One of the highlights of the sporting and social calendars in Australia are horse racing carnivals.
They have a wide variety of races, both in metropolitan regions and several country carnivals.
Without a doubt, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is the most prolific horse racing carnival in Australia, with the Sydney Autumn Carnival quickly gaining momentum in its push to become the best horse racing carnival in Australia.
Horse racing carnivals are held annually at a certain racetrack and are often attended by thousands, if not tens of thousands of spectators eager to take in some high level racing, have a wager and socialise.
Australian horse racing carnivals provide a great platform for our best racehorses, jockeys, and trainers to compete for the substantial prize money on offer. The Group 1 events are the pinnacle of the metropolitan carnivals, which typically feature a variety of stakes class races.
Country Racing Carnivals may not have the best horses in the country competing, but with ample prize money on offer and plenty of spectators in attendance, the atmosphere is just as engaging as the city events.
List of Australian Horse Racing Carnivals
There are many great Australian horse racing carnivals set to take place in 2023, with these attracting various levels of interest right around the country.
Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the pinnacle of racing in Australia and features four days of elite level racing at Flemington Racecourse.
The famous Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November headlines proceedings, with horses, trainers, jockeys and owners alike looking to join the likes of Makybe Diva, Phar Lap and hundreds more on the Melbourne Cup winners list.
With three other meetings, Victoria Derby Day, VRC Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day, there is no other week of racing in the country that attracts the racing public and attention of a plethora of “once-a-year” punters like the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Group Races in Melbourne Cup Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
VRC Derby Day | Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Linlithgow Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Chatham Stakes (1200m) |
$2,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $300,000 $500,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Melbourne Cup Day | Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) Group 3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) |
$8,000,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
VRC Oaks Day | Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Ottawa Stakes (1200m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $200,000 |
VRC Champions Stakes Day | Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Queen’s Cup (2600m) |
$3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $300,000 $300,000 |
Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival
Second only to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is the premier racing Carnival for horse racing enthusiasts in the autumn. Races such as the Golden Slipper, Doncaster Mile, TJ Smith Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes are some of the most prestigious races held in Australia at Group 1 level.
The Championships held across two days in early April headlines the action with eight Group 1 races spread across two weekends with $19,000,000 on the line in races held at the highest level. Randwick Guineas Day is the first Group 1 meeting of the Carnival, but Coolmore Classic Day is the official launching point of the Sydney autumn.
Golden Slipper Day in mid-March features five Group 1 events, which is followed a fortnight later by Stakes Day.
The Championships is deemed the Grand Finals of racing for a season, but is followed a week later by All Aged Stakes Day, a day on the calendar traditionally used for runners heading to the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Group Races in Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
Randwick Guineas Day – Randwick | Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) Group 3 Weona Girl Quality (1200m) |
$1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Coolmore Classic Day – Rosehill | Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) |
$1,000,000 $250,000 $250,000 $350,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Golden Slipper Day – Rosehill | Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m) |
$5,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Stakes Day – Rosehill | Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) Group 3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) Group 3 The Schweppervescence (1400m) |
$1,500,000 $750,000 $250,000 $250,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
The Championships Day 1 – Randwick | Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) Group 2 ATC Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) Group 3 P J Bell Stakes (1200m) |
$4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
The Championships Day 2 – Randwick | Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) |
$5,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 |
All Aged Stakes Day – Randwick | Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) Group 3 James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Japan Racing Association Plate (2000m) |
$1,500,000 $1,000,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival
Alongside and before the traditional Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival in the early months of the year, the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival offers a variety of top-tier racing.
From late January through the end of March, there is the Melbourne Autumn Festival. The major meetings include Flemington’s “Super Saturday” in March, which features the Newmarket Handicap, and Blue Diamond Stakes Day in February at Caulfield.
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), which organises all of Victoria’s autumn race meetings, holds them at the state’s major racetracks. The CF Orr Stakes (1400m), which takes in early to mid-February, is the first Group 1 race of the new year and is traditionally deemed the start of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival.
Despite not being a Group 1 race, the All Star Mile worth $5 million is the richest race held in Melbourne, rotating between Caulfield, Flemington and Moonee Valley each year.
Group Races in Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
C.F. Orr Stakes Day – Caulfield | Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (F) (1100m) Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G) (1100m) Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) Group 3 Geoffrey Belmaine Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Lightning Stakes Day – Flemington | Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) |
$1,000,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Blue Diamond Stakes Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Caulfield Autumn Classic (1800m) Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) |
$1,500,000 $750,000 $750,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Australian Guineas Day – Flemington | Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $200,000 |
Super Saturday – Flemington | Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1400m) Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) |
$1,500,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
All Star Mile Day – Caulfield | All Star Mile (1600m) | $5,000,000 |
William Reid Stakes Night – Moonee Valley | Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $200,000 |
Australian Cup Day – Flemington | Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) | $3,000,000 |
Sydney Spring Racing Carnival
Every year, from August to November, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) hosts the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, which features a robust schedule of Group and Special Condition feature races. The carnival takes place at the same time that rival state Victoria hosts the renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival, with the majority of the events taking place at Randwick and Rosehill Racecourses.
