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 2018 will be on the 3rd of November.

There are a number of 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 over $1 million 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 Longines Mackinnon Stakes and Lexus Stakes gain 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 finest 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 their own picnic to the venue. Betting is a popular 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 a trains that run direct and trams stops only a short walk away. Special trains run direct to Flemington Racecourse on racedays. 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.