Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Dale Monteith on Sunday announced that children under 16 and accompanied by an adult will be admitted free to Flemington on all four days of the 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

General admission and reserved seating ticketing for the highly anticipated 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival goes on sale through Ticketmaster from 9am (AEST) this Monday, 9 July.

“The VRC is committed to providing value for money for racegoers attending the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Mr Monteith said.

“We are conscious of the cost pressures families are under. With free admission for children, more families will be able to experience the excitement of one of the world’s great sporting spectacles.

“This is good for families, and good for racing.”

The announcement follows the recent launch of a $200 Flemington General Admission Season Pass, valued at over $560, offering access to all Flemington racedays, including the four days of the prized Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The first 1500 patrons who purchase a General Admission or Reserved Seating ticket for the 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival will receive a complimentary $10 TAB betting voucher to be used on-course at Flemington during the Carnival (limited to one voucher per person, terms and conditions apply).

The 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with AAMI Victoria Derby Day (November 3), followed by Emirates Melbourne Cup Day (November 6), Crown Oaks Day (November 8) and Emirates Stakes Day (November 10).

Melbourne Cup Carnival General Admission and Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com.au or calling 1300 136 122.