Derby Day

Derby Day is a popular thoroughbred horse race that 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 2021 will be on the 30th of October.

There are some race days that 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.

As one of the most prestigious days of spring racing, this is a must-attend event for racing fans with four exceptional Group 1 races – the AUD$2 million Kennedy Cantala, AUD$1.5 million Coolmore Stud Stakes, AUD$1 million Empire Rose Stakes and the feature race the AUD$2 million Victoria Derby.

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.