64 days of thundering hooves, ultimate glory and a healthy splash of fashion. The Spring Racing Carnival is here, and we’re going to make things as easy as we can for those who ride with the Sport of Kings. For a complete rundown, hit racing.com.
Turnbull Stakes Day – Flemington, Sunday, October 4. Gates open at 11a.m. First race is at 12.30p.m. Special trains run direct to Flemington. Need to know: Long considered a solid guide for predicting future Melbourne Cup champions.
BMW Caulfield Cup Day – Caulfield, Saturday, October 17. First race TBC. Gates will open approximately 1.5 hours beforehand. Need to know: The third and final day of the Caulfield racing carnival, signalling the beginning of big-time racing. 11 horses have scored the Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double.
William Hill Geelong Cup – Geelong Racecourse, Wednesday, October 21. First race TBC. Need to know: Choose and build your race-day package from several options. Geelong Cup winners Media Puzzle (2002), Bauer (2007), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) have all gone on to win the big prize.
William Hill Cox Plate – Mooney Valley, Saturday, October 24. First race TBC. Need to know: The favourite has an overall win rate of 41%.
Jayco Bendigo Cup – Bendigo Racecourse, Wednesday, October 28. First race TBC. Need to know: Sidetrack’d. Enjoy special access to the premium trackside marquee and entertainment from Joel Fletcher, Lucille Croft, Teddy Cream, Nick Goldsmith and Tayler Hocking. Free courtesy bus to after-party.
AAMI Victoria Derby Day – Flemington, Saturday, October 31. Gates open 8.30a.m. First race is at 11.45a.m. Special trains run direct to Flemington. Need to know: Glamour and sophistication, this for many is the most outstanding day of racing on the Australian calendar.
Moama Bowling Club Melbourne Cup Day – Echuca, Tuesday, November 3. Gates open at 10.15a.m. First race TBC. A shuttle bus service will operate from Echuca to the racecourse. Buses will also operate from Shepparton. Need to know: Choose and build your race-day package from several options. Catch live races plus all the action from Flemington on the big screens.
Emirates Melbourne Cup Day – Flemington, Tuesday, November 3. Gates open at 8.30a.m. First race is at 10.40a.m. Need to know: We all know about this one – it is the race that stops the nation. $6.2-million in prize money is up for grabs. 3p.m. is the time.
Crown Oaks Day – Flemington, Thursday, November 5. Gates open at 10.15a.m. First race is at 12.05p.m. Special trains run direct to Flemington. Need to know: Traditionally known as “Ladies Day”, it is the fitting host of the national final of Myer Fashions on the Field Women’s Racewear.
Emirates Stakes Day – Flemington, Saturday, November 7. Gates open at 10.15a.m. First race is as 12.20p.m. Special trains run direct to Flemington. Need to know: The “Family Day” of the carnival features live entertainment and free activities for the kids, as the Melbourne Cup Carnival concludes its festivities.
Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup – Ballarat, Saturday, November 21. First race TBC. Need to know: Choose and build your race-day package from several options.
ADDITIONAL DATES: Beck Caulfield Guineas Day – Caulfield, Saturday, October 10; Bendigo Beach Party Raceday – Bendigo, Saturday, October 17; Mildura Melbourne Cup Day Races – Mildura, Tuesday, November 3; Kyneton Cup – Kyneton, Wednesday, November 4; Warrnambool Toyota Oaks Day – Warrnambool, Thursday, November 5; and Ararat Gold Cup – Ararat – Sunday, November 8.