Australia is renowned for its love of horse racing, with a calendar packed full of thrilling events that capture the nation’s attention. From the roar of the crowd to the thunder of hooves, there’s something uniquely captivating about this sport, and for those looking to get a taste of the action or perhaps even place a bet, keeping an eye on the latest racing odds are essential!
Here, we’re going to look at seven of the biggest Group 1 horse races in Australia. But wait – what does this mean exactly? Put simply, a Group 1 horse race is the highest level of thoroughbred racing, showcasing the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from Australia and beyond.
So, if you’re looking to witness some of the best horse racing Australia has to offer, make sure you pay attention to the races below.
The Melbourne Cup
Known as “the race that stops a nation”, The Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle of Australian horse racing. Held on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse, this 3200-metre handicap race boasts a rich history dating back to 1861, making it one of the oldest races in the world.
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a race, though; it’s an event that brings people together from all walks of life, whether tuning in or attending in their finest attire. The allure of the Melbourne Cup isn’t just in its prestige either, but also in the staggering prize money, which in 2024 came to a combined $8,000,000!
The Cox Plate
Regarded as Australia’s premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate is held annually at Moonee Valley Racecourse in late October. Covering a distance of 2,040 metres, this race is a true test of a horse’s speed, stamina, and versatility, and the Cox Plate has gained a reputation for showcasing some of the finest thoroughbreds.
Previous champions include the legendary Winx, who won the race four consecutive times from 2015 to 2018. The atmosphere at Moonee Valley is electric during this race and the strategic tight turns of the track add an extra layer of excitement for both jockeys and spectators, making it an unmissable event for any racing lover.
The Golden Slipper
When it comes to two-year-old races, the Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney is unmatched. Held in late March, this 1200-metre sprint is the richest race for juveniles in the world, with a prize pool exceeding $3,500,000.
This is a breeding ground for future champions, and the race itself is a spectacle of youthful exuberance and potential. What’s more, the thrill of seeing young, untapped talent compete at such a high level makes this event a favourite among racing enthusiasts and punters alike.
The Caulfield Cup
Taking place in mid-October, the Caulfield Cup is a major 2400-metre handicap race that serves as a precursor to the Melbourne Cup. Held a Caulfield Racecourse, this race is a key event for horses aiming for a successful run in the “big one” in November, and with a prize pool of around $5,000,000, it attracts a strong collection of local and international contenders.
The race’s history, dating back to 1879, adds to its prestige and makes it a cornerstone of the Australian racing season. Punters also often use the results and form from the Caulfield Cup to gauge the latest racing odds for the Melbourne Cup, adding an extra layer of interest to the spring racing carnival.
The Australian Cup
The Australian Cup, held at Flemington Racecourse in early March, is one of the nation’s most esteemed weight-for-age races. Covering a distance of 2000 metres, this race is a highlight of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival, and it comes with a prize pool of $1,500,000, which draws a competitive field each year.
This is another of Australia’s oldest races, dating back to 1863, and this only adds to its allure and makes it a must-watch event for horse racing enthusiasts. The race itself is gripping, too, thanks to the strategic nature of the Flemington track and the quality of the entrants, and this also has a significant impact on the latest racing odds.
The Victoria Derby
Dating back to 1855, the Victoria Derby is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Australia. Held on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup and with a prize pool of $2,000,000, this 2500-metre race for three-year-olds is a true test of stamina and skill, attracting the best young stayers from across the country.
The Crown Oaks
Also known as the VRC Oaks, the Crown Oaks take place at Flemington Racecourse on the Thursday following the Melbourne Cup. This 2500-metre race is the premier event for three-year-old fillies, and it holds a prize pool of $1,000,000. Commonly referred to as “Ladies’ Day”, the combination of high stakes and the elegance of the event make the Crown Oaks a unique and highly-anticipated race with plenty of opportunities to find value bets.
