The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival 2026 delivers four months of world‑class racing, with a blockbuster schedule of Group 1 Melbourne Spring Carnival races staged across Flemington, Caulfield and Moonee Valley (closed for redevelopment in 2026). Kicking off in mid‑August and running through November, the carnival features elite contests from Memsie Stakes Day to the iconic $10 million Melbourne Cup, run over two miles on the first Tuesday of November. Fans can track every major moment across the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival dates, including the three headline majors — the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup — plus the full Melbourne Cup Carnival of Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, VRC Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day. With The Big Dance now running at Randwick on Cup Day and Sandown hosting the final spring meeting in mid‑November, the 2026 Melbourne carnival of spring racing offers punters an unrivalled stretch of premium racing, betting opportunities and historic moments.
Ladbrokes Tip: Melbourne’s biggest spring stars often emerge early — keep a close eye on Memsie Stakes and Makybe Diva Stakes form when building your futures tickets for the major Group 1s across the carnival!
Major Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Dates & Calendar
| Race Day | Racecourse | Feature Races |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday August 15, 2026 | Caulfield | PB Lawrence Stakes (G2), Vain Stakes (G3), Quezette Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday August 29, 2026 | Caulfield | Memsie Stakes (G1), H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (G3), The Heath 1000 Stakes (G3), Courtza Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday September 5, 2026 | Sandown-Hillside | AJ Moir Stakes (G1), Chautauqua Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday September 12, 2026 | Flemington | Makybe Diva Stakes (G1), Let’s Elope Stakes (G2), Bobbie Lewis Quality (G2), Lexus Archer Stakes (G3), Cap D’Antibes Stakes (G3), Poseidon Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday September 19, 2026 | Caulfield | Underwood Stakes (G1), Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (G1), Thousand Guineas Prelude (G2), Caulfield Guineas Prelude (G3), Naturalism Stakes (G3), How Now Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday September 27, 2026 | Caulfield | Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (G1), Stutt Stakes (G2), Feehan Stakes (G2), Stocks Stakes (G2), JRA Cup (G3), Scarborough Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday October 3, 2026 | Flemington | Turnbull Stakes (G1), Danehill Stakes (G2), Edward Manifold Stakes (G2), Gilgai Stakes (G2), Rose Of Kingston Stakes (G2), The Bart Cummings (G3) |
| Saturday October 10, 2026 | Caulfield | Caulfield Guineas (G1), Might And Power (G1), Toorak Handicap (G1), Schillaci Stakes (G2), Herbert Power Stakes (G2), Northwood Plume Stakes (G3), Evergreen Turf Vase (G3) |
| Wednesday October 14, 2026 | Caulfield | Coongy Handicap (G3) |
| Saturday October 17, 2026 | Caulfield | Caulfield Cup (G1), Thousand Guineas (G1), Tristarc Stakes (G2), Caulfield Sprint (G2), Blue Sapphire Stakes (G3), Caulfield Classic (G3), Ethereal Stakes (G3), Moonga Stakes (G3), Harry White Stakes (G3) |
| Wednesday October 21, 2026 | Geelong | Ladbrokes Geelong Cup (G3) |
| Saturday October 24, 2026 | Flemington | Cox Plate (G1), Moonee Valley Gold Cup (G2), Moonee Valley Vase (G2), McEwen Stakes (G2), Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (G2), Crystal Mile (G2), Red Anchor Stakes (G3), Tesio Stakes (G3) |
| Wednesday October 28, 2026 | Bendigo | Bendigo Cup (G3) |
| Saturday October 31, 2026 | Flemington | Victoria Derby (G1), Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1), Empire Rose Stakes (G1), The Damien Oliver (G2), Wakeful Stakes (G2), The Vanity (G3), Carbine Club Stakes (G3), Rising Fast Stakes (G3), Asahi Super Dry Sprint (G3) |
| Tuesday November 3, 2026 | Flemington | Melbourne Cup (G1), Maribyrnong Plate (G3), Hong Jong Jockey Club Stakes (G3) |
| Thursday November 5, 2026 | Flemington | VRC Oaks (G1), Red Roses Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday November 7, 2026 | Flemington | Champions Sprint (G1), Champions Mile (G1), Champions Stakes (G1), Inglis Banner (RL), Matriarch Stakes (G2), VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday November 14, 2026 | Sandown-Hillside | CF Orr Stakes (G1), Sandown Guineas (G2), Zipping Classic (G2), Summoned Stakes (G3), Thoroughbred Club Stakes (G3) |
