Stakes Day




It's that time of year again! The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is upon us, and Stakes Day is just around the corner.

What is Stakes Day?

Stakes Day is the final day of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It's held on the Saturday after Melbourne Cup Day, and it's one of the most prestigious days on the Australian racing calendar.

The races on Stakes Day are all Group 1 races, which means they're the highest level of racing in Australia.

The main race on Stakes Day is the VRC Champions Stakes. The VRC Champions Stakes is a 2000-metre race for horses aged three and up and is one of the most prestigious races in Australia. The race has been won by some of the greatest horses in Australian history, including Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and Winx.

Other races on Stakes Day include the VRC Oaks, the VRC Derby, and the VRC Sprint Classic.

How to get to Stakes Day

Stakes Day is held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. The racecourse is located about 5 kilometres from the city centre.

There are a number of ways to get to Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day.

  • Train: The Flemington Racecourse train station is located right next to the racecourse. Trains run regularly from the city centre to Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day.
  • Tram: The number 57 tram runs from the city centre to Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day.
  • Bus: There are several bus routes that run to Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day.
  • Car: If you're driving to Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day, there are a number of car parks available.
What to wear to Stakes Day

Stakes Day is a formal event, so it's important to dress accordingly.

For men, a suit or dress pants and a shirt and tie are appropriate. For women, a dress, skirt and top, or pantsuit is appropriate.

You'll also need to wear a hat to Stakes Day. Hats are mandatory for all attendees, regardless of gender.

What to do at Stakes Day

There's plenty to see and do at Stakes Day, in addition to watching the races.

  • Fashions on the Field: The Fashions on the Field competition is a highlight of Stakes Day. Entrants compete for prizes in a number of categories, including best dressed man, best dressed woman, and best hat.
  • The Birdcage: The Birdcage is a glamorous enclosure where celebrities and VIPs gather on Stakes Day. If you're lucky, you might even spot a celebrity or two.
  • Food and drink: There are plenty of food and drink options available at Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day. You can enjoy everything from fine dining to casual snacks.
  • Live music: There's always live music playing at Flemington Racecourse on Stakes Day. You can enjoy everything from pop to rock to classical music.
Stakes Day is a great day out for the whole family. So if you're looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a day in Melbourne, be sure to check out Stakes Day!