Author: Melbourne Racing Club

Emma Shelley and Cara Hardwick joined Michael Felgate in studio to talk about Stable Wellbeing – an exciting project aimed to improve the mental health of stable employees, track riders and trainers at Caulfield and Mornington Racecourse by providing supported access to health and wellbeing programs as well as some onsite health activities.

Racing and Media Executive Josh Rodder, began his career in the stables at Caulfield, before following his heart and future wife Talia, to Perth Racing. On returning to his home turf at Caulfield, Josh built a family, carved out his dream role and embodies the heart and soul of the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), the organisation responsible for the Caulfield Cup Carnival, The Peninsula Picnic, Gourmet Cinema and almost 500 other annual events was responsible for a $463.9 million injection into the Victorian economy for the 2017 financial year, a new study has found.

In addition to the MRC’s economic contribution, the Club created an additional 1,952 full, part time and casual jobs, welcomed 2 million patrons and raised a total of $1.1 million through the Club’s charitable arm, the MRC Foundation.

The Economic Impact Study was commissioned by the Club and undertaken by Ernst & Young to investigate the level of economic value generated through its events, hospitality portfolio, activities and functions. The Club manages Caulfield, Mornington and Ladbrokes Park Racecourses, as well as eleven other hospitality and gaming venues in Victoria. The economic impact is identified as the total value of goods and services produced through activity by the Club.

The major contributor to the value driven by the Club came from gaming and ancillary revenue made through the Club’s then 13 venues managed under the Pegasus Leisure Group ($141.8 million).

Ongoing benefits associated with horse racing at the Club’s three tracks has seen an increase in prizemoney from trainers located at the Club’s training sites along with increased nominations further contributing to the economic value.

Significantly, almost half ($218.8 million) of the total contribution made by the Club to the economy was derived from non-racing activity; gaming and function and venue hire, highlighting the Club’s diversification into more events, hospitality and other interests.

Despite this, the Club’s racing events, including the Caulfield Cup Carnival and the 70+ other races conducted at the Club’s three racecourses, continue to be major drawcards for visitation for the Club, attracting 223,800 patrons across the year.

When compared to the figures presented in the previous study undertaken in 2014, the Club has contributed a further $62 million to the state’s economy in 2017. This has been attributable to:

• The Club’s further diversification of its operational activities in its non raceday activity,
• The expansion of its broadcasting rights to a number of jurisdiction’s
• The ongoing investment in its Gaming portfolio and
• The continued growth and quality of its racing product across the Club’s three tracks.

MRC CEO, Josh Blanksby, says the findings quantify the significant role the Club plays in its wider operating community.

“We are very conscious of the role the Melbourne Racing Club plays in the community,” Mr Blanksby says.

“We have put significant effort into diversifying the Club’s activities to ensure we continue to employ, engage and entertain the 2 million plus people who walk through our gates and doors each year.”

“While the Caulfield Cup Carnival and our spring race days are the jewels in our annual calendar, the Club has over recent years placed particular focus on our non-raceday activities, including our owned events and functions, which is evidenced by the $77.1 million in revenue attributed to our non-raceday venue hire business.

“We are also very aware of our responsibility to local communities, over and above our own operations, and this is why we will be looking to increase the $1.1 million in funds raised by the MRC Foundation this year and ongoing.”

The Economic Contribution of the Melbourne Racing Club report can be viewed in full here.

Members wishing to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report, please contact us at membership@mrc.net.au or 1300 GO RACE (46 7223) with your name and membership number.

View the 2018 Annual Report here

Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) is excited to announce that The Emerson will continue their partnership with MRC Young Members Precinct during the 2018-2019 racing season as the official after party venue for the 2018 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival and the 2019 Summer Racing Carnival.

The partnership with The Emerson will see the following exclusive benefits for MRC Young Members:

• Complimentary bus transfers from Caulfield Racecourse to The Emerson on Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day, Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day and Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes Day
• Priority entry to The Emerson from 6.00pm – 9.00pm (MRC Young Members and guests must be wearing their wristband as well as their Membership Card or Guest Ticket)
• Complimentary drink on arrival and an hour of delicious canapés
• Two (2) VIP After Party experiences valued at $4,000 each to be won in the MRC Young Members marquee on Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day and Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day

The popular three-storey rooftop bar, which is located only a few kilometres away from Caulfield Racecourse, provides the perfect venue to continue the celebrations after a day at the races.
Returning to its exclusive location on the centre stage of Caulfield Racecourse this Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival, is the MRC Young Members presented by PIMM’s precinct which provides members and their guests the ultimate race day experience.
With a premium food and beverage offering, live music and entertainment all day, plus the official after party at The Emerson, South Yarra, it’s no surprise this is an annual sell-out event.
The Emerson has special offers and incredible functions for 10 to 800 guests for MRC Members and friends: Please contact social@theemerson.com.au or (03) 9825-0900.
https://www.theemerson.com.au/

The MRC Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Davidson to the club Committee, assuming the position vacated by former Chairman, Mike Symons.

A member of the Club for five years, Scott is the majority owner and Chairman of QMC Logistics, one of Australia’s leading refrigerated supply chain providers, and is a Director of the National Road Transport Association, the largest member organisation representing the trucking and logistics industry.

Scott is also a successful racehorse owner and breeder, and has raced horses at Ascot, Meydan, Arlington and Tokyo. His horses include internationally bred Group One winners Jakkalberry and Crackerjack King, dual Group winner La Passe as well as Stakes winners Firehouse Rock and Rockolicious.  Scott currently has an exciting band of home bred 2 and 3 year olds emerging as well as the recent listed winner and progressive stayer Yogi on a Melbourne Cup path.

“As an avid racing enthusiast, to be involved with this preeminent Club is a real honour,” Davidson said of the appointment.