| Saturday November 21, 2026 | Cranbourne | Cranbourne Cup (L) |
| Saturday November 28, 2026 | Sandown-Hillside | Sandown Stakes (G3), Eclipse Stakes (G3), Sandown Cup (L) |
Latest Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival News
What is the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is Australia’s premier thoroughbred racing season, running from late August through November each year. It features 22 Group 1 races, huge prizemoney, iconic race days, and the world‑famous Melbourne Cup — known as ‘the race that stops a nation’. A multi‑week racing festival held across Caulfield, Flemington, Sandown, Moonee Valley, and regional Victorian tracks. It showcases elite sprinters, milers, stayers, and rising three‑year‑olds, with many races shaping international breeding and racing reputations.
It’s the highest‑profile racing carnival in Australia, sitting ahead of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival which takes place at Randwick and Rosehill during the same timeframe, and features record prize money including the $10 million Melbourne Cup. Attracting international runners and global betting interest, it has produced a host of legendary moments in Australian racing history including standout performances by some of the greats such as Phar Lap, Makybe Diva and Winx.
Flemington is the home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Caulfield serves as the Guineas and Caulfield Cup headquarters, Moonee Valley is traditionally the stage for the Cox Plate — though it shifts to Flemington in 2026 — and Sandown hosts expanded Group racing throughout 2026 due to redevelopment works.
The Melbourne Spring Carnival is the beating heart of Australian racing — a three‑month celebration of elite horses, massive crowds, historic races, and blockbuster betting opportunities for Ladbrokes punters.
Complete Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Race Day Calendar
Major Race Days – See below for the full details of the key Race Days contested in Victoria over the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival 2026.
PB Lawrence Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 2 $300,000 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Quezette Stakes (1100m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Vain Stakes (1100m)
PB Lawrence Stakes Day runs on a Saturday in mid-August and officially starts the Caulfield Spring Racing Carnival. An early run for staying types, the day’s headline race is the weight-for-age P.B. Lawrence Stakes won by star types including Whobegotyou (2011) and Apache Cat (2007). Early Guineas lead-ups begin for the three-year-olds on the day too with the Vain Stakes (colts and geldings) and Quezette Stakes (fillies).
Memsie Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $750,000 Memsie Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $200,000 HDF McNeil Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $200,000 The Heath 1100 Stakes (1100m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Cockram Stakes (1200m) – run in 2026 as the Courtza Stakes
The first of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Group 1 races is held at Caulfield in late August, the Memsie Stakes run at WFA and won by stars including So You Think (2010) and Weekend Hussler (2008). Three Group 3 races support the Memsie Stakes Day card including the three-year-old sprinters facing off in the McNeil Stakes.
Moir Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Racecourse: Sandown-Hillside
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $750,000 Moir Stakes (1000m)
- Listed $175,000 Chautauqua Stakes (1200m)
- Listed $175,000 Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m)
- Listed $175,000 McKenzie Stakes (1200m)
Now held in early September, the A.J. Moir Stakes kicks off the Group 1 Melbourne sprints. The short distance stars facing off in the Moir Stakes over 1000m, which is a key lead-up to the VRC Champions Stakes during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Makybe Diva Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m)
- Group 3 $300,000 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Poseidon Stakes (1100m)
Group 1 racing in Melbourne continues with Flemington Racecourse hosting the Makybe Diva Stakes for the milers, a race named in honour of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva. Two Group 2 races also take place on the day including the Bobbie Lewis Quality for potential Sydney-bound The Everest hopefuls. The other must watch and bet on event on the Makybe Diva Stakes Day card is the Lexus Archer Stakes which offers the winner a coveted Melbourne Cup ballot exemption.
