By Casey Neill
Take a pinch of glam, a handful of rural character, a plate of farm-fresh produce and a bottle of local wine – that’s Yarra Valley racing.
Cox Plate Day is the kick-off party for this year’s spring racing carnival at Yarra Glen.
The Saturday 27 October race day will be the first thoroughbred meet of the season and promises a great atmosphere filled with live music, ample hospitality and options to suit every guest.
From a track-side work party to a day out with the kids, Yarra Valley Racing Club can cater for it all.
Early bid admission for Cox Plate Day is $15, adult tickets are $20, and children under-18 attend free of charge.
“It’s really quite affordable for a family,” Yarra Valley Racing Club marketing manager Tanya Sprague said.
“It’s a viable option for a whole day’s worth of entertainment.
“You can even bring your own food if you want to.”
But the course offers dining and hospitality packages ranging from chef-prepared picnic hampers to a catered buffet lunch.
Picnic hampers feed 10 people and include gourmet cold meat and salads, rolls, antipasto and cheeses.
In the Yarraview Dining Room, chefs hand-pick the Yarra Valley’s freshest produce to create a seasonal three-course menu.
In-between are beverage packages and cheese platters, which guests can devour from their own fold-up chair or picnic rug, under a trackside umbrella from $40 per person, on a home straight picnic table or in a mini marquee.
The VIP lounge offers a touch of luxury, with gourmet canapes, boutique wines, a dedicated mixologist and a DJ.
There’s also a zone especially for kids, with inflatables and more.
The Moonee Valley Cox Plate will be on the big screen so punters won’t miss a thing from the Melbourne meet.
Fashions in the Yarra Valley are a bit more relaxed than the Flemington or Caulfield catwalk.
It’s about style and stunning outfits, not stressing over designer labels or this season’s latest couture.
As well as the catwalk, there’ll be a touch-up booth, an exclusive cocktail and champagne bar, and pop-up photo studio.
Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 6 November and Oaks Day on Thursday 8 November wrap up the spring racing calendar, but major meets on 1 December, 21 December and 17 March will follow.
Free car parking is available at the course and a courtesy bus will run from Lilydale Railway Station.
Gates open 11am and the last race runs between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
Visit yarravalleyracing.com.au or call 9730 1332 for more information or bookings.
