The Festival of Racing

The Festival of Racing is Victoria’s six-week summer and autumn showpiece featuring nine Group 1 races and a plethora of country cups. This February and March, head to the races as some of the finest equine athletes in the country converge on Caulfield, Flemington, The Valley and several of Victoria’s most picturesque regional racetracks. 

Australia’s most precocious juveniles will chase Group 1 glory in the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, while a mouth-watering cast of three-year-old stars will go head-to-head in the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington. The second edition of The All-Star Mile will light up Caulfield before the Group 1 action comes to a close with the William Reid Stakes at The Valley, where some of the nation’s best sprinters will clash under the lights.  

Explore what's happening at the clubs

Melbourne’s three metropolitan clubs feature premium racing with food and entertainment to match, whilst a day at the country races offers a more relaxed, informal environment.

What's on during the Festival

Group 1 and Country Cups

Group 1 and Country Cups

Group 1 racing returns in 2020 during the Festival of Racing. With six weeks of first-class action and 13 country cups spread right across the state, there’s something for everyone this autumn.

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The All-Star Mile

The All-Star Mile

Back for a second year after the inaugural edition in 2019, The All-Star Mile is the raceday which has captured the country’s imagination. This unique race is made up of 10 horses voted in by the public, with five wildcards making up the field for the world’s richest mile race. 

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Racing Under Lights

Racing Under Lights

The Valley, Pakenham and Cranbourne host night meetings every week across the Festival of Racing. With an electric atmosphere and a range of food and entertainment options on offer, a night at the races caters for all tastes.

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Unwind at the Picnic Races

Unwind at the Picnic Races

Throw out a picnic rug, bring a hamper and relax in the sunshine at the picnic races. It’s a great day out for all the family with plenty of race meetings across the autumn period.

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