Last Saturday in winter launches Victorian spring carnival

The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival officially begins this weekend, bringing together communities across the state and visitors for three months of racing, hospitality, fashion and entertainment.

More than 600,000 people attended the 2025 carnival, with growth among under-35s and female racegoers, while Racing Victoria says early ticket sales indicate strong interest again in 2026.

The carnival will feature record prizemoney for the 150th Caulfield Cup, the first Cox Plate at Flemington and the $10.2 million Melbourne Cup.

Away from Melbourne, 26 country cup meetings will take place across Victoria, with the carnival generating an estimated $785 million in annual economic activity for the state.

The carnival begins at Caulfield on Saturday with the Memsie Stakes, the first of 22 Group 1 races, featuring Mr Brightside, Jimmysstar and defending champion Treasurethe Moment.

Moonee Valley’s redevelopment has prompted Caulfield, Flemington and Sandown to take on additional hosting duties, including Flemington’s first staging of the $6 million Cox Plate on October 24.

Caulfield will host its flagship $6 million Caulfield Cup on October 17, while Sandown will conduct its first Group 1 meeting since 2023 with theMoir Stakes on September 5.

Off-track highlights include performances from Robbie Williams on Melbourne Cup Day and FISHER on Champions Stakes Day, before the carnival concludes with the Jericho Cup at Warrnambool on November 29.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said: “The Spring Racing Carnival is a major cultural and economic asset for Victoria bringing together communities and driving investment in our state. It not only showcases elite racing, it shines a spotlight on Melbourne and an array of wonderful townships across the regions.”