Buying tickets and getting there in one piece.

Planning is everything. So if you’re heading to the BMW Caulfield Cup Carnival, take advantage of the early bird ticket savings on offer, and pre-purchase your tickets in advance from Ticketek. Don’t leave it to the last minute. The earlier you sort out your tickets, the bigger the saving and you won’t end up stuck outside on race day all dressed up looking at the SOLD OUT sign on the gate.

* Please note that concession tickets are only available from the gate on the day of the race.

For all other Caulfield race days, tickets are to be purchased at the gates. The Caulfield racecourse is easily accessible via car, taxi or public transport.
For further information about getting there, click here.

Sportingbet Park race day tickets must be purchased at the gate for all race day events. Entry to the Sportingbet Park racecourse can be made via car, taxi or public transport. For further information about getting there, click here.

Tickets for Mornington Racecourse must be purchased at the gate for all the race events. Travel to Mornington Racecourse can be done via car or public transport (including a courtesy bus from Frankston Train Station). For further information about getting there, click here. 

 

How to get the most out of your day

(Seeing races, fashion on the field, having a bet)

There’s a lot happening on race day, so some initial planning will set you up for a great day on course. Remember to check the form guide/race program to find out when each race is running. If you’ve placed a bet or want to watch the thunder on the track as the horses fly past, make sure you head to the rails/winning post to catch the action! The main race will draw the best horses and the biggest crowd, so keep an eye on the time for this one!

If you’ve studied the form guide (or just like certain numbers and colours) make sure you don’t miss the boat. Get in and place your bet before the race starts. No one pays out for hindsight! Bets can be placed at the numerous totes and TAB betting outlets on course. For more information on tipping, see the First Timers & Racing Novices section.

As well as the excitement on the track, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. During most of the bigger race days (including the Cup Carnival), the drama on the track is only rivaled by the drama on the runway of the ‘Chadstone Fashion Stakes’ competition. If you have a keen eye for racing attire, and can strut and spin with the best of them, then throw your hat or fascinator into the ring (not literally) and enter one of the ‘Chadstone Fashion Stakes’ competitions. But if you’d rather watch on and politely critique behind your hand, make sure you take your position off the runway and soak up all the current trends and styles of the season.

 

Do’s & Don’t

• Don’t bet the kids. (Even if they are annoying you, you have a tip for a sure thing, and you can get a good price for them.) Be responsible with your gambling and set yourself a limit.
• Don’t drink to excess. Ending up in the rose bushes is not the ideal way to end your day. You don’t meet Mr Right in there.
• Don’t leave the house without the correct attire. Check the weather report before heading trackside.
• Do make the effort to see a horse and/or a race. Just please, please don’t try and ride one!
• Try your luck and have a bet. Whether you’ve studied the form guide or you’re just hoping for the best – having a bet is a fun way of getting involved in the spirit of the day.
• Embrace the occasion. You’re not taking the dog for a walk to the park – this is the races! Dress up and enjoy looking sharp.