Four-legged thrills to follow footy

SANDOWN will host a post-AFL grand final race meeting on Sunday as the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival steps into full swing.
Spring racing will begin at Caulfield with the $1,008,000 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres on Saturday 13 October, while Sandown’s feature races, the Group 2 weight for age Sandown Classic and the Group 2 Sandown Guineas, will be run on the Lakeside track on Saturday 17 November.
Despite the recent equine influenza (EI) scare, Victoria has remained an EI-free state and a competitive and star-studded spring is predicted.
Sunday’s meeting will be the final one at Sandown prior to the racecourse hosting a group of international horses, with the quarantine station at the track housing the visitors for at least the first two weeks they are in Melbourne.
The training facilities for the overseas raiders have drawn glowing praise from trainers worldwide in the past and, although final arrangements are yet to be completed, there is sure to again be a strong group of visitors checking in to the Sandown equine hotel.
Depending upon travel arrangements for their return home, the possibility is always there that some of the internationals may remain and run in the Sandown Classic.
Sunday’s meeting will be run on the Sandown Hillside track and free entertainment will feature a jumping castle for children, while dining packages are also available.
For bookings phone 9257 7100.
Admission on Sunday is $8 for adults, $5 concession and children under 18 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.