History of Flemington & Melbourne Cup
Flemington, Australia's greatest racecourse, is situated 6km northwest of the Melbourne CBD, by the Maribyrnong River. On racedays, the course is accessible by car, tram, special race trains or rivercraft.
With capacity up to 120,000 people, it is famous for its four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.
In 2013, this magnificient week of racing will comprise of:
- AAMI Victoria Derby Day Saturday 2 November 2013
- Emirates Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 5 November 2013
- Crown Oaks Day Thursday 7 November 2013
- Emirates Stakes Day Saturday 9 November 2013.
| Key Flemington Racecourse facts | |
| Course Proper | fully grassed, anti-clockwise, fully re-constructed in 2007 |
| Circumference | 2312 metres |
| Length of straight | 450 metres |
| Width of straight | 30 metres |
| Run to first turn (Melbourne Cup) | 888 metres |
- Find out more about the history of Flemington Racecourse.
- Find out more about the history of the Victoria Racing Club, on the VRC website.
History of the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Through tears and triumphs, 'the race that stops a nation™' has cemented its position as a revered sporting, social and cultural event, which plays a significant role in defining Australia's national identity.
- Learn more about the history of the Melbourne Cup on the Melbourne Cup Carnival website.
More historical information can also be found:
- By visiting our Flemington Heritage Centre and take a guided walking tour of the Melbourne Cup Walk of Fame.
