Most of the Australian states hold their own version of the Spring Racing Carnival with key races taking place over many different racecourses throughout the racing season. In 2021, spring racing events will take place in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, but no state quite reaches the magnitude of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival which is undoubtedly the most famous destination for horse racing in Australia.
How long does the spring racing carnival go for?
While most of the focus is on the Melbourne Cup week, the entire carnival is actually over two months long with events taking place in different states. Sydney’s Spring Racing Carnival is a big event on the Australian racing calendar. Most races in Sydney’s Spring Racing Carnival are held at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. The Everest Race is the standout event, with the biggest stakes in the entire country totaling $15 million, being accurately billed as the ‘world’s richest race on turf’. This 1200m race will be held on 16th October, the same day as The Kosciuszko, Sydney Stakes, and the Craven Plate.
The most recognized events of the 2021 Spring Racing Carnival
The most famous and recognized races take place in Victoria during Melbourne Cup Week beginning with Victoria Derby Day which this year takes place on the 30th of October. Websites such as Sportsbet will help to keep you informed of any last-minute changes and here you can remain up to date on the latest favorites for each race.
The standout race in Victoria is the esteemed Melbourne Cup, which is set to take place on 2nd November when the best of the best will be vying for the ultimate prize. It’s an exciting day with celebrations happening all around Victoria in addition to ‘the race that stops the nation’, which takes place at 3 pm at Flemington Racecourse.
Kennedy Oaks Day is the quintessential time of fashion during the Spring Racing Carnival. Oaks Day, also known as Ladies Day, is where the ladies of fashion come to shine. Be sure to put on your best outfit when you are rubbing shoulders with your fellow fashionistas from around the globe. Though fashion is a big part of Oaks Day, there is still a race to be held on 4th November with prize money totaling $1 million.
Saturday 6th November is the day for VRC Seppelt Stakes Day, popularly known as Family Day. This event hosts a variety of activities that are family-friendly, all while taking in the spirit of the sport. Introduced in 2004, the event known as ‘kid’s fashion on the field’ gives children an opportunity to put their own best foot forward and maybe even try to outdress their adult counterparts.
To cap off the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival for 2021 we end up at Sandown Park Racecourse. Race enthusiasts flock to this suburban racecourse on November 13th, with prized races such as the Sandown Cup, the Summoned Stakes, and the Eclipse Stakes taking place throughout the day. The Sandown Cup in particular boasts a $150,000 winning prize and a running length of 3200m. Not an easy race, even for the most seasoned horses and jockeys.
Join the Spring Racing Carnival fun in 2021
Whether you’re celebrating from home, or you venture out for a day on the field, there are plenty of events to enjoy during the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival. After all, there’s nothing quite like a day at the races!