Day at theRaces 2025
Lexus Australia have been the proud principal partner of the Victorian Racing Club since 2003 and naming rights sponsor of the Lexus Melbourne Cup for over seven years.
Through these partnerships, we have been proud to offer our valued customers the chance to share in the excitement of the lead up to the ‘race that stops a nation’ and this year, we were excited to have the opportunity to elevate our renowned event by hosting a bespoke racing experience that combined luxury, style and live horse racing.
In early October, our valued Encore Members were invited to enjoy a ‘Day at the Races’ at the stunning, new award-winning Wolf Blass Event Centre at Morphettville Racecourse.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot champagne, as well as a bespoke live food preparation station where chefs put together delectable tartare options, including salmon, beef and beetroot, for everyone to enjoy.
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It was wonderful to also see our valued guests take the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of the stunning photo wall, adorned by flowers from Indy Rose Flowers, as well as viewing the race schedule and chatting to the in-room bookie that was available if they wished to try their luck and back a winner.
Everyone then found their table before heading out to our private trackside yard to view the stunning Lexus vehicles on display – a Lexus GX 550, a Lexus LBX and a Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid – as well as taking in the sights from the race day. We had the perfect position right on the finish line to view all the race action throughout the day!
Guests were encouraged to make their way back into the room to enjoy a special welcome from Lexus of Adelaide, General Manager, Wade Sander, before the delicious entrée was served.
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Following entrée, Wade then spoke of our wonderful previous Lexus Melbourne Cup experiences and why we had decided to elevate this year’s event and host such a wonderful Day at the Races.
He then had the pleasure of welcoming Victorian Racing Club Representative and racing icon, Joe McGrath to the stage, as well as the owner of the 1977 Melbourne Cup winner Gold and Black, John Harris, who was proud to be attending with his wife Lynn. John and Lynn also kindly brought with them the 1977 Melbourne Cup trophy which was proudly displayed for all to admire.
Joe facilitated a special Q&A with John which gave our guests an insight into how John worked with Bart Cummings, the trainer of Gold and Black, and his experiences with the racing legend, as well as what happened on the day at the 1977 Melbourne Cup and how it felt to win such a prestigious race.
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Following this special Q&A with Joe and John, delicious mains were served and everyone was encouraged to make their way outside to stand on the finish line to cheer for their favourite horse in each race. We were also proud to sponsor Race 7 – the Lexus of Adelaide Handicap – which saw Super Lad take first place, and Sachem and Alainge running second and third.
Throughout the day, it was also great to have Joe take to the stage to provide his tips, which we hope proved to be beneficial for our guests with backing a winner! If guests weren’t inclined to back their favourite horse or watch the race, it was wonderful to see them take the opportunity to enjoy the luxurious surroundings and the free-flowing Veuve Clicquot in the sun in our private yard, or inside with the soulful tunes from DJ Felicity Aukett.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us for a luxurious Day at the Races and we hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did.
Lexus of Adelaide
Experience Amazing
Lexus of Adelaide pride themselves on taking customer experience beyond the showroom floor and throughout the year many of our wonderful Encore clients are invited to Experience Amazing.
