Kennedy Oaks

Oaks Day: A Day of Fashion and Fun at the Spring Racing Carnival

Oaks Day, also known as Kennedy Oaks Day, is a day full of fashion, fun, and horse racing at the Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne, Australia. 

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy this prestigious event at the iconic Flemington Racecourse.

VRC Oaks Race Details

DateNovember 9th, 2023
Race TimeTBC
Racecourse LocationFlemington
Race Distance2500 Metres
Weather ConditionsToo early to tell
Caulfield Cup Prize Money$1,000,000

The History of Oaks Day

The VRC Oaks, a prestigious race for three-year-old fillies, was first run in 1861, coinciding with the inaugural Melbourne Cup.

Over its history, the race has been known by three different names: the VRC Oaks (1861 – 2006), the Crown Oaks (2007 – 2016), and, as of 2017, the Kennedy Oaks.

The Oaks initially ran over a distance of 2400 metres until an additional 100 metres were added in 1973, bringing it to a grand total of 2,500 metres.

It was considered a Principal Race until 1978 and was then reclassified as a Group 1 race in 1979 with the introduction of the current race quality classification system.

The event has been an integral part of the race meetings that follow the Melbourne Cup and is often referred to as Ladies’ Day since the VRC introduced the popular “Fashions on the Field” concept in 1962.

This day also features two additional Group races, the Group 3 Red Rose Stakes, a fillies’ sprint race, and the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate, a sprint for two-year-olds.

Tips for Betting and Winning at the Races

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a first-timer, consider researching the horses, jockeys, and trainers before placing your bets. If you are unfamiliar with how to place a bet, it will pay to familiarize yourself with betting terminology and types of bets.

Or, to save yourself the hassle, just take a squid at the tips at the top of this page (we’ve done the research and know what’s good).

Dress Code and Fashion Tips for Oaks Day

Oaks Day is an opportunity to showcase your most elegant and fashionable outfits. Kennedy Oaks is known for its ladies’ outfits, and as such, as a race day with a strong focus on fashion, attendees are encouraged to dress up and adhere to the dress code set by the Victoria Racing Club. 

Women typically wear dresses, while men are expected to wear a suit and tie. 

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and consider the weather when selecting your outfit (if it ends up being a wet day, those 6-inch heels are going to get stuck in the mud).

Activities and Entertainment on Oaks Day

In addition to the excitement of the races, Oaks Day offers a range of activities and entertainment options, including:

  • Live music performances
  • Fashion shows
  • Pop-up bars 

Don’t forget to explore the various marquees and hospitality venues, which provide exclusive experiences and fine dining options for ticket holders.

You can find ticketing information on the VRC website.

Food and Drink at the Spring Racing Carnival

The Spring Racing Carnival is a culinary delight, offering a wide range of food and beverage options to suit all tastes. 

From gourmet food trucks to fine dining experiences, attendees can indulge in a variety of cuisines. 

There are also numerous bars and beverage stations to quench your thirst throughout the venue.

Hospitality Packages include:

  • The Furphy Deck $460pp
  • Riverside Bar and Bistro $610pp
  • Maybe Diva Marquee $710pp
  • Parade Lounge $780pp (sold out)
  • Skyline Lounge $795pp
  • Skyline Dining $885pp
  • The Rose Room $900pp
  • The Terrace Restaurant $945pp (sold out)
  • Lucky’s $1,080pp (sold out)
  • Skyline Private $1,100pp (sold out)
  • The Elms Trackside $1,122pp
  • The Panoramic $1,225pp
  • Hill Stand Corporate Suites (price on application)

Where to Watch and Bet on the Races

Spectators can watch the races from various vantage points around Flemington Racecourse, including grandstands, marquees, and lawn areas (including the infield experience exclusive to racegoers in the Panoramic area).

Betting facilities such as TAB machines are available on-site, with numerous bookmakers and tote operators ready to take your bets littered throughout the venue. 

Additionally, you can place bets online or via mobile apps from various wagering providers.

Take a look at our top-rated horse racing betting sites.

Transportation and Parking

Flemington Racecourse is easily accessible by public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, or you can take a taxi or rideshare service such as Uber to the venue.

Limited on-site parking is available for those who prefer to drive; however, booking in advance is strongly recommended.

How to Buy Tickets for Oaks Day

Tickets for Oaks Day can be purchased through the official Victoria Racing Club website or authorized ticket sellers. 

Various ticket options are available, including general admission, reserved seating, and hospitality packages.

Dress Code Enforcement and Guidelines

The dress code for Oaks Day is enforced by event staff, who may deny entry to individuals who do not meet the established guidelines. 

To avoid any issues, ensure that your attire is in line with the Oaks Day dress code and is suitable for a day at the races (respectable dresses, suit and tie).

VIP Packages and Experiences

Consider purchasing a VIP package or hospitality experience for a truly unforgettable Oaks Day. 

These exclusive options provide access to private marquees, fine dining, and premium viewing areas. 

Consult the official event website for details on available packages and pricing.

