An Australian Spring Carnival Betting Guide
When summer arrives in Australia locals prepare for the annual Spring Racing Carnival. The events are the highlight of the horse racing calendar, watched by thousands not just locally but across the world. Multiple prestigious horse races take place, millions in betting changes hands, and a festive ambience is experienced throughout. It’s at this time that Australia sports betting is booming.
Perhaps most importantly for Australians, the Spring Carnival takes place in a dedicated annual slot. October and November are post-football season and before the cricket season kicks off, meaning that all eyes are on horse racing. The time of year, plus the general atmosphere of excitement, puts the entire country into horse racing fever. As such Spring Carnival betting is also popular, not just with horse enthusiasts, but even casual punters that are otherwise not interested in the sport and sports betting in general.
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Spring Carnival Races – A Rolling Series Of Races
The Spring Carnival traditionally kicks off on the first Saturday of October, just a week after the Australian Football League Grand Final. The first official event, Turnbull Stakes Day, is held at Flemington. Turnbull Stakes Day is followed by Caulfield Guineas Day at Caulfield Racecourse.
As far as Spring Carnival betting is concerned, most are focused on the early $5 million 2,400 meter Caulfield Cup, having occurred October 17th in 2020. A number of now legendary horses conquered the Caulfield Cup, living on as icons of the sport. Names like Might and Power, Ming Dynasty and Rising Fast may not mean much to most, but to Australians they are the names of horses that were crowned champions and made lots of punters involved in Caulfield Cup betting very, very happy with their takings.
Following the Caulfield Cup is another series of events, including the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. The big focus, however, is the immensely popular Cox Plate. Those that participate in Spring Carnival betting in Australia are often focused on Cox Plate betting, given how prestigious and hard-fought the race is. Big names here include Winx, a horse that managed to win 4 years in a row between 2015 and 2018.
The Spring Carnival stretches its legs with the Geelong Cup and Benidgo Cup, then really gets going on the last Saturday of October with Victoria Derby Day. Victoria Derby Day includes the Victoria Derby, Cantala Stakes, Coolmore Stud Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes.
The peak of the Spring Carnival is Melbourne Cup Day, which falls on the first Tuesday of November. Over 100,000 are expected to be in attendance, with many participating in Spring Carnival betting.
Spring Racing Carnival Australia Coverage
With Spring Carnival betting being so popular, many will attend the races in person. For those that don’t the races are covered on local Australian television. Channel 7 features many of the most exciting races, but Channel 10 exclusively handles the Melbourne Cup. The races are also streamed by online sportsbooks. If you’re looking to gen involved in Spring Carnival betting in Australia, be sure to check out our comprehensive horse racing betting tips for punters.
FAQ
Which are the biggest races of the Spring Carnival?
Though many of the races are considered important, most pay attention to the Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby, Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Caulfield Guineas.
How do I take part in Spring Carnival betting in Australia?
Betting options are available at the racecourse TAB and at numerous renowned online sportsbooks.