The Golden Rose used to be the carnival’s richest race, offering a $1 million prize pool, but it now pales in comparison to the recently added and improved competitions, such as the $10 million The Golden Eagle for four-year-olds.
With an astounding number of seven-figure races now taking place during the festival, the prestige and prize money awarded during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival have greatly increased in recent years.
The highly regarded $15 million The Everest (1200m) run at Randwick in mid-October on the same day as Melbourne’s Caulfield Cup Day is now the highlight of spring racing in Sydney.
The Everest is a buy-in race that includes 12 of the top sprinters and is formally recognised as the richest turf event in the entire world.
The $2 million The Kosciuszko for NSW country-trained horses run on The Everest Day and the $2 million The Invitation (1400m), an invitation-only race for fillies and mares run in October are two additional lucrative Sydney Spring Racing Carnival events you shouldn’t miss.
Group Races in Sydney Spring Racing Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
Winx Stakes Day – Randwick | Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 |
San Domenico Stakes Day – Rosehill | Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) |
$250,000 $250,000 |
Chelmsford Stakes Day – Randwick | Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) |
$300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $1,000,000 |
Run To The Rose Day – Rosehill | Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) |
$300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $250,000 |
George Main Stakes Day – Randwick | Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) |
$1,000,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 $250,000 $250,000 |
Golden Rose Day – Rosehill | Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) |
$1,000,000 $400,000 $300,000 $250,000 |
Epsom Handicap Day – Randwick | Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) |
$1,500,000 $750,000 $750,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $250,000 $250,000 |
Silver Eagle Day – Randwick | The Silver Eagle (1300m) Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) Group 3 The Nivison (1200m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $500,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
The Everest Day – Randwick | The Everest (1200m) The Kosciuszko (1200m) Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) |
$15,000,000 $2,000,000 $500,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Spring Champion Stakes Day – Randwick | Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) Group 2 Callander Presnell Stakes (1600m) |
$2,000,000 $1,000,000 |
Golden Eagle Day – Rosehill | Golden Eagle (1500m) Winners Stakes (1300m) Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) |
$2,000,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 |
The Big Dance Day – Randwick | The Big Dance (1600m) | $2,000,000 |
Golden Gift Day – Randwick | Golden Gift (1100m) Five Diamonds (1800m) Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) |
$1,000,000 $2,000,000 $500,000 |
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Each year, from August through November, Victoria hosts the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, which is highlighted by the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Caulfield Cup Carnival, the Cox Plate Carnival, the Flemington Spring Carnival, and the Sandown Spring Carnival are just a few of the events that take place during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The Memsie Stakes (1400m), is the first Group 1 race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, takes place at Caulfield Racecourse in late-August or early-September.
For Caulfield Cup contenders, the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) is the first Group 1 race at Flemington during the spring season.
There are numerous early events, including the Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) run in mid-October, that offer large prise pools and significant spring betting opportunities.
The Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m), the first of the “Big 3” spring majors action in the middle of October.
The Group 1 $5 million Cox Plate (2040m) is held at Moonee Valley one week after the best stayers of the season square off.
Finally, the action shifts to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which features the Group 1 $7.75 million Melbourne Cup (3200m), which is run over two miles on the first Tuesday in November. The race is known as the “race that stops a nation.”
Group Races in Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
P.B. Lawrence Stakes Day – Caulfield | Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Premier’s Cup (1100m) |
$300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Memsie Stakes Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) Group 3 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m) Group 3 The Heath 1100 Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) |
$750,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Feehan Stakes Day – Moonee Valley | Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) |
$500,000 $300,000 |
Makybe Diva Stakes Day – Flemington | Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $300,000 |
Underwood Stakes Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) |
$750,000 $200,000 $300,000 |
Moir Stakes Night – Moonee Valley | Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 |
Turnbull Stakes Day – Flemington | Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $750,000 |
Caulfield Guineas Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) |
$3,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Caulfield Cup Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m) Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) |
$5,000,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Geelong Cup Day – Geelong | Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) | $500,000 |
Moonee Valley Gold Cup Night – Moonee Valley | Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) | $1,000,000 |
Cox Plate Day – Moonee Valley | Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) Group 2 Moonee Valley Fillies Class (1600m) Group 2 MV Vase (2040m) Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Tesio Stakes (1600m) |
$5,000,000 $300,000 $300,000 $500,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Bendigo Cup Day – Bendigo | Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) | $500,000 |
VRC Derby Day | Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Linlithgow Stakes (1400m) Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m) Group 3 Chatham Stakes (1200m) |
$2,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $300,000 $500,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Melbourne Cup Day | Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) Group 3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) |
$8,000,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
VRC Oaks Day | Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Ottawa Stakes (1200m) |
$1,000,000 $300,000 $200,000 |
VRC Champions Stakes Day | Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) Group 3 Queen’s Cup (2600m) |
$3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $300,000 $300,000 |
Thousand Guineas Day – Caulfield | Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) |
$1,500,000 $1,000,000 |
Zipping Classic Day – Caulfield | Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m) Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) Group 3 Summoned Stakes (1600m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 |
Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival
The best races in Queensland are held during the 2023 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival in May and June, with attention shifting to the Sunshine State following the action in Melbourne and Sydney in the autumn.
