When it comes to thoroughbred racing, Australia means serious business. The country has 400 racecourses and numerous horse competitions regularly throughout the spring and autumn seasons. Significant events fill the Land Down Under’s horse racing calendar. (1)
The world-famous Melbourne Cup is at the forefront of Australia’s horse racing calendar. But there are other competitions worth looking into, especially for thoroughbred racing and betting enthusiasts. You’ll find Australia’s most prestigious races by checking out the Punters horse racing calendar and reading this blog.
Australia’s horse racing calendar for 2022
A few of the most significant horse racing activities in Australia happen during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Competitions kick off in August and commence in November, highlighted by the Melbourne Cup, the Caulfield Cup, and the W.S Cox Plate. Additionally, equine lovers can enjoy horse races as early as March and April, thanks to the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
Whether you’re a racing lover or a seasonal punter, it’s essential to take note of the most notable competitions in Australia’s horse racing calendar below.
Known as the race that stops a nation, the Melbourne Cup is touted as Australia’s biggest horse race. Held at the Flemington racecourse, it’s run on a 3,200 metre-long field and happens every first Tuesday in November. The 2022 Melbourne Cup will run on the first day of November. (2)(4)
The Melbourne Cup is a long-honoured tradition in Australia and has been around since 1861. This high-stakes competition is the second richest in the country, next only to The Everest. In 2021, Melbourne Cup winners received AUD$ 8,000,000 in total prize money.
The race offers high prizes for bettors, too. Punters’ total spending for the Melbourne Cup is estimated at over AUD$140 million annually. So, whether a skilled or novice bettor, horse racing tips at Punters or any other reliable sources can help you make smarter choices complementing your lucky guesses. (3)
Thoroughbred trainers and jockeys who want to make a mark in the industry are undoubtedly raring to win this 100-year-old competition, which is also regarded as one of the toughest in the country. Held at the Mooney Valley racecourse on the latter part of October, this race is held before the Melbourne Cup, making it one of the most important events in Australia’s horse racing calendar. The winners of the 2022 race will receive AUD$5,000,000, too. (2)
In most cases, top runners of the W.S Cox Plate also make it to the Melbourne Cup and are considered potential front runners for the latter. Hence, if you’re betting, consider getting valuable tips on the most winnable thoroughbred horses through https://www.youtube.com/c/PuntersAustralia. (3)(4)
The Caulfield Cup occurs before the W.S Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup. This handicap race for three-year-olds offers AUD$5,000,000 and is one of the highest-paying competitions in the 2,400-metre distance. (2)
The first Caulfield Cup was held in 1879, making it one of Australia’s oldest horse racing competitions. Organizers of the race recently opened their doors to international competitors, provided they’re eligible to join. Those based in the United Kingdom, for instance, must obtain a horse passport to ensure their beloved equine is fit to travel, safe, and insured. (4)
Horse racing enthusiasts don’t have to wait until the last quarter to join the fun and excitement. The Golden Slipper will have its 65th run on March 19 at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney. Runners comprise two-year-old juveniles who’ll vie for the top spots, making them eligible to snag a total of AUD$5,00,000. This total prize offer makes the Golden Slippers the wealthiest race for young thoroughbreds. (5)
Another high-paying event in Australia’s horse racing calendar is the Australian Turf Club’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 9 at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. This 2,000-metre run is one of the highlights of Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival and gives away a total of AUD$4,000,000. This race is regarded as one of ‘The Championships’ highlights—a series of horse competitions also considered the Australian horse racing grand finals. (4)
The Everest may not warrant a working holiday in Australia, but it takes the seat as the richest turf race in the world. This relatively new competition boasts AUD$15,000,000 total purse prize and requires runners to pay AUD$600,000 to race. (4)
The competition takes place at the Royal Randwick Racecourse and highlights the Sydney Spring Carnival. Since 2017, The Everest has steadily attracted horse trainers and jockeys all over the globe because of its generous prize offer. (3)
Takeaway
Australia’s love for horse racing is ingrained in its history, with some of the biggest competitions tracing their roots from centuries ago. Besides their historical and cultural value, horse racing attracts international enthusiasts with high-stakes matches. If you want to join the fun, witness the competitions in person or back your favourite runners by betting on them.
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