The Australian Cup is a big calendar event for the horse racing community. And with such a glamorous event, you definitely need to know what to wear.
Having been around for a long time, this race attracts everyone from around the globe, from famous actors to nobility; it’s not just the horses making a statement, but the outfits, too. So, with that in mind, if you plan on attending, you’d better look like a million bucks.
What to Wear to the Australian Cup
With the Australian Cup being such a prestigious event, it’s no wonder some people spend months getting the perfect outfit together. There is no specific dress code for this race, but many people like to make a statement and take the opportunity to dress up.
For anyone wanting to know how to make a splash, here’s our guide to what to wear at the Australian Cup 2024.
Ladies Dress Code
When you think of spending a day at the races in Autumn, you need to be prepared to embrace elegance and sophistication…and hats! The dress code varies depending on the admission of the race. There are different expectations for the dress code set according to different areas, which includes general admissions to members.
Here’s what to wear on a day out at the races:
Dresses
Choosing the perfect dress comes down to wearing one that keeps the dignity of the Member’s Enclosure and other areas. So opt for dresses that reach the knee or have a longer length.
Accessories
Ladies are encouraged to wear hats and other headwear. In previous years, wearing hats was a symbol of wealth and status. While that may not be the exact reason nowadays, it’s still a fabulous tradition to take part in.
Heels
In keeping with matching the elegance and excitement of the event, ladies are expected to wear heels, preferably short ones.
Things to Avoid
While in general admissions, there is no formal dress code, there are a few things you should avoid, which include:
- Jeans (especially ripped jeans)
- Leggings worn as pants
- Tracksuits
- Shorts
- Untailored
- Joggers
- Thongs
- Garments that show midriff
- Playsuits
- Jodhpurs
- Duffle coats
- Barefeet
How to Purchase Race Day Tickets
For those of you who want to experience the race day action in person and have the chance to show off your outfit, you can purchase tickets from the Victoria Racing Club Website or from the Ticketmaster website. You can also buy tickets at the gate on race day if you’d like.
Some History of the Australian Cups
The Australian Cup is one of Australia’s longest-running horse races, having been established in 1863. It was initially 3620m but since has been changed to the standard 2000m in 1963. Over the years, there have been several notable trainers whose horses have made their mark in history books. One of the most prominent names is definitely Bart Cummings, who won the Australian Cup thirteen times.
What Important Information Do I Need To Know About the Australian Cup?
The 2024 Australian Cup is nearing fast, and most of its information is already out and set. To get the jump and punting, we’d suggest you familiarise yourself with the race details:
Race & Venue
The 2024 Australian Cup will be held at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, the 30th of March. The track style is turf, and it runs in a left-hand direction.
Nominations
Nominations will close on the 25th of March, the Monday before the race. The full list of entries will be provided on the form guide shortly after nominations close.
Weight & Late Entry
Late Entries will have till the 26th of March to enlist. In regards to weight, these are the weights the horses need to adhere to to qualify for the race:
- Colts & geldings (four years and older) carry 59 kg.
- Mares run at 57kg.
- Three-year-old Colts & Geldings carry 54.5kg
- Three-year-old fillies carry 52.5kg
Final Field
The final field for the race will be released closer to race day, but getting an idea of who won last year is a great way to set yourself up for success with the coming race. There were five horses in the field last year:
- Cascadian with trainer James Cummings
- Regal Power with trainer John Leek
- Nonconformist with trainer Graham Begg
- Emissary (GB) with trainer Michael Moroney
- Smokin Romans with trainers Cairon Maher and David Eustace
Australian Cup 2023 Results
Observing the results from previous years is also a fantastic way of making an educated bet. In 2023, Cascadian brought trainer James Cummings another victory. The order of those who finished in the lead was Cascadian at 1st position, Numerian at 2nd, Pounding at 3rd, and Smokin Romans at fourth.
How to Bet in the 2024 Australian Cup
Before you can place a bet on the Australian Cup, you’ll need to sign up with a bookmaker first. There are loads of good bookmakers available that all offer different deals when it comes to punting, so look around and choose the one that suits you best.
Once you’ve found one and signed up, you’ll need to deposit money into it before you can make a deposit. From here on, it’s smooth sailing; you just need to choose who to bet on.
Get the latest on the Australian Cup 2024 to prepare yourself for this year’s race.