If you’re looking for Flemington Racecourse and track info, we’ve got you covered. This is one of the major racecourse in Melbourne.
This historic racecourse is about so much more than Melbourne Cup Day. As well as the Cup itself, Flemington Racecourse hosts numerous Group 1 races in Melbourne. Find out what carnivals are hosted by the Victoria Racing Club, how to get there, and more.
Flemington Race Carnivals
The two major carnivals at Flemington are the envy of Australia.
Autumn Racing Carnival at Flemington
Held in February and March is the Autumn Racing Carnival. Super Saturday features two major Group 1’s; the Australian Cup race and the fabled Newmarket Handicap race.
Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington
Staged in late October and early November, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is something really special. Running for a week, Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Kennedy Oaks Day and Mackinnon Stakes Day are all massive events running from the last Saturday in October through to the first one in November.
Flemington Racecourse Track Details
The most important thing you’ll note about the Flemington Racecourse track details are that it is a large, sweeping course with plenty of room for the runners. The straight is some 450 meters long.
Another major point about the Flemington Racecourse track layout is that it has what is called its “Straight Six”. The 1200-metre straight track hosts some of the biggest sprint races around.
Those up with the pace tend to do very well, even in longer races. That being said, Flemington tends to suit knowledgeable jockeys so don’t be worried if your rider sits back knowing that the pace is too strong as that longer home straight allows them time to pick up late.
Flemington Racecourse Contact Details
Flemington Racecourse track contact by post should go to 448 Epsom Road, Flemington, Victoria 3031.
To email the track, head to flemington.com.au, which is the official website. To give the team a call, telephone 03 8378 0720.
Flemington Racecourse Directions / Melbourne Cup Location
You can get to Flemington a number of ways. By train you can depart from Flinders Street via Southern Cross and North Melbourne to Flemington with Metlink.
By tram, race goers can get on board the no. 57 service from Elizabeth and Flinders Street, getting off at Flemington Drive.
Driving from the centre of Melbourne will take you via State Route 60. Passing the Queen Victoria Market, you can hit Flemington Road and Racecourse Road heading north-west. The track itself is well signposted and very easy to find being only 10-12 minutes from the middle of Melbourne.
Flemington Racecourse History
Originally opened in 1840, Flemington grew in popularity as a track from the off. It was leased to the Victoria Turf Club in 1848, which then merged with the Victoria Jockey Club in 1864 to form what we know today as the Victoria Racing Club, responsible for the track and its great races.
Since those days, owners and organisers have increased, extended and improved the track and the facilities. Nowadays, the pear-shaped track is the envy of the world.
Despite 4000 people attending the first Melbourne Cup here, Flemington now has a capacity of some 120.000. The track is now part of the official Australian National Heritage List.
FAQ
Your most important Flemington Racecourse track info questions answered.
Flemington is a left-handed track featuring one of the longest straights in Australia. It tends to give all horses a very fair chance.
Flemington has a circumference of 2.312 metres. That makes it nearly 1½ miles around.
Depending on the weather, the track is often pretty quick for the Melbourne Cup (more information about Melbourne Cup weather). Good ground means the final field has a fair chance across the board, though ground conditions influence the betting final and barrier draw on the day of the race.
