Your guide to Melbourne’s 2018 Spring Racing Carnival

Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s great sporting highlights. It attracts race-goers from across the nation and the word. But some of the best Spring Racing Carnival highlights aren’t only in Melbourne, but they’re in country Victoria too. 

All you need to do is hire a car from Melbourne and then you can travel to these fantastic events on the racing calendar.

Cox Plate - 27th October

Every year in late October, the Moonee Valley Racecourse plays host to the famous Group One WS Cox Plate over 2040m.  It's widely known among those in the racing community as the best weight for age race in Australasia and one of the most exciting race days in the world. The Cox Plate carries a total prize money of $3,000,000, and is Australia’s second richest race after the Melbourne Cup. This is one event you surely don't want to miss.

Melbourne Cup - 6th November

Melbourne Cup, Australia's best-known horse racing event is held on the first Tuesday of November every year. More than 100,000 people, including celebrity VIP guests, pack Flemington Racecourse to witness 'the race that stops the nation'. Dress up in your most stylish outfit, sip on some champagne and wait at 3pm on Cup Day approaches. It's one of the most significant social events of the year.

Kyneton Cup - 7th November

The Kyneton Cup is one of the excellent country race days of the year. NMIT Kyneton Park, which is set next to the stunning Campaspe River, is also considered one of the country's best picturesque racecourses. More than 6,000 people visit the town in central Victoria for the high-class horse racing and off the field entertainment.

Oaks Day - 8th November

'Ladies Day' is the top Spring Racing Carnival event on every woman's calendar. The Group One VRC Oaks at Flemington is the signature race of the day. Off the field, you'll see a competition of another kind, as women from across Australia show off their best frocks as they contend for the winner of the famous Myer Fashions on the Field.

 

Ballarat Cup - 24th November

About 17,000 people flock to the Ballarat Cup every year in November. There's non-stop racing, with more than $1m in prize money. There's also fashions on the field competitions, live music and plenty of delicious food to help you indulge. The Ballarat Turf Club is one of regional Victoria's premier racetracks. You wouldn't want to celebrate this event at any other location.