The festival, which takes place at Eagle Farm Racecourse and Doomben Racecourse, is a component of the larger Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, which also includes earlier Group racing on the Gold Coast. Ahead of the $3 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), the most lucrative event of the carnival, Brisbane’s elite level racing now begins in mid-May with the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
For stayers, the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), which is run in May under weight-for-age rules, is the highlight, while the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m), formerly known as the BTC Cup, now has a $1,000,000 purse.
In addition, the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) for three-year-old stayers is now held on Kingsford-Smith Cup Day, with the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2000m) held a week later.
Brisbane’s Stradbroke Handicap Day, which takes place on a Saturday in early June and features two Group 1 races, is the most eagerly anticipated meeting of the winter. The J.J. Atkins (1600m) is run alongside the Stradbroke for two-year-olds.
The Carnival comes to a close in late-June with the Group 1 Tattersalls Tiara (1400m) headlining the final day.
Group Races in Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
Queensland Guineas Day – Eagle Farm | Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) |
$350,000 $250,000 |
AD Hollindale Stakes Day – Gold Coast | Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) |
$500,000 $150,000 $150,000 |
Doomben 10,000 Day – Doomben | Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) Group 2 Champagne Classic (1200m) Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) |
$1,000,000 $250,000 $250,000 $150,000 |
Doomben Cup Day – Doomben | Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) Group 2 The Roses (2000m) Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) |
$1,500,000 $250,000 $250,000 |
Queensland Derby Day – Eagle Farm | Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce (1400m) Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) |
$1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $200,000 $150,000 $150,000 |
Queensland Oaks – Eagle Farm | Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2000m) Group 2 Moreton Cup (1200m) |
$700,000 $250,000 |
Stradbroke Handicap Day – Eagle Farm | Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m) Group 2 Q22 (2200m) Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) Group 3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) |
$750,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $750,000 |
Tattersalls Tiara Day – Eagle Farm | Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) Group 3 WJ Healy Stakes (1200m) |
$700,000 $200,000 $175,000 |
Perth Spring & Summer Racing Carnivals
During the spring in Perth, The Pinnacles is a five-day horse racing carnival that captures the attention of all racing fans having a punt in the west.
The Group 1 $1 million Railway Stakes (1600m), the most coveted and revered race held in Perth, is the event that takes place in mid-November. The richest and most prestigious Group 1 event held in Perth is this open handicap contest, which is also the first Group 1 race of the Western Australian racing calendar.
The Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes is held the following weekend after the Railway Stakes. It is the top sprint event of the carnival and a 1200m weight-for-age race with a very lucrative $1 million purse.
The Northerly Stakes, Perth’s final Group 1 race, is held on the following significant race day, which takes place in early December. The Railway Stakes and Kingston Town Classic double is frequently pursued by horses, trainers and connections alike.
The Perth Cup Day, which takes place annually around New Years’ Day, is one of the most well-liked race days in the Perth Summer Carnival. The Group 2 $1,000,000 Perth Cup, an open handicap race for horses three years of age and older run over 2400m, is the main event.
Group Races in Perth Spring & Summer Racing Carnivals
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
The Pinnacles Day 1 – Ascot | Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) Group 3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) |
$200,000 $150,000 $150,000 |
The Pinnacles Day 2 – Ascot | Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) |
$1,500,000 $500,000 |
The Pinnacles Day 3 – Ascot | Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) | $1,500,000 |
The Pinnacles Day 4 – Ascot | Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) | $1,500,000 |
The Pinnacles Day 5 – Ascot | Group 3 The Gold Rush (1400m) | $1,500,000 |
Ted Van Heemst Stakes Day – Ascot | Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) | $250,000 |
Perth Cup Day – Ascot | Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) Group 3 La Trice Classic (1800m) |
$1,000,000 $150,000 |
Adelaide Autumn Racing Carnival
It may not be the biggest horse racing carnival in the country, but the Adelaide Racing Carnival gets its chance to shine in late-April and throughout May each year.
