Spring Racing Carnival Spring Racing Carnival The Spring Racing Carnival is the name of an Australian Thoroughbred horse racing series held annually in Melbourne during October and November. Although racing in Australia is held every day except Christmas Day, the Group One races in Melbourne are held almost exclusively throughout the carnival, which is traditionally placed between the football and cricket seasons. During the winter (where football is dominant), and summer (where cricket is dominant), racing takes a 'back seat' position in relation to the cricket or football in terms of media coverage and attendances. However, in spring and autumn, the mass media
2014 Melbourne Cup $3.6 million, as well as a solid gold trophy valued at $175,000. Hosted by the Victoria Racing Club, the Melbourne Cup was one of four major Group-1 races held at Flemington during the Spring Racing Carnival (the others being the Victoria Derby, the Crown Oaks, and the Emirates Stakes). An estimated $800 million was wagered on the race, which was attended by 100,794 people. The field for the 2014 Melbourne Cup consisted of 24 horses, with the barrier draw conducted three days prior to the race, after the conclusion of the Victoria Derby meeting. The field was one of the