Media Accreditation Media Accreditation
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) welcomes media attendance at Flemington throughout the racing season and at its full schedule of events during the year. The VRC will endeavour to respond to media’s interview and photo requests as they arise in a timely manner and facilitate opportunities where possible.
Please note that all media must follow the VRC Members dress code when attending race days. Access What to Wear for guidance.
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) welcomes media attendance at the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival, with all eyes on Flemington from Saturday 31 October to Saturday 7 November 2026.
Media personnel seeking access to cover the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival in a working capacity must have media accreditation.
Media wishing to apply for on-site media accreditation must contact the Media Accreditation Unit (MAU): mediaaccred@vrc.net.au
Media accreditation applications open in September and close on Wednesday 30 September.
The VRC is introducing a new accreditation system for this year's Carnival, which will require media to have:
One designated person to manage the application process for a media outlet (where the media outlet requires multiple staff to be accredited)
A letter of authority for each application
A current and colour headshot for each application
Lockdown period
Please be aware that Flemington Racecourse will be locked down from Thursday 22 October until Tuesday 10 November 2026 inclusive.
Any media wishing to access Flemington during this time must show their accreditation for the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Melbourne Cup Carnival media rules will be in place for the duration of the lockdown period.
Non-accredited media can apply to obtain a day pass prior to their intended visit by contacting VRC by phone: +61 (3) 8378 0641.
Any media wishing to access Flemington during the lockdown period must be accompanied by a member of the VRC Media Unit at all times.
Prior to your intended visit all media must contact: mediaaccred@vrc.net.au
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.
All requests for Media Accreditation outside the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day, TAB Turnbull Stakes Day and racing during autumn, should be made to:
Any media wishing to visit Flemington throughout the year must notify the VRC of their intention to access the racecourse.
Media must complete their annual VRC horse areas induction in order to work in the Flemington Racecourse mounting yard or horse stalls on race day. The induction is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
To organise your online induction, please contact VRC Work Health and Safety by emailing safety@vrc.net.au
Access to the Flemington Racecourse infield is prohibited unless special permission is obtained from the VRC. If access is approved, media will need to enter the infield area before 4am, remain in the Jockey’s Hut or Trainers Tower for the duration of training before being escorted out when the last horse has left the area at approximately 9am.
To organise approval from the VRC Media Unit please contact Maggie Payne (M.Payne@vrc.net.au) by email.
Any media wishing to access Flemington, including for photography, filming, interviews, research etc., must be accompanied by a VRC staff member.
Prior to your intended visit, media must contact:
While the VRC will endeavour to facilitate media access, requests made in advance are more likely to be accommodated.