The May Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s hallmark country racing events.

Produced by the Warrnambool Racing Club, the three (3) day country racing carnival attracts thousands of racing enthusiasts every year to view Australasia’s premier jumps horses, immerse in the thrill of country racing, be inspired by autumn race fashions, and enjoy unmatched local hospitality. This is Australian grass-roots racing at its finest!

Its home is the Warrnambool Racecourse, located in the vibrant coastal city of Warrnambool, on Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road. Positioned in the heart of town, just two kilometres from the CBD, the Warrnambool Racecourse has been home to racing since 1847, when the first settlers arrived.

The carnival is a celebration of country racing and is famously held mid-week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (always the first Thursday of May). It features 23 flat races and 7 jumps races, including the internationally acclaimed Grand Annual Steeplechase, first held in 1872 and remains the longest and most celebrated of its kind in Australia.

Approaching the end of the First World War the Australian Light Horse were planning a major offensive against the Turkish Empire.

In order to lull the enemy into believing nothing unusual was afoot, a race meant was organised on the eve of the assault.

The main race was called The Jericho Cup over 3 miles through the desert sands.

The winner was Bill the Bastard, probably Australia’s Greatest War Horse.

The Jericho Cup will be re-run annually from the 100th anniversary in 2018 to honour Bill the Bastard, the Australian Light Horsemen and their magnificent mounts – The Walers 1914 to 1918.

After the disaster of the Gallipoli landing they collectively formed the spearhead of the Allied Forces in the Middle East. 
They destroyed the centuries old Ottoman Empire and drove the Turks from the Holy Land.

Traditionally we have remembered the disaster and not the ultimate victory.

The ultimate way to bring in the New Year, get the party started at the Woodford Cup. Woodford Cup Day is one of the south-west regions leading race days and is held on New Years Eve.

Enjoy everything Werribee has to offer and everything that our club, our town and our region represents.

Where our community and all our visitors are always stronger together. Stronger together with food, fashion, live entertainment, kids activities and all the up close racing action that we are famous for. Whether you are looking for country casual or a full catered experience, there are packages to suit everybody!

The Geelong Cup is a Group 3 Australian horse race held by the Geelong Racing Club.

Held at the Geelong Racecourse, the Geelong Cup is traditionally held on a Wednesday, 13 days prior to the running of the Melbourne Cup. It is an open handicap race over 2,400 metres and forms the prolific Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

The Geelong Cup is one of the premier country cups held outside of the city during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Casterton Cup Day showcases everything that the club, their town and their region represent.

With food, fashion, live entertainment, kids' activities and all the up close racing action that we are famous for, it's a perfect opportunity to make a weekend of it and explore the region.

A dedicated committee works hard to ensure that they deliver a first class event for the thousands of people visiting their club for the annual Mortlake Cup meeting held on Derby Day. With the iconic and picturesque Mount Shadwell overlooking the racecourse you can relax and enjoy the colour, atmosphere and excitement of this much anticipated event.

They embrace friends, families and clubs that choose Mortlake for their taste of spring racing action!

The course is nestled at the foot of the Otway Ranges, the Colac Turf Club is one of the renowned country racecourses in the Great ocean Road region.

The Colac Gold Cup has become a much sought after trophy among top trainers within Victoria for many years and the record books show why. The past five Country Racehorses of the year have either won the Colac Gold Cup or been trained at Colac Racecourse.

The Hamilton Cup includes live music, entertainment, kid's activities, extensive hospitality as well as a full race card.

There is always something for everyone at the Cup with Fashions on the Field, family-friendly activities and hospitality packages to suit all budgets.

Free buses will operate from the town centre.

Secure your spot at one of the top Country Cups and get ready to hoot, holler, and have a blast!

The Avoca Cup is the ultimate blend of heart-pounding races, exceptional wines, and good ol' country charm.

Whether you're a seasoned punter, a wine aficionado, or just looking for a darn good time, we've got you covered.

Enjoy all country racing has to offer at one of Victoria’s premier racetracks in an intimate setting, with sweeping views of the course and first-class hospitality. Get up close and personal with jockeys and trainers from all over the state, whilst enjoying all of the racing action.

The Warrnambool Racing Club welcomes our Port Fairy and Koroit Neighbours, combining the running of both the Koroit Community Cup and Port Fairy Community Cup on the same race day.

The afternoon features live entertainment, courtesy buses to and from Port Fairy, as well as a variety of Christmas themed hospitality and dining packages.

Racegoers are encouraged to embrace country casual; where you can enjoy backing a winner from bars and bookmakers on course. They also offer plenty of outside grandstand seating for those looking to watch the races from a great undercover spot. Parking is free.

The team look forward to welcoming you to Warrnambool racecourse to celebrate the Port Fairy and Koroit Community Race Day.

Where racing is that bit more relaxed, more fun, and more connected.

Come and support the local community and enjoy the up-close racing action that you'll only get in the country. Whether you are looking for country casual or a catered experience, there are packages to suit everybody!

Established in 1855 and having recently celebrated 160 years of racing, the Apsley Racing Club is the oldest surviving racing club in Victoria and even predates the Melbourne Cup, which was first held in 1861!

Hosting its annual event over the Queens Birthday long weekend in June, the bet365 Apsley Cup celebrates over 165 years of racing at the Edenhope Racecourse. But it's not just about the racing. With fashions on the field, live music and a variety of food vendors, full bar and betting facilities, the bet365 Apsley Cup really has got it all!

Apsley welcomes children to the races and will offer them a free jumping castle to keep them entertained for the day. Private marquees are available to purchase to keep out of the elements and make it a great social gathering for a special event, work function, or just an excuse to catch up with friends.