Caulfield Cup Carnival Celebrates 150 Years of Racing
Melbourne’s spring racing season is here, and Caulfield is preparing for a particularly significant year as the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup celebrates its 150th running.
Demi Brereton, Olivia Molly Rogers and Zach Merrett
Across three race days, the 2026 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival will bring together elite racing, fashion, beauty, food and entertainment, beginning with Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas Day on Saturday, October 10, followed by Beverly Caulfield Social on Wednesday, October 14, before the milestone Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Day on Saturday, October 17.
This year also marks 150 years since Melbourne Racing Club staged its first race meeting in 1876, giving the Carnival an added sense of occasion.
At the centre of it all is the Caulfield Cup itself. The race will carry a record $6 million in prizemoney, making it the richest Caulfield Cup ever staged, with $3.3 million going to the winner.
Melbourne Racing Club CEO Tanya Fullarton said the landmark running provided an opportunity to elevate one of Australia’s great races.
“The 150th running gives us the right moment to elevate the race, ensuring it remains a compelling target for the best available staying horses.”
Fullarton also reflected on protecting the Cup’s place in Australian racing.
“The Sportsbet Caulfield Cup has an extraordinary past. These changes are about making sure it has an equally strong future.”
Fashion Takes Its Place Trackside
Of course, Caulfield has never been only about what happens on the track.
Fashion is firmly part of the Carnival, with Olivia Molly Rogers and Zach Merrett among the faces of this year’s event, alongside Demi Brereton.
Carnival Stylist, Meggy Smith, says –
“Olivia’s Zian Couture look draws on whimsical romanticism and vintage dressing, nodding to Caulfield’s 150-year heritage while reinterpreting it through a modern lens.”
“For Zach’s look, we’re bringing a touch of spring racing flair to classic tailoring, with a sharp suit finished with CALIBRE’s exclusive Flower Lapel Pin. Handcrafted in New York, the pin was created by the accessory designer behind the iconic corsages worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City series and feature films.”
Leading Melbourne hairstylist Joey Scandizzo returns as Carnival Hair Partner, while Antoinette Bekos and Danielle Gardiner of ELLETTÉ join as Carnival Makeup Partners.
For Melbourne, race-day fashion has always been part of the theatre of spring. Caulfield remains one of the places to watch as guests put their own stamp on racewear, from understated tailoring to statement dresses and head-turning accessories.
Beyond the Track
The modern Caulfield experience extends well beyond the mounting yard.
The Jockey Club will offer an elevated race-day setting, while The Avenue and Beverly Marquee bring together hospitality, DJs and live entertainment.
Food also gets its moment, with Melbourne names including Mr Miyagi, Madeleine’s and EBBY Chicken among those serving dishes throughout the Carnival.
The Melbourne Racing Club Foundation will also be part of this year’s program, with KIDS Foundation CEO and Founder Dr Susie O’Neill OAM and ambassador Matt Thiele supporting its activities.
150 Years at Caulfield
There is something fitting about celebrating 150 years at Caulfield during Melbourne’s spring racing season.
Melbourne Racing Club traces its beginnings to the Victoria Amateur Turf Club, established in 1875, with the Club’s first race meeting held the following year.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Melbourne Racing Club Chairman Cameron Fisher said:
“For 150 years, the MRC has been at the heart of Australian racing.”
A century and a half later, Caulfield remains firmly woven into Melbourne’s racing story.
From the horses and history to the fashion, food and unmistakable atmosphere of a spring day at the track, the 2026 Caulfield Cup Carnival celebrates where Caulfield has come from while looking firmly towards its next chapter.
