Unmissable Spring Racing Carnival set to begin

Three months of unmissable thrills are set to unfold across Victoria as the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival kicks off this weekend.

The best jockeys, trainers and thoroughbreds will battle for glory on racetracks in all corners of the state this spring as one of the country’s most significant cultural and sporting events takes stride, uniting communities and celebrating Victorian racing’s rich heritage.

It shapes as the biggest and best Spring Racing Carnival, with more Group 1 races than ever before as part of revamped schedule, record prizemoney for the iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup, and an historic Ladbrokes Cox Plate before The Valley Racecourse undergoes a dramatic facelift.

Fashion, food and entertainment will also take centre stage across three months of non-stop action with racedays doubling as wonderful social events for racegoers of all ages.

Heroics, heartbreak and history beckon for competitors over 22 Group 1 races commencing with the $750,000 Stow Storage Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday, 30 August.

The Memsie’s reputation as the tone-setter for the months ahead is set to be extended courtesy of a star-studded field including defending champion Mr Brightside, Queensland star Antino, brilliant Sydney mare Fangirl, All-Star Mile hero Tom Kitten and dual Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment. 

A realignment of prizemoney across Victoria this season sees the Melbourne Cup (3200m) turbocharged to $10 million on Tuesday, 4 November at Flemington with fairytale 2024 winner Knight’s Choice among the local contingent preparing to tackle a fresh wave of internationals.

The Cup is one of two flagship races to receive a prizemoney boost alongside the Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) which will be run for a record $6 million on Saturday, 25 October with newly crowned Victorian Racehorse of the Year Via Sistina set to defend her crown.

That pair of races are preceded by the $5 million Sportsbet Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday, 18 October – a famous Caulfield race meeting that will also feature the $1.5 million Group 1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) for the first time after its move from mid-November.

Also on the move is the $1 million Group 1 Sportsbet C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) which has been transferred from its traditional February timeslot to Saturday, 15 November – the week after the Melbourne Cup Carnival – where it brings to a close 12 consecutive weekends of Group 1 racing.

Metropolitan and country Victoria will work in tandem this Spring Racing Carnival with 26 Country Cups set to bring excitement and tourism to regional areas including once-a-year meetings at iconic venues in Dunkeld, Manangatang and Mt. Wycheproof.

Headlining the Country Cups is the $500,000 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday, 22 October which, for the first time, will offer the winner a golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.

In all, an incredible prizemoney and bonus pool of more than $125 million in is offer throughout Victoria from this weekend until the Haymes Paint Jericho Cup (4600m) meeting at Warrnambool on Sunday, 30 November which officially brings down the curtain on the Spring Racing Carnival.

Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison

“We’re excited to kick off three unmissable months of world-class racing as the best jockeys, trainers and thoroughbreds get set to battle for glory through the famous Spring Racing Carnival.

“Victoria will come alive in an explosion of culture and sport this spring as race clubs right across the state deliver amazing racedays where iconic races, fashion, food and entertainment combine for a memorable experience.

“It’s a revamped and enhanced Spring Racing Carnival this year with new timeslots for several Group 1 feature races and major prizemoney increases for two of our most iconic events, the record $10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup and $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate.

“In total, we’re offering more than $125 million in prizemoney and bonuses across the next three months with an unprecedented 22 Group 1 races and 26 Country Cups to headline the action.

“Whilst the spotlight will shine brightest on Flemington, Caulfield, and The Valley, we cannot underestimate the importance that racing plays in country Victoria throughout the spring.

“Our feature country meetings this spring will again unite communities for a major social event, support local businesses, and help raise valuable funds for local organisations and sporting clubs.

“Whether you’re celebrating trackside or watching the action from afar, spring is to the time to come together with family and friends and revel in our favourite season.

“No matter where you reside, I encourage you to check out the calendar of events and make your plans to experience Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival first-hand. You won’t be disappointed.”

To learn more about the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival and view a full calendar of race meetings visit www.thisishowwespring.com