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Horse Racing Carnivals in Australia

Wandering Eyes

By Wandering Eyes
in BOAY Racing News

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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.

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