The Carnival is staged around the four Group 1 events at Morphettville, the Australasian Oaks, Robert Sangster Stakes, South Australian Derby and The Goodwood.
In the middle of March, the first official race meeting of the carnival is held on a Monday, resulting in a long weekend in South Australia to honour Adelaide Cup Day. The Group 2 $300,000 Adelaide Cup (3200m), an open handicap for stayers, is the day’s featured event.
However, it isn’t until Australasian Oaks day at the backend of April that the racing truly heats up in ‘The City of Churches’.
Group Races in Adelaide Autumn Racing Carnivals
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
Adelaide Cup Day – Morphettville | Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) | $302,250 |
Auraria Stakes Day – Morphettville | Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m) | $127,250 |
RN Irwin Stakes Day – Morphettville | Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m) | $127,250 |
Australasian Oaks Day – Morphettville | Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) |
$502,250 $127,250 $127,250 |
Robert Sangster Stakes Day – Morphettville | Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) Group 3 D C McKay Stakes (1100m) |
$502,250 $202,250 $202,250 $127,250 |
South Australian Derby Day – Morphettville | Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) Group 3 South Australian Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) |
$502,250 $127,250 |
The Goodwood Day – Morphettville | Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) Group 3 R A Lee Stakes (1600m) Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (2500m) Group 3 David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) |
$502,250 $152,250 $152,250 $127,250 $127,250 |
Magic Millions Carnival
The Magic Millions raceday on the Gold Coast is quickly becoming one of the most popular racing carnivals in Australia with over $10 million in prizemoney on offer throughout the day.
The meeting became Australia’s first $10 million raceday in 2016, offering huge prizemoney on a nine race program with a staggering seven races worth $1 million or more. Now worth $11 million in prizemoney, which is paid from first to last position on all races. It is the feature race meeting of the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival.
The feature events of the day are the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Magic Millions 3YO Guineas and the Magic Millions Cup with plenty of connections chasing the riches on offer.
Magic Million Raceday Races
Raceday | Race | Prizemoney |
---|---|---|
Magic Millions Day – Gold Coast | Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) Magic Millions Cup (1400m) Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) Magic Millions The Syndicate (1200m) Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) Magic Millions The Debut (900m) |
$2,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $500,000 |
Warrnambool May Racing Carnival
One of Australia’s most recognisable country racing events is the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
The three day country racing carnival, which is organised by the Warrnambool Racing Club, draws thousands of racing fans each year to see Australasia’s top jumps horses, experience the thrill of country racing. This is the pinnacle of Australian grassroots racing!
The Warrnambool Racecourse, in the thriving coastal city of Warrnambool on Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road, serves as its home base.
The carnival, which honours country racing, is well-known for taking place in the middle of the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (always the first week of May). The Grand Annual Steeplechase, which was first run in 1872 and continues to be the longest and most prestigious race of its kind in Australia, is among the 23 flat races and 7 jump races that are included in the programme.
Affectionally known as “The ‘Bool”, the Carnival is on every horse racing enthusiasts bucket list.
Scone Cup Carnival
One of the most important country racing occasions in New South Wales is considered to be the Scone Cup Racing Carnival.
The Scone Cup Day on Friday and the Dark Jewel Classic Day on Saturday, which is a stand-alone metro-grade meeting in New South Wales, make up the two days of the Carnival.
Given that Scone is situated in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, the home of many of Australia’s most well-known stud and breeding operations, the Scone Racing Carnival is especially beloved by the racing and breeding industry.
The Scone Racing Carnival has long provided the breeding industry with a chance to mingle, connect, and take advantage of two days of fantastic racing right on their doorstep.
Birdsville Races
The Birdsville Races is a popular two day event located in a small country town on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
The popular horse racing carnival is held over two days and features a 13-race schedule.
Birdsville is a remote location that is located 720 kilometres south of Mount Isa and 1590 kilometres west of Brisbane. The town’s regular population hovers around 115, but during the racing carnival, that number swells to more than 6000.
Many people choose to fly to Birdsville for the races due to its distance from regional centres and the difficulty of travelling to a location so remote by road; occasionally, hundreds of aircraft will fill the usually sparsely used Birdsville airstrip.
Darwin Cup Carnival
Racing in the Northern Territory may not receive the same media attention as racing in other parts of the nation, but that all changes during the Darwin Cup Carnival! It’s NT racing’s time in the spotlight, featuring the best racing of the year and a tonne of off-track activities.
For those looking to go on a racing vacation, the Darwin Cup is renowned as a fantastic destination and party!
Held from the beginning of July and culminating on Darwin Cup Day in early-August, the Darwin Cup Carnival is a must for all racing fans.