The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s richest races and the most valuable one and a half mile handicap anywhere in the world.
It is traditionally held on the final day of the MRC Spring Carnival in October and is arguably the most significant trial for the Melbourne Cup. Two more races
The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s richest races and the most valuable one and a half mile handicap anywhere in the world. It is traditionally held on the final day of the MRC Spring Carnival in October and is arguably the most significant trial for the Melbourne Cup. Two more races in the MRC Spring Carnival include the Caulfield Guineas Day and the Blue Sapphire Stakes Day.
The prize money is A$3 million with the winner receiving an open invitation for the Flemington race. In 2017, the Melbourne Racing Club announced plans to turn the Caulfield Cup into a weight-for-age race as opposed to a handicap. The proposal is to attract top class runners from around the world with no penalty for the winner going on to the Melbourne Cup.
The Caulfield Cup was first held at Caulfield Racecourse in 1879 on a track comprising rough bush, heath and sand hills. This earned Caulfield the nickname of “The Heath”, a nickname that is still linked with the course.
In 1881, the Caulfield Guineas and the Toorak Handicap were introduced and the Cup switched to the spring. That linked the Caulfield Cup to the Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November.
On the eve of the 1922 Caulfield Cup, fire destroyed the Members’ Stand, Weighing Room, Committee Room and much of the racecourse’s infrastructure. Five years later, fire struck again on Oakleigh Plate Day, this time claiming the Guineas Stand.
In 1989, Caulfield underwent considerable modernisation with the development of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand. The three-level glass-fronted Grandstand was completed in 1992 and provides uninterrupted views of the paddock, home turn and winning post.
In 2001, 125 years of racing at Caulfield were commemorated with two special themed days. Caulfield stages several other Group 1 races including the Caulfield Guineas, The Blue Sapphire Stakes, C F Orr Stakes, Oakleigh Plate, Underwood Stakes and Futurity Stakes. Caulfield is also home to several Victorian trainers with over 500 horses in training.
Tickets sell quickly for the Caulfield Cup. Don’t delay – reserve your tickets today!
The 2018 Caulfield Cup will be on Saturday 20st October. The race takes place on the third and final day of the Melbourne Racing Club’s three-day spring racing carnival.
The winner of the Caulfield Cup 2017 was Boom Time, while the trainer Aidan Obrien’s horse Johannes Vermeer finished only third. Single Gaze trained by Nick Olive finished in second place.
Reserve your tickets now for one of the biggest days in the Australian racing year!
Melbourne is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, full of vibrant energy and diversity. There is so much to see across all spheres from cuisine to the arts to architecture and retail outlets.
The Luna Park at St Kilda, Victoria is less than three miles from the racecourse. It overlooks Port Phillip Bay and is a hugely popular destination for family amusement.
It has a generous mix of heritage listed attractions and thrilling rides to keep the family entertained. The famous Scenic Railway Roller Coaster carries its passengers around the outside of the entire Park at high speed!
If you’re looking for something a bit more tranquil, visit Labassa in Victoria, just 1.3 miles from Caulfield Racecourse. It is an outstanding Victorian era mansion with opulent architectural features featuring ornate stained glass and a rare trompe l’oeil ceiling. Labassa is the most lavish of the few surviving nineteenth century mansions and is well worth a visit.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens are just two and a half miles from the race track. The gardens were formally established in 1859 and gradually developed with the creation of a rosary, extensive flower beds and a nursery.
The gardens have over 800 mature tree specimens, a giant chess board, ornamental pond and the Eco-centre which provides lessons on sustainable living practice.
The Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to the history of thoroughbred racing in Australia. Induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest accolade and what better place to whet your appetite for the big race!
For a truly memorable evening, the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to end your day. Your floating restaurant takes you along the Yarra River with stunning views of the city under the night sky.
Book your trip to Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup today!
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Carnegie Motor Inn at 1102 Dandenong Road is less than a mile from the racecourse and only 2 minutes’ walk from Carnegie Railway Station.
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The Motel provides air-conditioned rooms with free parking and access to an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. An airport bus service leaves from the front door 7 days per week, making it the perfect accommodation for road, rail and air travellers.
Hawthorn Gardens Serviced Apartments are only 2.5 miles from the race track and 15 minutes’ drive from central Melbourne.
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They offer self-contained air-conditioned accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a refrigerator. Each apartment has laundry facilities and a separate living and dining area.
Park Hyatt at 1 Parliament Square is only half an hour by taxi from Melbourne International Airport.
