New Year's Day Races @ Hanging Rock

Experience More - Subscribe to Our Weekly Events Newsletter

Posted 2017-12-01 by Ian Gill ⇒ follow

Mon 01 Jan 2018

New Years Day Races at Hanging Rock are a long-standing tradition, the first official New Year event having been staged in 1886, but thoroughbred racing at The Rock can be traced back as far as 1870.

The races on New Year's Day in 1912 saw a crowd of 20,000 attend with the last race run at 6 PM and most revellers not leaving until the moon had risen.

With New Year's Day falling on Monday 1st January the 2018 event will feature a 6-race card over distances ranging from 1000 to 2400 Metres.

Hanging Rock is widely regarded as one of the great country race meetings staged in Victoria and New Year's Day 2018 will be no exception. It's the sort of meeting where you can simply lay out the picnic rug and enjoy a long, slow lunch along with a couple of drinks while following the racing at your leisure.

Gates open at 11 AM and there is a strict NO BYO ALCOHOL policy, no animals and no umbrellas or other shade structures.

General Admission tickets can be pre-booked for $20 per person online at www.country.racing.com or purchased at the gate for $25 per person (Concession $15 per person) and children 16 years and under Free.

Additional packages include an All Inclusive Trackside Marquee for a minimum of 20 guests, costing $195 per person. Package includes admission and race book, trackside location, fully furnished marquee, private outdoor seating with market umbrellas & picket fencing and a gourmet buffet. Chefs tasting platters will be served at 12 Noon, a buffet at 2 PM and afternoon treats served at 3 PM.

A beverage package including beer, red & white wines, sparkling brut, soft drink & water is included with personalised bar service from 12 noon and running until 10 minutes after the last race.

A live TV broadcast can be included in your marquee for an additional cost of $165.

A Hill Top Package for a minimum of 10 guests is available as is a Mini Marquee Package. Check the website www.country.racing.com for availability, full conditions and cost.

A shuttle bus service will operate between Woodend Railway Station and the race track connecting with VLine services from both Melbourne (Southern Cross) and Bendigo). Cost of the bus transport is $5 return.

A timetable for train services on the day is available at www.country.racing.com or www.vline.com.au

Hanging Rock Reserve is 70 kilometres from Melbourne, just over an hour's drive via the Calder Freeway to Woodend. Alternatively, take the Tullamarine Freeway to Romsey then the Woodend Road to the track.