Are you planning to visit Flemington racecourse but don’t know what races to see? You aren’t alone! We are frequently asked about the best races to see and are here to help. Whether this is the first time you are heading to Flemington or are looking for a fun race to enjoy, we have 7 of the best races you can enjoy at Flemington throughout the year. Let’s dive in to help you see which race is right for you.
1. Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is an annual Group 1 Thoroughbred race where horses three years and older will run 3200 meters, competing as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The course is the richest two-mile handicap in the world and is considered one of the richest turf races, taking place on the first Tuesday in November. The race is known as ‘the race that stops the nation,’ and is a race to watch. To avoid disappointment, make sure you book your tickets in advance!
The race comes with a whopping $8.4 million prize, which is why it is so popular with trainers and punters alike. There are weight penalties and fees that must be met for riders, and you can expect there to be other activities, with pop up bars and live music that keeps everyone entertained.
2. Victoria Derby
The Victoria Derby, or Penfolds Victoria Derby, is a Racing Club Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds with set weights of 53 ½ kg for fillies and 55 ½ kg for colts and geldings. The race sees horses run over 2,500 meters on turf, for a prize of $2 million. The race is usually held on the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and you can expect a big crowd and plenty of buzz.
The time record was set in 1991 at 2:33.60 and is yet to be beaten. Why not book tickets and see if you will finally see it beat?
3. Ascot Vale Stakes
The Ascot Vale Stakes, or Coolmore Stud Stakes, is a Victoria Racing Club Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race that spans 1200 meters at Flemington Racecourse. The race is open to three-year-olds at set weights, with fillies weighing 55 kg and colts and geldings weighing 57 kg. The race is part of Victorian Derby Day and is full of excitement, making it an excellent option if you are looking to enjoy an entire day. The prize for the race is $2 million, and you can expect a thrilling race and plenty of punters placing their bets.
4. Hotham Handicap
The Hotham Handicap, or Lexus Archer Stakes, is a Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race, and one that we think you should set aside time to check out. The race is held under handicap conditions for horses three years and older. The race spans 2,500 meters and takes place on Victoria Derby Day. The prize comes with a prize of $300,000 and comes with a bonus of exemption from balloting for the Melbourne Cup. The race is considered a lead-up for the Melbourne Cup and is the perfect way to see the track up close and its conditions before betting on the Melbourne Cup.
5. Chatham Stakes
The Chatham Stakes is another Group 3 horse race that is worth seeing! The open handicap race spans 1,400 meters and comes with an impressive prize of $200,000. The race is held annually as part of the VRC Spring Racing Carnival and attracts a sizable crowd. The race is one of the newer at Flemington, running since 1978, but has quickly become a favourite and one we think you will enjoy.
6. VRC Oaks
Another race that is worth attending is the Victoria Racing Club Oaks (VRC Oaks), also known as the Crown Oaks. This is a Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race set for three-year-old fillies under set weight conditions (55 ½ kg). The race spans 2,500 meters at Flemington and takes place on the third day of the VRC Spring Carnival. This is usually after the Melbourne Cup in early November, with tickets on sale in advance. The prize for the race is $1 million, so you can expect a big crowd, even though it is mid-week, with over 110,000 people attending in 2024!
7. Aurie’s Star Handicap
Finally, we recommend Aurie’s Star Handicap, a Group 3 horse race for horses aged three and older. The open handicap race takes place every August with a prize of $200,000. The horses will run 1200 meters, and it is the first Group race in the new racing character in Victoria.
The name comes from Auries’s Star, a gelding who won 28 of his 89 starts, including the Goodwood Handicap. Oakleigh Plate, and Newmarket Handicap.
Book your tickets for your next Flemington race today
Now that you have seen some of the best races at Flemington, you can plan your journey and book your tickets today. When booking your race at Flemington and placing your bets, we recommend heading to Ladbrokes. Ladbrokes has the best odds and more information on the races at the Flemington race track to help you decide which race you want to see.
