Emirates Stakes Day is one of the biggest thoroughbred racing events on the Melbourne calendar and the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Taking place on Saturday the 9th of November 2013, this special day of racing is known as ‘Family Day’ and well loved for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There are two Group 1 races hosted on the day, the Emirates Stakes itself and the exciting VRC Sprint Classic, formerly known as the Patinack Farm Classic among other names.

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There are a total of nine events run on the day, including one Listed race, two Group 3 races, one Group 2 race, and the two Group 1 headliners. While the 1600 metre Emirates Stakes is the main attraction of the day, there is more than enough quality racing to keep everyone happy.

Time	Race Name				Value		Group	Type				Distance

11.30 	The Hong Kong JC Maribyrnong Plate 		$151,500 	Gr. 3 	2YO SW (N/C) 			1000m
12.10 	SecondBite Plate 				$101,500 	  	4YO&Up Rtg 0-96 Hcp (N/C) 	1600m
12.50 	Antler Luggage Handicap 			$101,500 	  	4YO&Up Rtg 0-96 Hcp (N/C) 	2000m
1.30 	Hilton Hotels & Resorts Stakes 		$151,500 	LR 	3YO Hcp (N/C) 			1400m
2.15 	Momentum Energy Stakes 			$302,000 	Gr. 2 	Mares SW&P (N/C) 		2000m
3.00 	VRC Sprint Classic 			$1,002,500 	Gr. 1 	WFA (N/C) 			1200m
3.45 	Emirates Stakes 				$1,005,000 	Gr. 1 	Qlty Hcp (N/C) 			1600m
4.30 	Queen Elizabeth Stakes 			$301,500 	Gr. 3 	Qlty Hcp (N/C) 			2600m
5.15 	Emirates Airline Handicap 			$101,500 	  	Hcp (N/C) 			1400m

There is more to Emirates Stakes Day than the racing, however, with a wide range of fun and free activities for children and adults of all ages. As the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, there is generally a feeling of celebration in the air as everyone comes together and unwinds. Some of the activities on the day include the My Kitchen Rules Laneway, Merrywell, Nova Dome, AAMI Helipad, Hill Square Entertainment, and The Zone.

The Zone is one of the defining features of Emirates Stakes Day, a full-filled entertainment area for families and children alongside Hill Square. With active games and roving entertainers all day long, this area is all about the kids. Gates open for Emirates Stakes Day at 9.30am, with the first race run at 11.30am and the last at 5.15pm.