Victorian spring carnival crowds crack 600,000, wagering up 3.2 per cent

Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival has posted another year of growth, with crowds, wagering and broadcast reach all rising across the three-month program.

More than 600,000 people attended meetings state wide, the highest total since 2018 for major metropolitan fixtures and nearly 8 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. The Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate sold out, while Cup Week again delivered the four biggest attended race meetings in Australia. Country cups also recorded strong gains, with double-digit increases at Benalla, Kilmore, Murtoa, Gunbower and Dunkeld.

Wagering turnover climbed to $2.84 billion, up 3.2 per cent year-on-year. The Melbourne Cup Carnival led the uplift, increasing its turnover by 8.9 per cent. The Cup generated a record $247 million, more than four times any other Australian race.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the numbers confirmed a strong public response.

“It’s great to see the positivity surrounding this year’s Spring Racing Carnival confirmed by an increasing number of people choosing to attend, watch and wager on our sport,” he said.

“Our carnival has delivered again with incredible results on the track supported by some amazing events and it’s no coincidence to see engagement rising because of the hard work of many.”

Morrison said government support remained crucial, noting that the carnival generates $785 million in annual economic benefit.

“The story of Jamie Melham, Tony and Calvin McEvoy and Half Yours will go down in history,” he said.

Cup Week again delivered the strongest national TV audience, with more than 5.5 million watching on the Nine Network and the Melbourne Cup achieving its biggest total audience since 2018. Digital engagement across Racing Victoria and Racing.com channels rose sharply, with impressions up 30 per cent.