Weather conditions can have a huge impact on the Melbourne Cup betting, as different horses will excel depending on the track conditions. Find out more about this year’s Melbourne Cup forecast, how the weather has affected previous races, plus all you need to know about the famous Flemington racecourse that’ll have Australia’s collective eyes on it on 5th November.
What weather is expected for Melbourne Cup 2024?
Coming up with an accurate 2024 Melbourne Cup weather forecast for Tuesday 5th November is difficult weeks ahead of the event, particularly as November is historically the rainiest month of the year in Melbourne. If the prospect of rain proves accurate, it could pay to take a chance on the Melbourne Cup runners that prefer soft conditions.
How has the weather affected previous Melbourne Cups?
There are many aspects you should consider for Melbourne Cup 2024 betting. Form, jockey, age and health are all typical details that bettors examine when they pick a runner. Another important aspect is the weather conditions, which is particularly relevant for the Melbourne Cup given the area is so well known for its changeable climate.
Previous Melbourne Cups have suffered from a huge downpour. In turn, this led to the ground going soft, which affected many of the runners who perform better on good ground.
It’s important to assess the weather conditions before you place your bets. At the most basic level, if it’s raining, which horses have proven track records for good performances in those conditions? Similarly, if it’s dry, consider those horses that perform well on good-to-firm tracks.
Conditions have varied considerably in recent editions of the Melbourne Cup with only two of the most recent five races taking place under with the going declared Good.
| Year | Melbourne Cup Winner | Official Melbourne Cup Going |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Without A Fight | Good |
| 2022 | Gold Trip | Soft |
| 2021 | Verry Elleegant | Good |
| 2020 | Twilight Payment | Good |
| 2019 | Vow and Declare | Good to Soft |
| 2018 | Cross Counter | Good to Soft |
| 2017 | Rekindling | Good |
| 2016 | Almandon | Good |
| 2015 | Prince of Penzance | Good |
| 2014 | Protectionist | Good |
| 2013 | Fiorente | Good |
Flemington racecourse and track info
Flemington racecourse is best known for hosting the Melbourne Cup, but it’s not all about one race. 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 and 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, racegoers can get on board the number 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.
Melbourne Cup weather FAQs
Your most important Melbourne Cup weather questions answered.
It is difficult to predict the Melbourne Cup day weather too far in advance but the expectation is currently for temperatures in the region of 20 degrees.
Although 1995 was the cold Melbourne Cup in recent years, we have to go back to 1913 to find the coldest race on record. Temperatures peaked at just 11 degrees, with rain and hail adding to the unpleasant weather.
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.
