When I think about the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, I remember the thrill of watching the horses thunder past, the sea of extravagant hats, and the electric atmosphere that seems to take over the city every October and November. This year’s carnival is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with some significant changes that racing enthusiasts should be aware of.
Record Prize Money for the Big Races
The most exciting news for 2025 is the massive boost in prize money for the carnival’s flagship races. The Melbourne Cup has been “turbocharged” to $10 million, up from $8 million in previous years. That’s a huge jump that should attract even more international competitors to the race that stops the nation on Tuesday, November 4.
The Cox Plate at Moonee Valley isn’t far behind, with a record $6 million up for grabs on Saturday, October 25. Via Sistina, who was crowned Victorian Racehorse of the Year, will be defending her crown in what promises to be an unforgettable race.
The Caulfield Cup maintains its $5 million prize pool, with the race scheduled for Saturday, October 18. It’s interesting to see how Racing Victoria is spreading the wealth across these major events, making them more competitive than ever.
Major Calendar Shake-Up
One of the most significant changes this year involves the repositioning of three Group 1 races at Caulfield. After a review of the 2024 carnival, Racing Victoria decided to make some strategic moves that should strengthen the racing calendar.
The Schweppes Thousand Guineas has been moved from its traditional mid-November slot to Caulfield Cup Day on October 18. This marks a return to the pre-1988 era, and it means Caulfield’s biggest race day now features two Group 1 races. For racing enthusiasts, this creates a more action-packed day and gives the three-year-old fillies more opportunities to compete in subsequent major races during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has been rescheduled for September 20, restoring that meeting to a dual Group 1 race day alongside the Underwood Stakes. Meanwhile, the C.F. Orr Stakes has made a dramatic move from its traditional February timeslot to Saturday, November 15, maintaining Group 1 racing at Caulfield in mid-November.
What This Means for Racegoers
If you’re planning to attend the carnival this year, you’ll notice a more concentrated schedule of top-tier racing. Racing Victoria has successfully maintained 12 consecutive weekends of Group 1 racing from late August to mid-November, which is impressive.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington still runs over its traditional four days:
- Victoria Derby Day: Saturday, November 1
- Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, November 4
- Crown Oaks Day: Thursday, November 6
- TAB Champions Stakes Day: Saturday, November 8
Looking Ahead: The Valley’s Transformation
There’s something bittersweet about the 2025 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. It’s been described as “historic” because The Valley will close after the October 25 race meeting for an extensive redevelopment that will last over 18 months. The track won’t reopen until mid-2027, which means the 2026 Cox Plate will need a temporary home (a decision expected by July 2025).
This closure will see Moonee Valley Racing Club meetings redistributed to other venues, including Cranbourne, Pakenham, Geelong, and Caulfield. It’s a significant disruption, but the end result should be a world-class facility that serves Victorian racing for decades to come.
The Fashion and Atmosphere
Of course, the Spring Racing Carnival isn’t just about the horses. Fashion, food, and entertainment are just as integral to the experience. Fashion on the Field competitions continue to be major drawcards, with prizes worth thousands of dollars. Whether you’re donning a fascinator for the first time or you’re a seasoned racegoer with a wardrobe full of racing attire, there’s something special about getting dressed up for a day at the track.
Public transport options remain solid, with trains running directly to Flemington from Southern Cross Station during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and Caulfield Racecourse conveniently located across from Caulfield Station. My advice? Use public transport if possible. The traffic and parking situation can be a nightmare on big race days.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Spring Racing Carnival represents a fascinating evolution of Australia’s premier racing event. With unprecedented prize money, a revamped calendar, and Moonee Valley’s last hurrah before its transformation, this year’s carnival offers something new even for those who’ve been attending for decades.
Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or someone who only tunes in for the Melbourne Cup, the 2025 carnival promises to be one for the history books. The changes might take some getting used to. Still, they’re designed to strengthen Victorian racing for the long term while maintaining the spectacle and tradition that makes the Spring Racing Carnival such an integral part of Melbourne’s cultural calendar.
Just remember to check the updated race dates before planning your day at the track. With all these changes, you don’t want to show up expecting one race and find it’s been moved to a completely different day. That would be a disappointing way to spend what should be an exciting day out.