Contact

Phone:

1300 727 575

Reception:

(03) 8378 0888

International callers:

+61 (03) 9140 4821

Email:

Membership: membership@vrc.net.au

General enquiries: generalenquiries@vrc.net.au

Location

448 Epsom Road, Flemington Victoria 3031

VRC Oaks Day Winners

  • 2023 – Zardozi
  • 2022 – Shes Extreme
  • 2021 – Willowy
  • 2020 – Personal
  • 2019 – Miami Bound
  • 2018 – Aristia
  • 2017 – Pinot Spirit
  • 2016 – Lasqueti Spirit
  • 2015 – Jameka
  • 2014 – Set Square
  • 2013 – Kirramosa
  • 2012 – Dear Demi
  • 2011 – Mosheen
  • 2010 – Brazillian Pulse
  • 2009 – Faint Perfume
  • 2008 – Samantha Miss
  • 2007 – Arapaho Miss
  • 2006 – Miss Finland
  • 2005 – Serenade Rose
  • 2004 – Hollow Bullet
  • 2003 – Special Harmony
  • 2002 – Bulla Borghese
  • 2001 – Magical Miss
  • 2000 – Lovelorn
  • 1999 – Tributes
  • 1998 – Grand Archway
  • 1997 – Kensington Palace
  • 1996 – My Brightia
  • 1995 – Saleous
  • 1994 – Northwood Plume
  • 1993 – Arborea
  • 1992 – Slight Chance
  • 1991 – Richfield Lady
  • 1990 – Weekend Delight
  • 1989 – Tristanagh
  • 1988 – Research
  • 1987 – Sandy’s Pleasure
  • 1986 – Diamond Shower
  • 1985 – My Tristram’s Belle
  • 1984 – Spirit Of Kingston
  • 1983 – Taj Eclipse
  • 1982 – Rom’s Stiletto
  • 1981 – Rose Of Kingston
  • 1980 – November Rain
  • 1979 – Brava Jeannie
  • 1978 – Scomeld
  • 1977 – Show Ego
  • 1976 – Surround
  • 1975 – Denise’s Joy
  • 1974 – Leica Show
  • 1973 – Bonnybel
  • 1972 – Toltrice
  • 1971 – Kiss Me Cait
  • 1970 – Sanderae
  • 1969 – Goliette
  • 1968 – Double Steel
  • 1967 – Chosen Lady
  • 1966 – Farmer’s Daughter
  • 1965 – Gipsy Queen
  • 1964 – Light Fingers
  • 1963 – Jingle Bells
  • 1962 – Arctic Star
  • 1961 – Indian Summer
  • 1960 – Lady Sybil
  • 1959 – Mintaway
  • 1958 – Chicola
  • 1957 – Amarco
  • 1956 – Innesfell
  • 1955 – Evening Peal
  • 1954 – Lady Mogambo
  • 1953 – Waltzing Lady
  • 1952 – Waterlady
  • 1951 – Lady Havers
  • 1950 – True Course
  • 1949 – Chicquita
  • 1948 – Grey Nurse
  • 1947 – Nizam’s Ring
  • 1946 – Sweet Chime
  • 1945 – Cherie Marie
  • 1944 – Provoke
  • 1943 – Three Wheeler
  • 1942 – East End
  • 1941 – Primavera
  • 1940 – Session
  • 1939 – Triode
  • 1938 – French Gem
  • 1937 – Prairie Moon
  • 1936 – Siren
  • 1935 – Nalda
  • 1934 – Alinura
  • 1933 – Golden Hair
  • 1932 – Protea
  • 1931 – Gallantic
  • 1930 – Barbette
  • 1929 – Lineage
  • 1928 – Opera Queen
  • 1927 – Ninbela
  • 1926 – Lanson
  • 1925 – Redshank
  • 1924 – Miss Disraeli
  • 1923 – Frances Tressady
  • 1922 – Scarlet
  • 1921 – Furious
  • 1920 – Mufti
  • 1919 – Hyades
  • 1918 – Stagegirl
  • 1917 – Folly Queen
  • 1916 – Thana
  • 1915 – Rosanna
  • 1914 – Carlita
  • 1913 – Mint Sauce
  • 1912 – Moe
  • 1911 – Wilari
  • 1910 – Styria
  • 1909 – Lady San
  • 1908 – Nushka
  • 1907 – Lady Rylstone
  • 1906 – Yabba Gabba
  • 1905 – Lady Wallace
  • 1904 – Red Streak
  • 1903 – Sweet Nell
  • 1902 – Fishery
  • 1901 – Beanba
  • 1900 – Haulette
  • 1899 – Nitre
  • 1898 – Symmetry
  • 1897 – Eleusive
  • 1896 – Thunder Queen
  • 1895 – Auraria
  • 1894 – Regina
  • 1893 – The Dauphine
  • 1892 – Etra Weeni
  • 1891 – Tiraillerie
  • 1890 – Litigant
  • 1889 – Spice
  • 1888 – Pearlshell
  • 1887 – Dainty
  • 1886 – The Nun
  • 1885 – Uralla
  • 1884 – Venetia
  • 1883 – Quality
  • 1882 – Vaucluse
  • 1881 – Royal Maid
  • 1880 – Sapphire
  • 1879 – Petrea
  • 1878 – Melita
  • 1877 – Pardon
  • 1876 – Briseis
  • 1875 – Maid Of All Work
  • 1874 – Gaslight
  • 1873 – Rose D’Amour
  • 1872 – Sunshine
  • 1871 – Formosa
  • 1870 – Florence
  • 1869 – Kestrel
  • 1868 – My Dream
  • 1867 – Sylvia
  • 1866 – Sea Gull
  • 1865 – Lady Heron
  • 1864 – Illumination
  • 1863 – Aruma
  • 1862 – Modesty
  • 1861 – Palestine