Derby Day

Derby Day is a popular thoroughbred horse race which is held every year as part of the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington Racecourse.

Derby Day is always held on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, and in 2020 will be on the 31st of October.

There are some race days which constitute the Spring Racing Carnival. The Melbourne Cup is the premier event and Derby Day follows in a close second. Derby Day is a Group 1 Thoroughbred Race that is run over 2400 metres and is held at Flemington Racecourse on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.

The major prize of Derby Day is a $2 million prize and is a premier race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. There are nine races on the day and four Group One races. Importantly, the winner of the Lexus Stakes gains entry to the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup, which is held on the following Tuesday.

Thousands of racegoers flock to Flemington Racecourse for this massive race day dressed in their most exquisite black and white ensembles, with prizes for best dressed in a prestigious fashion show.

For those attending the event, food and drinks can be purchased at the event; however many racegoers bring a picnic to the venue. Betting is a favourite past-time, so make sure to bring some extra cash to place a bet on Australia’s biggest races. ATMs are available inside the racecourse; however, due to the large crowds, lines are often long.

Public transport to the event is plentiful, with trains that run direct and trams stop only a short walk away. Special trains run directly to Flemington Racecourse on race days. Trains to Flemington Racecourse depart Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne Station. You can also catch the #57 Maribyrnong tram from Elizabeth Street/Flinders Street intersection and alight at Flemington Drive.