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It provides the ultimate in hotel accommodation with the largest luxury rooms and suites in Melbourne. Highlights include spacious Italian marble bathrooms, separate male and female steam room/sauna and a 24-hour state-of-the-art gymnasium.
If you are seeking something different and truly contemporary, then why not stay in one of the Art Series Hotels?
The Cullen at Prahran is 6.5km from Caulfield Racecourse and is inspired by the work of artist Adam Cullen.
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Original artwork and prints are displayed throughout the hotel which boasts a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spectacular views of Melbourne and two restaurants.
The Olsen at 637-641 Chapel Street, South Yarra, has 224 spacious suites decorated with landscapes by Australian artist Dr John Olsen.
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The accommodation is luxurious and the hotel can even arrange a smart car for you to nip around town!
Book your stay for the Caulfield Cup well in advance to avoid disappointment!
Caulfield aims to combine the finest in racing with the very best in food and wine.
was launched in 2013 with some classical dishes. Caulfield’s premier dining facility provides fantastic views of the racing with gourmet dining and a wide range of beverages.
For racegoers seeking a relaxed lunch while the drama unfolds, the Track Restaurant in the Norman Robinson grandstand is the place for you! The package includes three-course luncheon, comprising of set entrée, alternating main course and set dessert.
Can accommodate anything from a private birthday party to a staff function. The package includes a traditional carvery luncheon: a selection of roast meats served with an array of roast vegetables, crisp seasonal salads, crusty bread rolls and a plated dessert.
The suburb of Caulfield enjoys a rich cultural diversity which is evident in the wide range of cuisines on offer.
Is a very welcoming Polish wine bar. It is next door to a cinema so can fit snuggly into your schedule for a great evening out. The Polish food is delicious with the potato and caramelized onion pierogi highly recommended!
If you are looking for a quick snack, why not try Einstein’s at 251 Hawthorn Road, less than a quarter of a mile from Caulfield racecourse. It is a fast-food Australian café with both Vegetarian and Vegan options as well as gluten free.
Book your stay in Melbourne and sample the finest foods during the Caulfield Cup!
Air passengers arriving at Melbourne Airport can reach the racecourse by train in 20 minutes from Flinders Street station. There are also frequent bus, tram and taxi services on race days.
Racegoers can catch a Route 3 or 3a tram and alight at Stop 56. From the city.
Route 3 travels along Swanston Street and St. Kilda Road and operates weekdays only.
Route 3a travels along Swanston Street, St Kilda Road and St Kilda Beach and operates weekends only.
The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. From East Malvern, Route 3/3a services travel along Waverley Road.
Caulfield railway station is less than a hundred metres from the racecourse and is located on the Frankston, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Trains depart every 10 minutes from Flinders Street Station in the Melbourne Central Business District.
Local bus services run from Stud Park Shopping Centre, Wellington Road, Monash University (Clayton) and Chadstone Shopping Centre via SmartBus Route 900. Route 624 buses from Kew, Auburn Station, Tooronga Station and Holmesglen Station also operate to Caulfield.
For those travelling by car, Caulfield Racecourse provides disabled carparks opposite the main entrance on Station Street.
Do you want to experience the area first hand? Hire a car with our search engine
Book your travel arrangements for the Caulfield Cup now!
The first recorded running of the Caulfield Cup took place in 1879 with the race won by Newminster.
The race was marred by tragedy in 1885 Caulfield Cup when jockey Donald Nicolson was killed in a fifteen-horse pile-up on the home turn.
The longest priced winner of the Caulfield Cup was Saint Warden at 100-1 in 1943.
has been achieved eleven times in the same season. The first horse to do so was Poseidon back in 1906 while Doriemus (1995), Might And Power (1997) and Ethereal (2001) have been successful in more recent years.
Is the leading rider of all time with five victories including four in consecutive seasons from 1942 to 1945.
Damien Oliver has ridden the Caulfield Cup winner on four occasions.
Trainer Bart Cummings holds the record for training Caulfield Cup winners with seven, including twice with Ming Dynasty and most recently with Viewed in 2009.
Horses trained outside Australia and New Zealand have taken part in the race since 1998 with four proving successful.
Taufan’s Melody was the first to succeed in 1998 for Britain’s Lady Herries, the first female trainer to win the race. Lady Herries has since been followed by Sheila Laxon (2001) and Gai Waterhouse (2010). All the Good won for Godolphin and Saeed bin Suroor in 2008 while France was successful with Dunaden in 2012. Admire Rakti was the most recent International raider to lift the Cup for Japan in 2014.
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