Highlights of the Spring Racing Season

Ah, the Spring racing season! It’s always so much fun getting your friends together, convening at Southern Cross Station to catch the train to Flemington – marveling at how well Melbournites scrub up in their trackside fashions. The Spring racing season events offered across the city (primarily at the historic Flemington Racecourse but also in Mornington) offer an annual chance to celebrate the unique traditions of Australian racing culture. Because all events are ticketed and often sell out, C&G have put together a guide to the Spring Racing Carnival so that you can book early and avoid disappointment.

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day

Tuesday, November 1

The Emirates Melbourne Cup Day is a race day spectacular! At 3pm, the most elite thoroughbreds from across the globe will come together to race for $6.2 million in prize money. But it’s not just about the cash – the legends of the track are remembered for their exploits, and revered for years to come. You can’t put a price on that! It’s important to remember that there will be over 100,000 people at the event, and ‘the race that stops a nation™’ is a big day - so it’s important to be prepared, and to enjoy safely and responsibly. Book tickets here.

Crown Oaks Day

Thursday, November 3

Arguably the most fashionable day of the Spring Racing Carnival, Crown Oaks Day is also known as ‘ladies’ day.’ The event sees three-year-old fillies compete in a 2,500 metre race for one million dollars in prize money and the Crown Oaks trophy. The Myer Fashions on the Field is a major highlight for the day, too, so if fashion is one of your favourite things about the Spring Racing Carnival, you won’t want to miss Oaks Day. Book here.

Myer Spring Fashion Lunch

Thursday, September 8

The Myer Spring Fashion Lunch is a premium showcase of Myer’s current season race wear, from gowns and scarves to purses, shoes and of course – millinery! Alex Perry, Maticevski, Yeojin Bae, Aje and Dom Bagnato are just a few of the incredible Australian designers to display their work at the event’s fashion parade. Located at The Atrium in the Flemington Racecourse Grandstand, Spring racing attire is mandatory. A two-course lunch and drinks are included in the ticket price. Book here.

Emirates Stakes Day

Saturday, November 5

Stakes Day represents the grand finale of the Spring racing season at Flemington! Traditionally the family day of the carnival, the main event is a 2000 metre race for a two-million-dollar prize and global recognition. There’s activities and entertainment for the kids, as well as Fashions on the Field categories for juniors including ages 6-12 and 13-17, for which pre-registration opens in mid-September. Learn more here.

Mornington Race Day
Thursday, September 8

For Bayside residents located near Chisholm & Gamon’s Mount Martha office, the Mornington Racecourse (located at 320 Racecourse Road in Mornington) will be holding a fantastic race day, with an excellent range of dining options. Book a package from the Gunnamatta Restaurant, at the Final Furlong Public Dining Room or in the Silver Bounty Lounge to impress your family, friends or clients. Admission to the Mornington Race Day is available at the gate (admission for kids under 14 is free). More here.

Another highlight is the Twilight Craft Market, which offers a range of products, from handmade gifts, home wares and jewelry to gourmet produce.

As we mentioned earlier, The Melbourne Cup Carnival events at Flemington are fully ticketed, so C&G advises getting yours well in advance. Early bird prices are still available, and can be obtained via Ticketek here.