CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
What a privilege it is to welcome everyone back to Flemington for the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival 2022 – Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. Two years ago in the midst of the pandemic, Derby Day racing went ahead without any racegoers at Flemington. Last year, as necessary lockdowns eased, limited numbers could be here on course. Today we are back in full force and the Victoria Racing Club could not be more delighted. For all who love racing, this is the blue ribbon day of the Australian turf. Our
Penfolds Victoria Derby here at Flemington traces its history back to 1855, the oldest continuing classic in Australia. On page 24, we take a look at past champions of the Derby. We revere it as the race that produces future champions such as Phar Lap back in 1929 and in more recent times Grosvenor in 1982, Mahogany in 1993, and Hitotsu in 2021 – only the third horse in history to win the Derby and go on to win the Australian Guineas in the Autumn. Every race today is at Group level, with three Group 1s to be decided, setting the scene for an exceptional Melbourne Cup Carnival. Always a highlight, the Lexus Hotham Stakes offers a last opportunity for the winner to gain automatic exemption from the ballot and join the field for Tuesday’s Lexus Melbourne Cup. Last year I could say with pride how we had worked with health professionals, essential workers and everyone in the racing industry to enable the sport we love to continue uninterrupted throughout the hard times. Our loyal members and partners maintained their support to enable us to open the gates to all at Flemington to enjoy in person the excitement and elegance of Penfolds Victoria Derby Day.
Neil Wilson Chairman
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