Horse racing, along with football, soccer, and rugby, is one of the most popular sports in Australia. Millions of people attend the races all over Australia every year and it has endured since the very beginning of the colonization of this country. The sport has gained more and more popularity over the years and has even become an international powerhouse, with some of the races being recognized throughout the world. Some races have even become a staple to watch or attend by race goers all over the world and with good reason. There is a certain formality with top-tier Australian horse racing that is second to none. This list will provide some information on some of the most interesting horse races Australia has to offer.
1. The Melbourne Cup
One of the best-known horse-racing events on the planet, this race is essentially the culmination of the horse racing calendar in Australia and is witnessed by millions of people around the world. It is known locally as “the race that stops the nation” and has been won by many champions over the years since its inception in 1861. This includes famous champions such as Archer (1861 and 1862), Phar Lap (1930), Rain Lover (1968 and 1969), and Makybe Diva (2003, 2004, and 2005). The race is 3200 meters so is more suitable for long stayers as opposed to sprinters. It has a current total prize purse of $8,000,000AUD making it one of the richest turf races in the world.
2. Caulfield Cup
One of the most popular horse races in Australia is the Caulfield Cup. It has been held at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse since 1879 and boasts a total prize purse of $5,000,000AUD. The race length is 2400 meters and is held in mid-October. Anyone who goes to this race is in for a real treat as the venue itself is top-notch with everything available that you could want for a great day out.
3. The VRC Sprint Classic
This race is now known as the Darley Champions Sprint (formerly VRC Classic) and is, as the name suggests, a sprint race of 1200 meters and is held during the fourth day of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. It is considered a fairly prestigious race with a total prize purse of $3,000,000AUD as of 2022, making it one of the richest turf races in Australia. Its status ranks as a Group 1 race which means only elite-level horses are able to compete. The race was inaugurated in 1960 as the Craven ‘A’ Stakes and has undergone many name changes since then, and now known as the Darley Champions Sprint since 2019. Notable winners have been Nature Strip in 2021, and Black Caviar in both 2010 and 2011.
4. The Everest
This is one of the biggest turf racing events in the world. With a total prize purse of $15,000,000 which makes it the richest turf race on the planet. It takes place during the Sydney Spring Carnival which is held at The Royal Randwick Racecourse. It is a race for sprinters at a distance of 1200 meters and although it is a relatively new race, has seen such champions as Redzel (2017 and 2018), and Nature Strip (2021). This is not a cheap race to enter either with a $600,000AUD entry price for a slot.
