A fresh take on spring racing arrives at Morphettville Racecourse this October with a series of race days featuring distinct theming and new hospitality precincts to deliver South Australians an unforgettable trackside party.
Race days are held over three Saturdays in October to coincide with the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, with Caulfield Cup Day – 15 October; Cox Plate – 22 October; and Victoria Derby Day – 29 October; culminating with the race that stops the nation – Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, 1 November.
South Australian Jockey Club CEO, Brenton Wilkinson, said spring 2016 is the first time Morphettville will launch distinct styling for each race day to deliver local race-goers all the glamour of spring racing action without travelling across the border.
“This year expect a new look at Morphettville with the race day themes incorporated into the styling of the hospitality precincts and flowing across everything, right through to the fashions worn,” he said.
Caulfield Cup Day is ladies day where spring fashion – romantic, feminine looks and delicate fabrics – will be at the forefront. Cox Plate is gentlemen’s day at Morphettville – where the men will return to the heyday of racing when dapper style filled the racecourse stands. Victoria Derby Day is the day to indulge in the sophisticated side of racing, with black and white fashion the brief for the day.
Melbourne Cup sits as the pinnacle of the Australian racing calendar and thousands will descend on Morphettville to enjoy a glamorous, champagne-filled day, where race-goers are invited to dress to impress.
The action on-track is just as exciting with a full program of thoroughbred racing at Morphettville each day, as well as the races from the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival streamed live around the course.
Mr Wilkinson said whether race-goers are after a glamorous party wearing their racing best or a laid back lawn party, there will be an area to suit everyone at Morphettville.
“The Spring Carnival Fiesta precinct will be launched this season, while Festival Gardens – the place to be seen during autumn’s racing carnival and the Punters’ Lounge – the perfect space for a boys’ day out – will return for spring after their popular launch in May.”
The trackside Spring Carnival Fiesta is front and square on Morphettville’s Champagne Lawns. Groups of 10 or more can reserve a table, chairs and an umbrella with food and beverage stalls, and betting facilities at race-goers’ fingertips. The area is ideal for group celebrations, whether it’s a football break-up or a bride-to-be’s hens party.
“The Spring Carnival Fiesta will provide a party atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in all of the racing action and enjoy the spring weather. It’s perfectly designed for large social groups or special occasions,” Mr Wilkinson said.
The Festival Gardens precinct is set to host Adelaide’s style and social set, with the exclusive area hosting an unrivalled view of the Mounting Yard and Winning Post, as well as a premium bar and menu offering.
Other key and revitalised hospitality precincts are The Deck – perched above the Mounting Yard to offer one of the best views of the track, and The Vines, featuring exclusive, trackside pagodas close to the racing action with glamorous surrounds.
Mr Wilkinson said this year would see the launch of after-race parties where live bands and DJs would play through until sunset under the betting ring.
Fashion stakes will be higher than ever at this year’s spring races, with a qualifying round for the prized 2016-2017 Fashion at the Races competition being held on Melbourne Cup Day. There is cash and incredible prizes up for grabs on the day, with winner also qualifying for the state final in August 2017.
Local model and artist Olivia Rogers has been named the face of spring racing in Adelaide. “The races are such a unique experience unlike anything else you can do in Adelaide,” she said.
“There is a party atmosphere where you can socialise with friends and enjoy top food and beverages, coupled with the excitement of thoroughbred racing, which is truly spectacular. With the new themes, events and hospitality precincts, it feels like a whole new Morphettville.”
For more information, and to see the full Spring Race Day Calendar online now at the SAJC Website.
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