The Spring Racing Carnival showcases 50 days of world-class thoroughbred racing in a party atmosphere unmatched by any other Australian sporting event. The Spring Racing Carnival is one of Melbourne’s most popular annual spring events. Held during late September to mid-November, the highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival consists of four days of racing and includes Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and Stakes Day.
Flemington
The Spring Racing Carnival features amazing races at the world-famous Flemington racecourse. Flemington is the oldest and most famous racecourse in all of Australia, with races held there every year since 1840. Flowers, especially roses are an important part of the week’s racing at Flemington, with each of the major race days having their own official flower.
Victoria Derby Day
Victoria Derby Day is the first major event of the Spring Racing Carnival. Traditionally black and white are worn on this day by women and morning suits by men. The flower of the day is a blue Corn Flower.
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the most important race on the Australian horse racing calendar. It is an unparalleled celebration of racing, style, fashion and glamour. It’s called “The Race That Stops A Nation” for a reason – The entire country of Australia really does come to a halt for an afternoon to watch the Melbourne Cup at 3.00pm. The Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday in November, is a public holiday in Melbourne. The flower of the day is a Yellow Rose.
Crown Oaks Day
Also known as ladies day, Oaks Day is more famous for “fashions on the field” than the horse racing! This is the time when women dress to impress with large hats and fascinators. The flower of the day is a Pink rose.
Stakes Day
Stakes Day signals the end of the week long Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington and is known as ‘family day’ because there is plenty of racing and entertainment for both parents and children alike.