Underwood Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1,000,000 Underwood Stakes (1800m)
- Group 1 $1,000,000 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m)
- Group 3 $300,000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Naturalism Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $200,000 How Now Stakes (1200m)
Underwood Stakes Day is the next major Melbourne Racing Carnival date with a field of spring stayers facing off in the Underwood Stakes over 1800m. Many Underwood Stakes graduates continue their way to a Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) bid later in the carnival. Underwood Stakes Day also features the Group 1 $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) making it a dual Group 1 race card with that race again serving as a key Toorak Handicap lead-up.
The other Group races on the card include the Thousand Guineas and Caulfield Guineas Preludes and Naturalism Stakes. The Naturalism Stakes is a lead-up to the Caulfield Cup and is always worth turning in for. The Naturalism Stakes winner is exempt from Caulfield Cup ballot and in 2016 Jameka did the double.
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day 2026
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield Racecourse
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m)
- Group 2 $500,000 John F. Feehan Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Stocks Stakes (1600m)
- Group 3 $200,000 JRA Cup (2000m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) – formerly the MVRC Champagne Stakes
Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes Day is headlined by the Champions Sprint-bound gallopers doing battle in the $2 million Manikato Stakes, which in 2026 runs on a Sunday at Caulfield Racecourse. The Manikato card also features the Group 2 Feehan Stakes for Cox Plate-bound gallopers and a host of other support races including the Stutt Stakes, a Group 2 event for three-year-old miler/stayers and the mares facing off in the Stocks Stakes.
Turnbull Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $750,000 Turnbull Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $350,000 The Bart Cummings (2520m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Danehill Stakes (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Gilgai Stakes (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m)
Flemington is host to the next Group 1 with the Turnbull Stakes heading this early October card. The set weights plus penalties clash has been won by plenty of nice stayers including Efficient (2009) who won the 2007 Melbourne Cup, superstar Zipping (2010), and Green Moon (2012) who went on to win that year’s edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’. The other most lucrative event on the program is the Group 3 The Bart Cummings which is another key lead-up into the Melbourne Cup for stayers further down the ballot for the world’s richest handicap.
Caulfield Guineas Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m)
- Group 1 $1 million Might And Power Stakes (2000m) – formerly the Caulfield Stakes
- Group 1 $1 million Toorak Handicap (1600m)
- Group 2 $400,000 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Schillaci Stakes (1100m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Ladies’ Day Vase (1600m) – run in 2026 as the Evergreen Turf Vase
- Group 3 $240,000 Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m)
Caulfield Guineas Day boasts a bumper line-up including three Group 1 races. The three-year-old colts and geldings face off in the Caulfield Guineas field for $3 million in prize money. The Caulfield Stakes – currently known as the Might And Power Stakes – over 2000m attracts Cox Plate hopes and has been won by the likes of So You Think (2010), Atlantic Jewel (2013), Criterion (2015) and super mare Winx (2016) in recent years. The Toorak Handicap, a popular mile event, is the other Group 1 on the card.
Coongy Cup Day 2026
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 3 $240,000 Coongy Cup (2000m) – run in 2026 as the Coongy Handicap
- Listed $200,000 Magic Millions Debutant Stakes (1000m)
Midweek racing takes place on a Wednesday in mid-October at Caulfield with the Group 3 Coongy Cup now the feature event on the card for Caulfield Cup hopefuls chasing an eleventh hour start in the mile and a half classic.
