 24/25 Racing Season

Racing attendance reached 415,688, the highest since 2018/2019, and a record-breaking globally unrivalled membership total of 35,371.

At the heart of this year’s racing calendar was the iconic 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival, which drew 285,675 event goers across four spectacular days, an increase of more than 8% year-on-year, with a record $502.4 million in gross economic benefit to Victoria - the highest ever recorded.

With the horse at the heart of everything at the VRC, it was proud to feature;

• 2,182 horses competing in 195 races
• 68 different training stables and 47 jockeys claimed victories
• Craig Williams won the Flemington jockeys’ premiership with 16 wins for the season
• Ciaron Maher stable topped the trainers' tally with 19 victories
• Knight’s Choice, the first Queensland-trained horse to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup
• James McDonald setting a new record of 11 winners during the Melbourne Cup Carnival
• Via Sistina and Mr Brightside both winning two Flemington Group 1s each across the season

The Club’s Autumn Carnival was bigger and better than ever before delivering;

• 34% increase in audiences YOY attended three sensational Group 1 race days
• The All-Star Mile went to Group 1 level for the first time adding to the already incredible Super Saturday program, exceeding revenue expectations
• A maiden Group 1 for Billy Egan, Dom Sutton and Feroce in the Howden Australian Guineas
• Chris Waller winning his 5th Group 1 of the season when Joliestar won the Yulong Newmarket Handicap

The VRC’s commitment to community remained a priority with its charity and fundraising programs delivering meaningful impact.

• A record $687,000 raised via Pin & Win Charity, providing 125 nights of free accommodation for families with seriously ill children for Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania.
• $42,000 was raised for the RSL’s Poppy Appeal at Flemington through the sale of poppy lapel pins.
• $25,000 raised for the Victorian Jockeys Association raising through the Lexus Melbourne Cup saddle cloth auction.
• $112,000 raised for Good Friday Appeal for The Royal Children’s Hospital to provide world class care for sick children.

In recent months, the VRC has welcomed new partners, extended relationships with existing partners and set up a new strategy and team that will propel the Club well into the future.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers reflected on nearly 12 months as CEO of the VRC.

“This season has been a true celebration of everything that makes the VRC special,” Rogers said.

“From a record number of members to the energy of hundreds of thousands of eventgoers trackside, the enthusiasm for our world-class racing and unrivalled Flemington precinct has never been stronger. We’re proud to have delivered a season that not only honoured our rich racing heritage but also embraced innovation and new experiences.

“The results speak for themselves, we’re on track to deliver on strong financial growth and we’re incredibly grateful to our members, partners, participants, Racing Victoria, fans and the community for their continued support of the VRC.”