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 2021 will be on the 30th of October.
Derby Day Melbourne 2021 Date, Ticket Price, Race Times & Dress Code
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.
what proof do you need your a student?
Hi Emma,
According to the Ticketing and Conditions of Entry for Flemington Racecourse (located at https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Content/pdf/MELBCUP18_TCs.pdf), it states that “Where You wish to rely on a concession ticket for entry to the course, you must produce a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a current and valid (secondary or tertiary) student I.D. Card. Failing which You may be denied entry or be asked to leave the Course.”
I don’t know how strict they are when it comes to enforcing this, but odds are that if they see “concession” on a ticket, they will ask for some kind of ID. I guess it depends if the barriers are automated or if you have to hand your ticket to someone.
Anyway, I would make sure to have the required ID just in case.
Thanks
Michael