Your guide to the Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australia’s largest sporting and social event, consists of four days of racing, highlighted by the Emirates Melbourne Cup, staged this year for the 153th time.
The Melbourne Cup is considered the most watched 200 seconds in Australia each year.
Melbourne Cup Carnival race days
AAMI Victoria Derby Day – Saturday November 2
The first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is considered one of the most prestigious days of racing in Australasia. It is the oldest classic race on the Victorian calendar – it was first contested in 1855, six years before the Melbourne Cup.
Australia’s most famous horse Phar Lap won the feature race, the 2500 metre (1.5 mile) Victoria Derby, in 1929.
Emirates Melbourne Cup – Tuesday November 5
Australia’s most famous race is always run on the first Tuesday in November over a distance of 3200 metres (two miles).
It is the Southern Hemisphere’s richest race (AUD$6.2 million/ US$6.65 million) drawing international competition and more than 100,000 people to the track.
Crown Oaks Day – Thursday November 7
Crown Oaks is Victoria’s premier event for three-year-old fillies. It’s also regarded as ladies day, when women dress in their most feminine ensemble with romantic looks and delicate fabrics.
The winner of Fashions on the Field – the national fashion competition held by Australian department store Myer – is also announced.
Emirates Stakes Day – Saturday November 9
The Melbourne Cup Carnival finishes with Emirates Stakes, the premier ‘mile’ (or 1600 metre) race in Victoria.
The race has great international potential, ideal for overseas trainers with Melbourne Cup horses who also have a top class ‘miler’ in their stables.
Ian Jarrett
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