Aussies love the summertime, and it’s always sad to see the days getting shorter. It’s not always sad for racing fans, however—when the leaves start falling and the temperature starts dropping, the wait is over! It’s the start of the Sydney Racing Carnival season and it’s time to get excited about all the great races in store all over Melbourne and Sydney. The Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival and Sydney Racing Carnival both strive to balance a calendar of amazing racing events that enthusiasts will love, with a range of events that appeal to women and lovers of fashion, families who head to the races together and newcomers who are learning the ways of racing. With so many great events on this year, it can be hard to keep track of the fun. Here are just a few of the top events being held in Sydney and Melbourne this racing season.
Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival
Melbourne’s Autumn Racing Carnival consists of nine races that have already started! The Blue Diamond Stakes Day was held on Saturday, February 22 at Caulfield Racecourse and was an immense success. Don’t worry about missing the beginning of the autumn calendar; there is so much more to see, do, and bet on over the course of the season. Flemington Racecourse has two great events coming up that you will love: Australian Guineas Day and Newmarket Handicap Day. There’s also the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley, which is an exciting and fast-paced event.
Fun for the Whole Family – Australian Guineas Day
On Saturday, March 1, Flemington Racecourse is going to come alive. Australian Guineas Day features the whopping $505,000 Australian Guineas, which will excite punters all over the country. Meanwhile, families will be flocking to the racecourse for hours of entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. Australian Guineas Day is a chance for families to bring their own picnic, which they can enjoy on the lawns at Flemington with a beautiful view of the racecourse itself. Don’t worry about the autumn weather setting in—Australian Guineas Day is held at a time of year where Melbourne is still beautiful and warm.
Sprint to Newmarket Handicap Day
Saturday, March 8 is race day for the Newmarket Handicap, one of the best sprint races Australian horse racing has to offer. The race has been run at Flemington ever since 1874, and is characterised by its short, straight, 1200-metre course. The Newmarket Handicap is particularly exciting for racing fanatics who love the flurry of watching a bigger race, as this race is one of just two in Australia that allow 24 horses to compete each year. It’s a fabulous flurry that should not be missed—add this date to your calendar now.
Aim High at William Reid Stakes
The famous William Reid Stakes is one if the country’s most popular races. It’s held at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne. Just like the Newmarket Handicap, this race is fast-paced and exciting at 1200-metres, and is perfect for people who like their horse races high stakes and high energy. The event will be held on March 21 this year, so get ready for some fun.
Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival
The Sydney side of the autumn racing calendar begins on March 23 and ends on April 27. There are three racecourses that put on events over this time: Randwick, Rosehill and Warwick Farm. At each of these venues, you will be able to see some of the country’s best racing.
Strike It Lucky With the Golden Slipper
The Golden Slipper, which will be held on April 5, 2014, is one of the world’s best and richest races for thoroughbred horses. This 1200-metre scorcher is held at the Rosehill Gardens, and has been running since 1957. Like many of the world’s best race days, the Golden Slipper is a glam and fabulous affair where everyone is dressed to the nines and Fashion in the Field is popular.
Finish Up the Season at Sydney Cup Day
Royal Randwick plays host to the Sydney Cup Day on April 27, which has four group one races to witness and bet on. The race itself is 3200-metres long and is the day’s highlight; all eyes are on the track as the horses begin their sprint, and by the end, there’s not a quiet racing fan in the house! Royal Randwick always puts on a great show with trackside entertainment everyone will enjoy. It’s a perfect way to end a perfect Autumn racing season.
Autumn is the best time of year to catch some of Australia’s most brilliant racing talent battle it out on the track. Make sure you’re ready for these big races this season—you won’t want to miss out!
