Gates open mid-morning, and the first jumps race is usually underway before noon. Feature flat races run mid-afternoon. Check the official program for exact post times.
Racing began at Warrnambool in the 1850s, and the first Grand Annual Steeplechase was run in 1872. The three-day May Carnival attracts more than 30 000 fans to Victoria’s south-west coast.
2026 Carnival Schedule
Brierly Day–Tuesday 29 January 2026
Galleywood Day–Wednesday 30 January 2026
Grand Annual Day & Warrnambool Cup Day–Thursday 1 January 2026
Betting Tips & Strategy for “the ’Bool”
Heavy-track horses: May weather is often wet; back proven mud-larks.
Undulating circuit: Horses must handle downhill runs and the uphill home straight.
Course experience: Local specialists frequently outrun their starting price.
Stamina over brilliance: In the Grand Annual, staying power is vital.
Target trainers: Warrnambool stables (e.g. Symon Wilde) aim for this week.
Michael founded KRUZEY after 15+ years betting on Australian racing - most of it learning expensive lessons the hard way. He's obsessive about form analysis and has a soft spot for finding value in the quaddie markets everyone else ignores.
At KRUZEY, Michael covers racing tips, bookmaker reviews, and anything involving crunching numbers to find an edge. He's up before dawn most race days studying the fields, and reckons a well-constructed quaddie is one of life's simple pleasures.
Connect on LinkedInEmail Contact