5 Different Types Of Horse Racing Events In Australia

Australia’s horse racing scene is one of the hottest in the world, offering a variety of prestigious events for enthusiasts and punters to enjoy.

Here, we look at an overview of the world of Australian horse racing betting with the five top horse racing events down under. From the Queen Elizabeth Stakes to George Ryder Stakes tips, each of these races brings something exciting to the table. The distances, track types, stakes and qualifying requirements all measure into a diverse slate of competitions.

The Everest

Spring in Australia brings about a heated season of horse racing that includes The Everest. The race is held annually at the Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, featuring a 1,200-meter turf track.

This thoroughbred contest boasts $20 million in prize money, making it one of the richest purses on the calendar. It is open to any horse that is 3 years old or older, which invites a very diverse field.

What makes The Everest unique is its bar for entry. Twelve gate positions are sold to races for $700,000 apiece. This adds another level of stakes for the teams involved as they gear up for this key race in Sydney’s Spring Carnival schedule. Punters who love the drama and excitement that happens before race day particularly enjoy this feature.

While Everest is a relatively young race, it is quickly becoming a highlight for fans of Australian horse racing.

Melbourne Cup

As the calendar turns to November, all eyes are on Melbourne for the running of the Melbourne Cup. This elite event tests the stamina of the mounts with a 3,200-meter left-handed turf track. It is held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on the first Tuesday in November.

Known as “the race that stops the nation,” Melbourne Cup is a handicap thoroughbred race. This means the horses carry different weights based on their age and previous form. The race itself is an institution, having been run for more than 150 years. Raceday is even treated as a holiday. 

The Melbourne Cup is the richest 3,200-meter race, with an $8 million purse on the line. About half of that prize goes to the winning horse and their team.

George Ryder Stakes

The George Ryder Stakes is the pinnacle of horse racing in Australia and around the world. Run annually at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney, the George Ryder Stakes is a Group One thoroughbred race run over a distance of 1,500 meters. The track at the Rosehill Gardens is a right-handed turf track.

Like the Melbourne Cup, the George Ryder Stakes holds a deep history and is steeped in tradition. It has been running for more than 120 years. It was formerly a handicap race but is now a weight-for-age race. This means a horse will carry a weight based on its age, sex and the distance of the race. 

The George Ryder Stakes is particularly special as it marks one of the most action-filled days on the racing calendar. On the same day, also known as Golden Slipper Day, the Rosehill Racecourse runs multiple feature races, giving fans and bettors a lot to think about.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is yet another milestone race held at the Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. It is a Group One race that takes place on a 2,000-meter track right-handed turf track for a $4 million total purse. 

The total prize money has increased over the years, including the most recent increase of $500,000 in 2014.

This fixture of the Sydney Autumn Carnival draws some of the most competitive fields of mounts out of any race. Like the George Ryder Stakes, it is a weight-for-age race. It is the main event of a two-day slate of championship races, sharing the stage with three more Group One races held on the same day.

Victoria Derby

The Victoria Derby kicks off the exciting Melbourne Cup Carnival at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. It ushers in four days of racing action. Along with the action on the track, fireworks and festivities celebrate one of the most exciting events in all of horse racing.

The Victoria Derby is a Group One race on a 2,500-meter track. The length of the race tests the stamina of young racehorses. The top horses take their share of a $2 million purse.

The Victoria Derby has taken place since 1855, yet only one horse has ever won more than once. Fireworks won back-to-back races in 1867 and 1868.

Conclusion

Australia’s horse racing scene attracts the best racehorses in the world, regardless of their style. Its diverse slate of races, second-to-none courses and celebrations of the sport make it the best in the world. Horse racing betting enthusiasts should familiarize themselves with the events and the courses if they want to taste the sweetest victories the sport has to offer.