The VRC welcomes media attendance at the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival, with intense interest focused on Flemington from Saturday 31 October to Saturday 7 November 2020.
Media personnel seeking access to cover the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival (MCC) in a working capacity must submit an application for media accreditation.
Media accreditation provides working media on-site event access during the MCC.
Wrights PR manages the Media Accreditation Unit (MAU) on behalf of the VRC.
Media wishing to apply for on-site media accreditation must contact the MAU on +61 (3) 8378 0770 or mediaaccred@vrc.net.au
Media accreditation applications open in September.
Please note, submitting an application for on-site media accreditation does not guarantee approval.
To enhance the experience for accredited media, media accreditation is strictly limited to 1,000 personnel. Priority is given to VRC media partners, outlets with high circulation/reach, timely applications and outlets that can demonstrate past coverage of the Melbourne Cup Carnival or other VRC events.
Media outlets and their representatives may be required to substantiate applications to the MAU. The team will contact you if there are any concerns with your application.
2019 media accreditation rules
All accredited media outlets and each representative working at the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival are bound by the following:
2019 sponsor supplier media rules
Melbourne Cup Carnival media guide
View the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival Media Guide (PDF)
The Melbourne Cup Carnival Media Guide offers information on:
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media accreditation information
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racedays
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race programs
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media contacts
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media facilities
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online and social media
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Melbourne Cup Carnival sponsors
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Myer Fashions on the Field competition
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Flemington history and background information
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Melbourne Cup Carnival economic impacts
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Lexus Melbourne Cup statistics
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Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy
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Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour
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Melbourne Cup winners timeline.
Lock-down period
Please be aware that Flemington Racecourse will be locked down from Monday 26 October until Wednesday 11 November 2020, inclusive.
Any media wishing to access Flemington during this time must be accredited for the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Accredited media must then follow the Non-Raceday Media Access to Flemington procedures, which are outlined under the ‘Non Melbourne Cup Carnival Media Accreditation’ tab on this page. Melbourne Cup Carnival media rules will be in place for the duration of the lock-down period.
Non-accredited media can apply to obtain a Day Pass prior to their intended visit by contacting VRC PR Manager Kate Coughlan by email or phone: +61 (3) 8378 0631 or 0418 595 782.
Any media wishing to access Flemington during the lock-down period must be accompanied by a member of the VRC Media Unit at all times.
Prior to your intended visit all media must contact:
- Kate Coughlan, VRC PR Manager, on (03) 8378 0631 or 0418 595 782.
While the VRC will endeavour to facilitate media access, requests made in advance are more likely to be accommodated. Please note, not all areas of Flemington will be accessible.
Trackwork access
All media who wish to access the racecourse infield for trackwork must complete a VRC induction and obtain approval for their visit in advance.
On approval being granted, media must adhere to the following:
- Parking from Smithfield Road entrance:
- do not exceed 20km/hr speed limit
- motor vehicles must be parked in the external car park (on right prior to the first boom gate)
- motor vehicles MUST NOT proceed through the second boom gate.
- Entering horse area (past second boom gate):
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you must be on foot
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you must give way to horses
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do not approach horses
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maintain a minimum 5 meters from horses
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stay on the left side of horses
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never walk directly behind a horse
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do not make excessive or loud noises that may spook a horse (turn mobile phones to silent)
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you must report to Tracks staff member at entrance to the tunnel prior to proceeding
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you must be escorted on site by a Tracks staff member.
- Equipment:
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carry all equipment by hand into the infield
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keep equipment to a minimum
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wheel based cases (e.g. Pelican cases) are not permitted in the infield
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where multiple items and/or items that cannot be carried by hand are required, these must be delivered the day prior (outside of track work hours) and can be stored securely in the infield to use the following morning (you must advise your VRC contact and the Senior Track Manager in advance to arrange access to infield and secure storage). Note: while items will be secured, VRC does not accept cost associated with any loss or damage that may occur to items stored on site.
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hand carried items must be removed when leaving the infield
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multiple items and/or items that cannot be carried by hand must be removed after track work has finished for the day (after 9.30am).
Raceday photographers induction
Photographers wishing to access the Mounting Yard or areas adjacent to the track on any Flemington raceday must organise to complete a Flemington Photographers Induction prior to raceday to gain access to these areas.
Details about Flemington Photographers Inductions for the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival will be released closer to the event date.
All other media access
Any media wishing to access Flemington (excluding inducted media attending trackwork), including for photography, filming, interviews, research etc., must be accompanied by a VRC staff member.
Prior to your intended visit, media must contact VRC PR Manager Kate Coughlan by email or phone: +61 (3) 8378 0631 or 0418 595 782.
While the VRC will endeavour to facilitate media access, requests made in advance are more likely to be accommodated.