Tens of thousands will flock to Eagle Farm to share in the excitement of Queensland's top day of racing culminating in the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap, Brisbane's richest and most celebrated race.

There are few sporting events that can match the heritage and history of AAMI Stradbroke Day which is the centrepiece of the Brisbane racing social calendar.

Race-goers will witness history as the country's best racehorses battle it out in Australia's premier sprint handicap race, with all eyes on the $1 million prize.

The AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a race where horses have set weights based on performance. This results in a closely matched field where theoretically every horse has a chance of crossing the finish line first. This form of racing has always held a romantic place in the hearts of Australians with battlers having the opportunity to beat champions.

The AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a favourite with both professional and amateur punters offering the biggest betting prize pool and best odds of any of the Brisbane Racing Carnival's races.

Run over a distance of 1400 metres, the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap has produced many heart-stopping moments and some of the nation's finest champions, many of which go on to become racing legends.

The pinnacle of the Queensland racing calendar brings the social and racing worlds together to enjoy an incredible day of entertainment both on and off the track.

Guests can choose from a huge variety of hospitality experiences on AAMI Stradbroke Day such as The Race Comes First Marquee. A premium hospitality experience guests of this marquee will indulge in a premium beverage selection and delicious lunch menu prepared by Philip Johnson of e'cco restaurant. Tickets are $350 and won't last long. Book online at brc.com.au or by phoning 3268 2171.

Other options include the B105 Lawn Party and the Fashion Marquee.

Australasia's finest jockeys, trainers and horses arrive hoping to leave their mark on Brisbane's greatest race while the social set enjoy the spectacle in the myriad of marquees that line the track.

Chefs will work around the clock preparing everything from traditional racing fare to Queensland's finest seafood, while crates of champagne and fine wines will be put on ice in preparation for an epic day of wining, dining and racing.

Event organisers have reviewed racecourse facilities in anticipation of record crowds and have installed new bars, more ATMs and other facilities to ensure everyone enjoys Queensland's favourite race day.

The new partnership between the Brisbane Racing Club and David Jones will culminate in a spectacular social event where guests can enjoy a unique trackside experience in the David Jones Stewards Lawn Marquee featuring Bollinger champagne, canapés created by Philip Johnson of e'cco Bistro fame while rubbing shoulders with the fashion elite such as Megan Gale, Samantha Harris, Emma Freedman and Heath Townsend.

The David Jones Fashions on the Field will see a hotly contested race off the track as entrants will vie for the title of Best Classic race-wear. The prize for the winner will include a trip to Sydney to attend the National 2011 Summer Fashion Launch plus a meet and greet with David Jones Brand Ambassador Megan Gale or Fashion Ambassador Miranda Kerr.

General admission tickets are just $31.50 through Ticketek

Megan will attend the AAMI Stradbroke on behalf of David Jones who will also be represented by their Ambassador Family including racing royalty Emma Freedman and home-grown Queenslanders, Samantha Harris and Heath Townsend all of who will take centre stage in the marquee.

Guests of the luxury marquee which is equipped with a Bobbi Brown pamper room will sip Bollinger and graze on a menu created by famed chef Philip Johnson of Brisbane's renowned e'cco restaurant, while relishing in an incredible unobstructed view down Eagle Farm's home straight.

The exclusive marquee will entertain 150 guests and the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) anticipates tickets will sell-out quickly.

"We launch tickets on sale tomorrow and we anticipate the marquee will be a sell out within just a few hours," said Darren Condon, BRC Chief Operating Officer.

This year marks the first of a new partnership between the BRC and David Jones. The agreement, which was announced in January this year, secures David Jones as the exclusive department store partner of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival.

"Our new relationship with David Jones enables us to bring together racing and fashion. We know many of our customers shop at David Jones and so this partnership is an obvious fit for both businesses.

"The partnership also enables us to continue to raise the profile of the sport in Brisbane through the attendance of Australian celebrities such as Megan Gale.

"We look forward to a long and successful relationship with David Jones, " said Mr Condon.

David Jones Group Executive Marketing – Brett Riddington said, "We are extremely proud of our newly formed partnership with the BRC and through our increased presence on Stradbroke Day and we look forward to bringing a never before experienced level of glamour and excitement to the track."

Tickets to the David Jones Stewards Lawn Marquee are $450 and can be purchased online here.

This exciting partnership will include naming rights to the newly named David Jones Fashions on the Field during the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival in addition to the David Jones Lightning Handicap held on AAMI Stradbroke Day - Brisbane's most prestigious race day at Eagle Farm.

David Jones Group General Manager Marketing, Brett Riddington said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Brisbane Racing Club and expanding our long-term relationship with the Australian Racing Industry – this new agreement further enhances our commitment not only to the people of Brisbane but to the much-loved Australian sport of racing."

"The partnership between David Jones and the Brisbane Racing Club is a significant milestone for racing in Brisbane, delivering a first-class carnival through high caliber fashion and a prestigious race meet."

"David Jones has the greatest portfolio of the best local and international fashion, accessory and millinery brands recongnised by race goers nationwide, we look forward to bringing this new element of glamour and excitement to the track at Eagle Farm," Mr Riddington concluded.

David Jones Senior Executives including CEO, Paul Zahra and Ambassadors Megan Gale, Emma Freedman and Gai Waterhouse will all be trackside on AAMI Stradbroke Day.

BRC Chairman, Kevin Dixon said, "The Brisbane Racing Club is proud and excited to welcome David Jones to its stable of sponsors in 2011."

"From our earliest discussions it was obvious that David Jones and The Brisbane Racing Club have a like minded approach on how fashion integrates into a racing carnival. The iconic brand of David Jones and this approach will see the integration of fashion and racing grow throughout the Brisbane Racing Carnival between May 14 and June 11."

"The Brisbane Racing Club hosts the biggest racing Carnival in Queensland resulting in significant investment in fashion and accessory categories. The alignment of the BRC and David Jones brands leverages this economic impact on the State's economy," Mr Dixon concluded.

At the Brisbane Vintage Fashion & Decor Fair, you'll discover a glorious array of vintage finds from the Victorian era through to the 1980s - gowns, beaded evening bags, lace, buttons, jewellery, lingerie, embroidery, shoes, hats, textiles, men's vintage, needlework, necklaces, gloves, trimmings, compacts, parasols, fans, antique linens, sewing patterns, fabrics, vintage sunglasses, Art Deco handbags, hatboxes, scent bottles, retro lamps, advertising posters, and inspiring collections of unique props and decorator items.

VINTAGE FAIR DATES & HOURS

Friday 7th May 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 8th May 9.30am -4.30pm

EAGLE FARM RACECOURSE

Only 1 minute walk from Ascot Station.

Plenty of parking available.

ADMISSION

Admission $10

Concession $8

Children under 10yrs free

www.vintagefashionfairs.com.au