We have you covered for information regarding the 2024 Victoria Derby Day.
Staged at Flemington Racecourse, Victoria Derby Day is the opening fixture of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. It takes place on Saturday, October 30th and features several stakes races with the Derby itself the main highlight of the day.
Find out the history of the day, why it’s important to Victoria and Australia as a whole, and how to watch the big race live.
Victoria Derby Day History
The Victoria Derby horse race itself was first run back in 1855. Fillies landed the first three races; however, that trend quickly stopped.
Over time geldings and older horses have been allowed to compete, and the race was once staged on New Year’s Day.
These days, the Victoria Derby is the feature race on Derby Day, which is the opening race day of the lauded Melbourne Cup Carnival in late October and early November.
Victoria Derby Form
A maximum of 16 runners can make up the field for the Victoria Derby. Each horse has a difficult task given the 2.500-metre distance, and entries won’t be in until September.
In the past, the best lead-up races for the Derby have included the Drummond Golf Derby, the Ladbrokes Classic and the Spring Champion Stakes, those three races being where the last four winners have come from in the Derby.
How to Watch the Victoria Derby?
The Ten Network will once again have TV rights for Derby Day. You can watch on Channel 10 or via their 10 Play app.
If you’re betting online, your bookmaker may also be offering a high-definition live stream of the race, complete with commentary.
Betting on the Victoria Derby
You can bet at Victoria Derby Day if you’re there in person, of course. For most of us, Victoria Derby betting will centre around online bookmakers.
The TAB will be offering odds online, as will most online bookmakers. Bookies online will be offering future odds for the race, while live odds will be listed when the meeting gets underway in October.
Please note: due to the Interactive Gambling Act in Australia, any form of live betting cannot be conducted online.
FAQ
Your questions answered about Victoria Derby Day 2024.
The racecourse uses a proper dress code. On Derby Day specifically, people traditionally wear black and white. Top hats, lounge suits and pinstripes are all the rage.
The Victoria Derby is set to go off at 3.35 pm local time, though that remains subject to change.
For more information about the days in the Melbourne Cup Carnival you can also look at these pages:
