The New Year’s Day Race Day program features eight races highlighted by the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) for stayers and the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m).

The Listed Bagot Handicap is an early guide for Lexus Melbourne Cup aspirants with several horses targeting the first Tuesday in November.

In 2022, High Emocean ran in the race and went on to place third in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Twelve gallopers will line up in this year’s edition with Group 1 TAB Champions Stakes winning jockey and trainer, Jamie Kah and Annabel Neasham teaming up again with Regal Lion.

Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will be looking to replicate their efforts from 2022 in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes with US import, Subconscious. The pair won the race last year with lightly raced import, Lighthouse.

Racegoers can spend the first day of the new year enjoying the summer sun on the Front Lawn which will be adorned with summer furniture, access to delicious food and refreshing beverages available from the Pimm’s pop-up bar. The area will also feature a croquet corner, with racegoers able to play a free game alongside live music adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the day.

The Punters Club returns to the Front Lawn and is open for everyone to enter at just $10 each prior to race 3. Our resident tipster will be providing the latest insights and selections to ensure racegoers don’t miss a moment of the racing action.

New Year’s Day Race Day will also offer plenty of family fun, with a dedicated zone on the Flemington Front Lawn and Member’s Front Lawn hosting free children’s activities including face painting and lawn games.

VRC Members and their guests can continue to celebrate New Year’s Day well after the last race, with extended summer hours on the Roof Garden with a DJ set.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the club was looking forward to welcoming racegoers to Flemington for the first race day of 2023.

“New Year’s Day Race Day at Flemington has been a staple on the calendar for many years and is a great opportunity to welcome in the new year in a relaxed environment with something for everyone, from quality racing to live entertainment and kids' activities,” Mr Rosich said.

Living Legends The Cleaner and Beauty Only will be on-course with racegoers able to meet them in the horse stalls or watch them parade around the Mounting Yard after races 2 and 4.

Gates open at 12:10pm and the first race is at 1:10pm. View the full list of races and acceptances here.

Racegoers can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster with prices starting at just $20 per person. Children under 12 and accompanied by an adult are admitted free to Flemington all year round.

Summer racing continues at Flemington with VRC Summer Race Day on Saturday 14 January, Rapid Racing Race Day on Friday 20 January, and Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Race Day on Saturday 18 February.