Caulfield Cup Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Racecourse: Caulfield
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $6.55 million Caulfield Cup (2400m)
- Group 1 $1.5 million Thousand Guineas (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Caulfield Sprint (1000m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Tristarc Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Caulfield Classic (2000m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Ethereal Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Moonga Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Harry White Stakes (1400m)
The first of the three Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival majors runs on a Saturday in mid to late October, $6.55 million in prize money on offer in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). The season’s best stayers take to the Caulfield track in the mile and a half classic won in recent years by Dunaden (2012), Mongolian Khan (2015), and Chris Waller’s outstanding mare Verry Elleegant (2020). Caulfield Cup Day features two Group 1 races with the Thousand Guineas for three-year-old fillies. One of the day’s key support races is the Caulfield Classic for three-year-olds, formerly called the Norman Robinson Stakes, heading towards the VRC Derby.
Ladbrokes Geelong Cup Day 2026
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Racecourse: Geelong
Feature Races:
- Group 3 $500,000 Geelong Cup (2400m)
- Listed $200,000 Geelong Classic (2200m)
The first big Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival meeting held outside of the major city tracks is Geelong Cup Day where a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption is on offer to the winner of the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m). The form out of the Geelong Cup has stacked up in the Melbourne Cup results a number of times in recent years including the double being completed by French raiders Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011).
Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m)
- Group 2 $750,000 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m)
- Group 2 $400,000 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m)
- Group 2 $300,000 McEwen Stakes (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (1600m)
- Group 2 $400,000 Crystal Mile (1600m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $400,000 Teiso Stakes (1600m)
The second Group 1 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival major runs on a Saturday in late October, Australasia’s weight-for-age championship the $6 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) won by the likes of Makybe Diva (2005), So You Think (2009-10), and historic four-time champion Winx (2015-18) in recent years. Key support acts on the Cox Plate Day race card include the lucrative Moonee Valley Gold Cup for potential Melbourne Cup hopefuls, the Moonee Valley Fillies Classic attracting Empire Rose Stakes-bound fillies and the Moonee Valley Vase.
Bendigo Cup Day 2026
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Racecourse: Bendigo
Feature Race:
- Group 3 $500,000 Ladbrokes Bendigo Cup (2400m)
Melbourne Cup Carnival
Victoria Derby Day 2026
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m)
- Group 1 $2 million Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m)
- Group 1 $1 million Empire Rose Stakes (1600m)
- Group 2 $500,000 The Damien Oliver (1200m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Wakeful Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $500,000 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m)
- Group 3 $240,000 The Vanity (1400m) –
- Group 3 $240,000 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Asahi Super Dry Sprint (1100m)
The iconic four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off on the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day with Victoria Derby Day host to three Group 1 races including the $2 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) for the season’s best three-year-old stayers. The three-year-old sprinters get a chance to shine in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, while the fillies and mares do battle in the Empire Rose Stakes over the mile.
Melbourne Cup Day 2026
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $10.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Hong Jong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $240,000 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m)
Hands-down the biggest race day in Australia every year, Melbourne Cup Day punters spend more money predicting the winner of the ‘race that stops a nation’ than the rest of the carnival Group 1 races combined! The $10.2 million Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) runs over the two miles, is the richest race of its kind in the world and attracts the best local and international stayers. Favourites however have a poor record in the capacity 24-starter field and upsets are not uncommon, including in 2015 when 100/1 shot Prince Of Penzance got the job done for roughie backers.
VRC Oaks Day 2026
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1 million VRC Crown Oaks (2500m) – run in 2026 as the Crown Oaks
- Group 3 $300,000 Red Roses Stakes (1100m)
Held on the first Thursday in November, VRC Oaks Day is also known as ‘Ladies Day’ and runs two days after the classic Melbourne Cup. The three-year-old fillies proven over a decent distance face off in the VRC Oaks (2500m), which is the female equivalent of the VRC Derby.
