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Last Updated: September 2025 | All dates and times subject to change

SPRING RACING CARNIVAL 2025

The Ultimate Hub for Australia’s Greatest Racing Season


Quick Navigation

Race Calendar 2025

October Highlights

Date Event Venue Prize Money
Sat 18 CAULFIELD CUP Caulfield $5 Million
Sat 18 THE EVEREST Randwick $20 Million
Thu 23 Geelong Cup Geelong $500,000
Sat 25 COX PLATE Moonee Valley $6 Million
Wed 29 Bendigo Cup Bendigo $500,000

November – Melbourne Cup Week

Date Event Venue Feature Race
Sat 1 DERBY DAY Flemington Victoria Derby
Tue 4 MELBOURNE CUP Flemington $10 Million Cup
Thu 6 OAKS DAY Flemington Crown Oaks
Sat 8 CHAMPIONS DAY Flemington 3 x Group 1s
Sat 15 C.F. Orr Stakes Caulfield Group 1 WFA

The Major Races

Melbourne Cup

“The Race That Stops The Nation”

  • Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
  • Venue: Flemington Racecourse
  • Time: 3:00pm AEDT
  • Prize Money: $10 MILLION (Record Prize!)
  • Distance: 3200m staying test
  • Note: Public Holiday in Victoria
  • Tips: Cup Analysis

The Everest

“World’s Richest Turf Race”

  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Venue: Randwick Racecourse
  • Time: 4:15pm AEDT
  • Prize Money: $20 MILLION
  • Distance: 1200m sprint
  • Format: 12 slot-holders system

Cox Plate

“The Weight-for-Age Championship”

  • Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Venue: Moonee Valley
  • Time: 5:00pm AEDT
  • Prize Money: $6 MILLION (Record!)
  • Distance: 2040m
  • Alert: Final year at The Valley before redevelopment

Caulfield Cup

“The Spring Cups Double Starter”

  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Venue: Caulfield Racecourse
  • Time: 5:15pm AEDT
  • Prize Money: $5 MILLION
  • Distance: 2400m handicap
  • Note: Same day as The Everest

Racecourse Guide

Flemington Racecourse

Melbourne Cup Headquarters

Getting There:

  • Train: Direct from Southern Cross Station
  • Tram: Route 57 from Flinders Street
  • Parking: Very limited – use public transport

Key Days: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day, Champions Day

Caulfield Racecourse

The Guineas & Cup Central

Getting There:

  • Train: Opposite Caulfield Station
  • Parking: Available but fills fast
  • Tip: Arrive 2 hours early on Cup Day

Key Days: Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup, C.F. Orr Stakes

Moonee Valley (The Valley)

Most Intimate Major Track

Getting There:

  • Train: Moonee Ponds Station (10 min walk)
  • Bus: Routes 476, 477, 483, 508
  • Parking: Free but limited

Key Days: Cox Plate Carnival

ALERT: Final season before 18-month closure for redevelopment!

Randwick Racecourse (Sydney)

The Everest Home

Getting There:

  • Light Rail: Direct to racecourse
  • Bus: Multiple routes available
  • Parking: Limited on major days

Key Days: The Everest, Golden Rose, Epsom Handicap


Fashion & Style Guide

Ladies Fashion

Race Day Essentials:

  • Elegant dresses or sophisticated separates
  • Statement fascinators or millinery
  • Comfortable yet stylish heels
  • Creative flair encouraged!

Fashions on the Field: Competitions at all major meetings

Gentlemen’s Attire

Members Areas:

  • Suit required
  • Collar and tie mandatory
  • Leather dress shoes
  • No denim or sportswear

General Admission: Smart casual acceptable


Viewing Options

At The Track

Ticket Type Price Range Best For
General Admission $30-50 Atmosphere seekers
Reserved Seating $150-300 Comfort & views
Dining Packages $500-1000 Premium experience
Corporate Hospitality $1000+ Business entertainment

From Anywhere

Television:

  • Channel 7 – Major races
  • Channel 10 – Melbourne Cup Carnival
  • Racing.com (Channel 78) – All races

Streaming:

  • Racing.com – 24/7 coverage
  • Bookmaker apps – Free with account

Radio:

  • RSN 927AM – Live race calls

Prize Money 2025

Race Total Prize Winner’s Share
The Everest $20,000,000 $7,000,000
Melbourne Cup $10,000,000 $4,500,000
Cox Plate $6,000,000 $3,600,000
Caulfield Cup $5,000,000 $3,000,000
Victoria Derby $2,000,000 $1,200,000

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Pro Tips

First Timer’s Guide

  1. Book Early – Accommodation sells out 6 months ahead
  2. Use Public Transport – Especially Cup Week
  3. Check Weather – Spring = unpredictable
  4. Buy Tickets Online – Avoid queues
  5. Dress Up – It’s part of the experience!

Insider Knowledge

  • Best Value: Geelong & Bendigo Cups
  • Photo Spot: Flemington’s Rose Garden
  • Avoid: Driving to Flemington on Cup Day
  • Must See: Mounting yard parade
  • Hidden Gem: Friday night racing at The Valley

What’s New in 2025

Major Changes

Record Prize Money

  • Melbourne Cup hits $10 million milestone
  • Cox Plate increased to $6 million
  • Total carnival worth over $100 million

Race Movements

  • Thousand Guineas returns to Caulfield Cup Day
  • Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes moves to September
  • C.F. Orr Stakes shifts to November

Final Season

  • Last Cox Plate at The Valley before rebuild
  • Historic farewell to iconic venue

Quick Links


The Bottom Line

Three months. Two cities. One unforgettable carnival.

The 2025 Spring Racing Carnival delivers Australia’s most prestigious racing with record-breaking prize money, international competition, and the final Cox Plate at The Valley. Whether trackside in your finest or watching from home, this is Australian racing at its absolute best.

Don’t just watch history – be part of it!