After years of trying to resurrect the VRC Cup Carnival to its former glory, the 2024 edition delivered like never before, including the final race on Champions Day that saw 62,022 fans erupt when Jmac landed his final and 11thwinner, breaking his own previous record of 10.
Melbourne has suffered from the COVID years like no other state has. The CBD offices are still half empty and the once proud ‘Event Capital’ of the world has struggled to recapture its magic.
However, the four days of the VRC Carnival has shown that Melbourne is bouncing back and it can now lay claim to being one of the Top 5 events again.
AFL Grand Final: Still possibly underutilised outside of the match itself, but undeniably epic.
Australian Open: Craig Tiley and TA have done a power of work to make it the best fortnight in town.
F1 Grand Prix: Looked to be wilting on the vine, enter Oscar Piastri and Drive to Survive.
VRC Cup Carnival: 285,675 racegoers can’t be wrong and a great mix of ages to breathe life back into it.
Boxing Day Test: It’s been The Ashes and daylight in recent years, can the Indians create a new wave of cricketing fans?
The new CEO of the Victoria Racing Club Kylie Rogers summed it up perfectly; “We have been delighted with the Melbourne Cup Carnival, more than 280,000 racegoers through the gates, world-class racing at its best, and of course the fashion, food and entertainment ensured racegoers had an unforgettable day out at Flemington. Bring on 2025.”
The challenge remains to maintain the engagement of the young fans that cheered on Saturday and the industry can’t pat itself on the back and rest on it laurels as the biggest challenge is finding the next generation of racing fans, before the NBA, NFL, UFC and others get their attention.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