VRC Champions Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Racecourse: Flemington
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $3 million VRC Champions Stakes (2000m)
- Group 1 $3 million Champions Sprint (1200m)
- Group 1 $3 million Champions Mile (1600m)
- Group 2 $300,000 Matriarch Stakes (2000m)
- Group 3 $300,000 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m)
- Restricted Listed $400,000 Inglis Banner (1000m)
The fourth and final Melbourne Cup Carnival race day runs on the first Saturday in November annually and is headlined by the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) – a $3 million showdown also known as the Mackinnon Stakes – for the Cox Plate graduates and the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) – formerly the VRC Sprint Classic – for the season’s star sprinters. There’s also a consolation race for Melbourne Cup types that missed a run in the two-mile classic a few days earlier in the form of the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m).
Orr Stakes Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Racecourse: Sandown-Hillside
Feature Races:
- Group 1 $1,000,000 CF Orr Stakes (1400m)
- Group 2 $400,000 Sandown Guineas (1600m)
- Group 2 $750,000 Zipping Classic (2400m)
- Group 3 $1,000,000 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Summoned Stakes (1500m)
Group 1 racing during the spring carnival in Victoria continues right through until late November with the rescheduled CF Orr Stakes, formerly run in February during the autumn, now rounding out the spring elite levels in Melbourne. The Sandown Guineas also features on the new-look Orr Stakes Day as does the lucrative Zipping Classic, while the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes prize money sits at a generious $1 million with the event pegged to eventually gain Group 1 status.
Cranbourne Cup Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Racecourse: Cranbourne Racecourse
Feature Races:
- Listed $500,000 Cranbourne Cup (1600m)
Sandown Cup Day 2026
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Racecourse: Sandown-Hillside
Feature Races:
- Group 3 $200,000 Sandown Stakes (1400m)
- Group 3 $200,000 Eclipse Stakes (1800m)
- Listed $175,000 Sandown Cup (3200m)
How to Bet on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Punters have plenty of ways to play the Melbourne spring with Ladbrokes:
Ladbrokes Betting Products
- Price Boost — Boost your odds on selected runners.
- Same Race Multi — Build multis within the same race.
- Ladbrokes Mates Mode — Bet socially with your mates.
- Early Markets — Get in early on the big Group 1s.
Check out all the latest Ladbrokes spring carnival racing promos when you sign in!
Feature Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Races
2026 Caulfield Guineas
The Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in mid-October is a major target for three-year-olds over the spring offering big prize money.
- 2026 Caulfield Guineas Date: Saturday October 10, 2026
- Track: Caulfield
- Distance: 1600m
- Conditions: 3YOs – Set Weights
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $3 million
- First Prize: $1.8 million
- 2026 Sponsor: Sportsbet
- First Run: 1881
- Reigning Champion: Autumn Boy (2025)
Caulfield Guineas Betting Tip: Barrier one produced has produced a host of recent Caulfield Guineas winners including Autumn Boy (2025).
2026 Caulfield Cup
The first of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors the Group 1 $6.55 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) is a genuine staying contest and forms the first leg of the Spring Cups double along with the iconic Melbourne Cup.
- 2026 Caulfield Cup Date: Saturday October 17, 2026
- Track: Caulfield
- Distance: 2400m
- Conditions: Open Handicap
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $6.55 million
- First Prize: $3.3 million
- 2026 Sponsor: Sportsbet
- First Run: 1879
- Reigning Champion: Half Yours (2025)
Caulfield Cup Betting Tip: The best Caulfield Cup tip historically is to look at horses coming out of the Turnbull Stakes as it produced nine Caulfield Cup winners from 2009 – 2025!
2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate
The W.S. Cox Plate is known as the race where champions are made and is Australasia’s weight-for-age championship. Cox Plate winners come via lead-up runs in races like the Caulfield Stakes and Turnbull Stakes and many greats of the turf have taken out the race including superstar mare Winx who famously won four consecutive Cox Plates from 2015-18.
- 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Date: Saturday October 24, 2026
- Track: Flemington Racecourse
- Distance: 2040m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $6 million
- First Prize: $4 million
- 2026 Sponsor: Ladbrokes
- First Run: 1922
- Reigning Champion: Via Sistina (2024 & 2025)
Cox Plate Betting Tip: Only one horse has finished worse than third in the lead-up to a Cox Plate win since 2009!