“It’s a changing time for the Club, and we are seeing a much broader diversity in age, gender and background represented on the Committee. I welcome the opportunity to provide a new perspective, and will be paying particular focus to how the Club can cater for the wants and needs of the average member.”

“Looking towards spring I am excited at the prospect of seeing some Japanese imports at Caulfield in October. With the increased prizemoney, it’s sure to be an outstanding field and it’s therefore a really thrilling time to be joining the Committee under our new Chairman, Peter Le Grand.”

The Committee, executive and staff of the club warmly welcome Scott to the Committee and look forward to working with him across the busy coming months and beyond.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Caulfield Racecourse. Further details to follow.

MRC Members and their guests* are invited to join us this June at Living Legends, which is home to some of Australia’s finest retired champion racehorses, including legendary Caulfield Cup winners and Racing Hall of Fame horses.

Where: Living Legends – Oaklands Road, Greenvale
When: Sunday 17 June, 2018
Time: 12.00pm – 4.00pm

BBQ lunch, Devonshire Tea and Champagne will be provided.

Limited complimentary bus transport (departing from Caulfield Racecourse and return) is also available. Please ensure you select this option at the time of your booking.
Alternatively, parking is available at Living Legends.

Cost: $50.00

Click here to RSVP

Scratching your head over who to back this Saturday at Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes Day? Well, this is your lucky day.

Not only do I guarantee winners* this Saturday, I promise that after reading my snapshot of what is undoubtedly a stupendous the nine-race card at Caulfield, you will automatically become 17% more attractive to the opposite sex.**

What more do you want punters? Enjoy one of the great Caulfield race days this Saturday!

R1: Ladbrokes Mornington Cup Prelude 2000m

If there is strong market support for either Almandin or Homesman then I suggest you follow it – if there’s not then get on board with #4 GALLIC CHIEFTAIN which had no hope in a stop-start race fresh here first-up. Loved his last 600m, he can win this.

BET: #4 Gallic Chieftain to win

R2: G2 Heritage Finance Autumn Classic 1800m

Favourites have won the last three editions of this race so happy days if you like a shorty. I’m a huge fan of #3 MR SO AND SO and he was unlucky not to win the G2 Autumn Stakes last start when held up rounding the home turn. 1800m looks within his reach. #9 ARMED AND READY is a bit like a young M. Sharkie; a bit goofy but there’s an engine there.

BET: #3 Mr So And So to win, something smaller #9 Armed And Ready

R3: G3 Ladbrokes Zeditave Stakes 1200m

Tricky race…might be time for a dip in the Bondi Sands pool (did anyone actually swim in it the other day?). If the leaders fry each other up front, #5 ALBUMIN will come home at a cracking pace, no yolking. Punters are waiting for the always well-backed #6 I DID IT AGAIN to do it again and maybe this is his chance after a good first-up run behind Cliff’s Edge – same race #1 OVERSHARE comes through.

BET: That I’ve run out of egg puns. Each-way #5 Albumin

R4: G2 Ladbrokes Angus Armanasco Stakes 1400m

I reckon there’s some value in this race and I’m liking the odds for #7 EARTH ANGEL, a daughter of one of my all-time favourites Miss Finland. The other two fillies I think will run much better than the market suggests are #1 COUNTERPLAY and #11 MISS OKLAHOMA.

BET: Each-way #7 Earth Angel, boxed exacta 1, 7, 11

R5: G3 Premier Signs Mannerism Stakes 1400m

What the heck happened to #1 SILENT SEDITION last start? One minute she’s going to bolt in, next minute she’s in reverse. I’m not backing her at short odds on that! This is not a race I’m super hungry to have a go at but #7 SAMOVARE might be worth a shout to cause an upset fresh. Has been jumping out well at Flemington.

BET: #7 Samovare at odds

R6: G1 italktravel Futurity Stakes 1400m

I know it’s a G1 feature, but I really don’t like this race! I’m not completely trusting the Orr Stakes form so I’m looking left field. Surely #11 SHOWTIME and #5 SOVEREIGN NATION are better than $12 and $26 chances on their best form? They’ll do me.

BET: A (hesitant) tenner on #11 Showtime & #5 Sovereign Nation

R7: G1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes 1200m

Oh good – a 16-horse 2yo raffle with no stand out. Don’t be put off by wide gates, horses can win this race drawn wide especially if they have a turn of foot which is exactly what #11 KINKY BOOM has. She lived up to the hype of her trial win with a very good debut victory and current odds are generous. #15 QAFILA is very talented and she could become the first horse to win the Diamond first-up. Huge odds on offer compared to her ability.

BET: Each-way #11 Kinky Boom, boxed trifecta 2, 4, 11, 13, 15, 16

R8: G1 Ladbrokes Oakleigh Plate 1100m

I may love the Oakleigh Plate more than I love pies in the Medallion Bar. I really love pies in the Medallion Bar. I feel really dirty for abandoning one of my equine girlfriends #17 CATCHY, but I’m going to have a lash here at #11 BONS AWAY. I’ve been seduced by his recent jump outs in which he has accelerated like Usain Bolt; let’s find out if he’s up to this level. Be brave.

BET: Each-way #11 Bon’s Away

R9: G2 Carlton Draught Peter Young Stakes 1800m

It’s been six years since my mate Lucas Cranach won this race and I haven’t backed a winner of it since so mathematics say I’m due. I knocked the Orr Stakes form in the Futurity but half contradicting myself by landing on #10 ABBEY MARIE – enormous run, very unlucky, she pushed Bonneval second-up last preparation.

BET: #10 Abbey Marie each-way

*By “guarantee” I mean if you’re lucky.

**Yes, my tips are that good. Feel the love Caulfield.