OK true, Melbourne Cup week is still more than nine months away. It pays to be prepared however and we’re letting you know all the information you need about one of the top weeks in worldwide horse racing.
Some top names will be taking part as always. Former Cup winner Verry Elleegant had a race named after her in Sydney this week. Many lead-up races are still to come from there and from Victoria, all affecting the Melbourne Cup odds.
We’re checking out what this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival looks like.
Four Championship Race Days
During the week we’ll see four top days of action, all featuring some of the biggest names in the sport.
Victoria Derby Day
Saturday November 2 is Victoria Derby Day. The traditional curtain-raiser of course contains the big race itself, the Victoria Derby, on the schedule since 1855.
The top young stayers in the country will gather for the race, one won in the past by such heroes as Rebel Raider, Tarzino and Warning.
Derby Day is famous for its black and white theme. This will be to the fore once again and will make for a fantastic backdrop to a top-class day of Group 1 racing.
Melbourne Cup Day
The big one! Melbourne Cup Day is on Tuesday November 5. The $8.4 million feature race is due off at 1500 and is again backed up by plenty of other top races.
We’ll continue bringing you all the news regarding the race as well as counting down to the big one. Look out here for any major changes, new contenders coming to the fore, odds changes and more.
VRC Oaks Day
It’s the turn of the young fillies to star on Thursday November 7. The VRC Oaks is the equivalent to the Victoria Derby for the girls. The winning filly will go on to become very valuable at stud.
45,000 have been in attendance during the past two years of VRC Oaks Day. It was not a surprise in the recent past however to witness 60,000+ for this great day.
Popularly known as Ladies Day, this is another opportunity for everyone to dress to the nines.
Champions Stakes Day
A whirlwind week is rounded off by Champions Stakes Day. Another huge Group 1 event, this day is another than can attract 50,000 or even 60,000 race goers.
The Champions Stakes itself has been taken by Desert War, So You Think and twice by Zaaki. It is a top-notch weight-for-age event over 2000 metres, much like the Cox Plate. The prize money for this event is set at around $3 million.
There are cheaper tickets in general admission going right up to hospitality packages. Full TV coverage is available for this brilliant racing week too. Check back with us for all the latest news regarding the Cup and its associated races.