2026 Victoria Derby
The Victoria Derby is the feature race for 3YOs of the spring run at Flemington Racecourse on the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day. The Moonee Valley Vase on Cox Plate Day is the key Victoria Derby form race. It is race dominated by upsets with plenty of value to be had betting against the favourite in Victoria Derby betting with only two favourites winning since 2006.
- 2026 Victoria Derby Date: Saturday October 31, 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Distance: 2500m
- Conditions: 3YOs – Set Weights
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $2 million
- First Prize: $1.2 million
- First Run: 1855
- Reigning Champion: Observer (2025)
Victoria Derby Betting Tip: The Moonee Valley Vase is the key lead-up race into the VRC Derby!
2026 Melbourne Cup
The ‘race that stops a nation’ is the Group 1 $10.2 million Melbourne Cup contested over the two miles as Flemington Race 7 on the first Tuesday of November. A line-up of primarily European-bred stayers vie for the ‘Loving Trophy’ at around 3pm (local time). The iconic handicap features a capacity 24 starter field. Melbourne Cup betting is open all year round, but favourites have a poor record in the race with just one saluting since Makybe Diva (2005).
- 2026 Melbourne Cup Date: Tuesday November 3, 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Distance: 3200m
- Conditions: Handicap
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $10.2 million
- First Prize: $4.5 million
- 2026 Sponsor: Lexus
- First Run: 1861
- Reigning Champion: Half Yours (2025)
Melbourne Cup Betting Tip: Six-year-olds have an outstanding recent record in the Melbourne Cup results!
2026 VRC Oaks
The Group 1 $1 million VRC Oaks (2500m) is the highlight of ‘Ladies Day’ and takes place on the Thursday after the Melbourne Cup. It is the feature race for three-year-old fillies and is traditionally won by young staying types out of the Wakeful Stakes contested on Derby Day the Saturday prior. Upsets are common in the VRC Oaks including in 2016 when $101 shot Lasqueti Spirit led all-the-way.
- 2026 VRC Oaks Date: Thursday November 5, 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Distance: 2500m
- Conditions: 3YO Fillies – Set Weights
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1 million
- First Prize: $600,000
- 2026 Sponsor: Crown
- First Run: 1861
- Reigning Champion: Strictly Business (2025)
VRC Oaks Betting Tip: The Wakeful Stakes is the best guide to VRC Oaks winners in the past 30 years with Treasurethe Moment (2024) the last to do the double!
2026 VRC Champions Sprint
The VRC Champions Sprint – formerly the VRC Sprint Classic – is the major spring race of the spring in Melbourne and takes place down the famous Flemington ‘Straight Six’ on VRC Champions Stakes Day – formerly known as Mackinnon Stakes Day on the Saturday after Melbourne Cup Day. The Manikato Stakes held at Moonee Valley the month before is the key VRC Sprint Classic form race to follow having produced three of the five winners from 2012-2016. Plenty of star sprinters have won the race including Black Caviar (2010-11), who was also the last favourite to salute until the success of Redzel (2017).
- 2026 VRC Champions Sprint Date: Saturday November 7, 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Distance: 1200m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $3 million
- First Prize: $1.8 million
- First Run: 1960
- Reigning Champion: Giga Kick (2025)
Champions Sprint Betting Tip: The Manikato Stakes is the key form race to follow into the Flemington Group 1 with Buffering (2013) and Imperatriz (2023) the latest to do the double!
2026 VRC Champions Stakes
The VRC Champions Stakes – formerly the Mackinnon Stakes – runs on the second Saturday of November as the feature race of the final Melbourne Cup Carnival race day. The event now offers $3 million in prize money and is a weight-for-age feature intended to keep international gallopers that may have travelled down under for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate an incentive to stay on in Victoria. The event is contested over 2000m.
- 2026 VRC Champions Stakes Date: Saturday November 7, 2026
- Track: Flemington
- Distance: 2000m
- Conditions: Weight-for-age
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $3 million
- First Prize: $1.8 million
- 2026 Sponsor: TAB
- First Run: 1869
- Reigning Champion: Via Sistina (2024 & 2025)
Champions Stakes Betting Tip: The Champions Stakes makes a nice target for Cox Plate graduates with Via Sistina (2024) doing the double!
2026 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Betting
Early Group 1 spring racing odds for the Melbourne feature races like the Melbourne Cup are open months in advance of the race. Futures betting on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival 2026 can be accessed now at Ladbrokes.
Betting on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival gives race fans the chance to get behind not only Australia’s but the world’s best horses as international raiders make the trip down under chasing the lucrative prize money on offer. There’s also plenty of money for punters to make betting on classics like the Caulfield Cup and Ladbrokes Cox Plate run on successive Saturdays at the end of October.
Often checking out the earlier Sydney Spring Racing Carnival events as a guide to spring betting in Melbourne at the end of the year is a good idea with plenty of horses racing in both NSW and further south during the season.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival betting also features a host of excellent Group 1 doubles like the coveted ‘Spring Cup’ double of the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival FAQs
When does the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival start and finish?
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival traditionally starts in mid‑August with early lead‑up meetings at Caulfield, Flemington and Sandown, and runs through until mid‑November, finishing after the VRC Champions Stakes Day and the final Sandown spring program.
Where is the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival held?
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is held across Melbourne’s major metropolitan racetracks — Flemington, Caulfield, Moonee Valley, and Sandown — with Flemington hosting the flagship Melbourne Cup Carnival and Caulfield and Moonee Valley staging key Group 1 features throughout the spring. Note, in 2026 no racing will be held at Moonee Valley due to a major upgrade to the track.
What are the biggest races in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
The biggest races of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival are the three majors — the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup — supported by other headline Group 1 features including the Caulfield Guineas, Victoria Derby, VRC Oaks, Champions Stakes, Memsie Stakes, Makybe Diva Stakes and Turnbull Stakes.
How much prize money is offered during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival offers well over $50 million in total prizemoney, highlighted by its three majors — the Melbourne Cup at $10.2 million, the Caulfield Cup at around $6.55 million, and the Cox Plate at $6 million — alongside dozens of other Group and Listed races that contribute to one of the richest racing carnivals in the world.
How do I bet on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival with Ladbrokes?
You can bet on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival with Ladbrokes by signing in to your account and choosing from a full range of spring markets including fixed odds, exotics, multis, futures, and same race multis. Simply head to the Ladbrokes racing section, search for the race or horse you want to back and place your bet with a single tap. Ladbrokes also offers futures markets on all the major spring features — the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Caulfield Guineas and more — plus live odds updates, speedmaps, expert tips and form guides to help you bet with confidence throughout the carnival.
What betting products are best for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
Ladbrokes punters often use:
- Price Boost for better odds on key runners
- Same Race Multi for combining place/get‑back options
- Mates Mode for group betting on big race days
- Early Markets for locking in value before race day
These products suit high‑quality fields and big‑price fluctuations typical of Melbourne's spring.
What horses should I watch during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
Watch for:
- Elite sprinters targeting the Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes and Champions Sprint
- Top three‑year‑olds heading towards events including the Coolmore Stud Stakes
- Lightweight stayers in the Caulfield Cup
- Trial form and early‑spring fitness are crucial in Melbourne.
What are the key lead‑up races for the Melbourne Spring Carnival features?
The key lead‑up races for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival’s major features include several early‑spring Group races that shape the form for the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
- Makybe Diva Stakes — a crucial Flemington mile that launches many WFA and staying campaigns.
- Underwood Stakes — a major Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup pointer.
- Turnbull Stakes — the premier Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup form race at Flemington.
- Might & Power Stakes — a traditional Cox Plate lead‑in for WFA stars.
- The Bart Bart Cummings — offers a golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.
- Herbert Power Stakes — a key Caulfield Cup qualifier.
- Naturalism Stakes — another Caulfield Cup ballot‑exemption race.
- Caulfield Guineas Prelude & Thousand Guineas Prelude — essential three‑year‑old form races.
These races set the stage for the spring’s biggest Group 1 features and give punters the earliest and most reliable guide to who’s peaking at the right time.
Is the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival different from the Sydney Spring Carnival?
Yes — the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is different from the Sydney Spring Carnival, mainly in its feature races, timing focus, and overall prestige. Melbourne’s carnival is built around its three majors — the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup — and is widely regarded as Australia’s premier racing season. Sydney’s spring, run by Racing NSW, centres on races like The Everest, Golden Eagle, Epsom Handicap and Flight Stakes, with a stronger emphasis on sprinting and high‑stakes pop‑up races. Melbourne’s carnival is more traditional and staying‑focused, while Sydney’s is newer, faster, and built around blockbuster prizemoney events.
What track conditions should punters expect during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
Punters can generally expect Good to Soft conditions throughout the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, with Melbourne’s weather often producing a mix of firm tracks early in the carnival and more variable surfaces as spring rain arrives. Early meetings at Caulfield, Flemington and Sandown often play on Good 4 or Soft 5, while feature weeks — including Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup — can range anywhere from Firm 2 to Heavy 10 depending on rainfall. Flemington is known for its excellent drainage, meaning even heavy rain can quickly improve the surface, while Caulfield and Moonee Valley can be more sensitive to sustained wet weather. Overall, punters should monitor track conditions and weather forecasts closely, as spring form can shift quickly with changing ground.
How do scratchings and emergencies work during the Melbourne Spring Carnival?
Scratchings are announced race morning or earlier if a horse is withdrawn.
- Early scratchings → markets adjust immediately
- Late scratchings → deductions may apply
- Emergencies gain entry if runners withdraw before the final field is locked
Ladbrokes updates markets in real time.
Can I bet on Melbourne Spring Carnival futures markets?
Yes — you can absolutely bet on Melbourne Spring Carnival futures markets with Ladbrokes. Futures betting is available well before the carnival begins, covering all the major Group 1 features including the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Caulfield Guineas and more.
Ladbrokes futures markets let punters lock in early value, follow key lead‑up races, and secure overs before fields tighten closer to raceday. Simply head to the Ladbrokes Racing section, select Futures, and browse all available spring features.
What are the best betting strategies for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
A smart betting approach for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is to follow the major early‑spring form races, use futures markets to lock in value before fields tighten, monitor track conditions and weather, stick with proven spring performers, and use Ladbrokes tools like Same Race Multis, expert tips and live odds to make more informed decisions throughout the carnival.
How do I watch the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
You can watch the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival live through Ladbrokes, with every race streamed via Ladbrokes Live Racing once you’re logged in. Coverage is also available on free‑to‑air TV, pay TV racing channels, and official club streams from Flemington, Caulfield, Moonee Valley and Sandown. Ladbrokes’ live vision is the quickest way to follow every race, plus you can access race replays, speedmaps and form guides directly alongside the markets.
What is the richest race in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival?
The richest race in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is the Melbourne Cup, offering $10.2 million in prizemoney and standing as Australia’s most valuable and iconic staying event.
Can I attend Melbourne Spring Carnival race days?
Yes — you can attend Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival race days, with tickets available for all major meetings at Flemington, Caulfield, Moonee Valley and Sandown. Each club offers general admission, reserved seating, members’ areas, and premium hospitality packages, and most feature days sell out early. You can check availability and purchase tickets directly through the race clubs or via their official event pages and keep an eye on race schedules to plan which spring meetings you want to attend.
Where can I find Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival odds?
All odds, futures markets, fixed prices, and exotics are available at Ladbrokes across every race day.