The Spring Carnival might be Australia’s racing showpiece but the Autumn Carnival is no “little brother”. More than AUD40 million is on offer across the big races in the coming month.
The Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate are Australia’s biggest three races each year and they headline the Spring Carnival in October and November.
Before then, however, it’s all eyes on the Autumn Carnival, including some of the biggest features on the racing calendar. Bets.com.au marks its card on the five big races to concentrate on in the next month.
Golden Slipper Stakes
The Golden Slipper Stakes is the world’s – not just Australia’s – richest race for two-year-olds and takes place at Rosehill Gardens in March.
It is a highlight of the Autumn Carnival and one of the biggest heats as future stars of the turf are unearthed.
With more than 2,000 nominations from around the world, the Golden Slipper has an international appeal as star two-year-olds bid for glory, and the breeding significance that victory brings.
First run in 1957, the Golden Slipper has a long-standing tradition and has produced many champions of Australian racing, including Todman, Vain, Manikato and Pierro.
The Golden Slipper is the highlight of Golden Slipper Day, which features five Group 1 races – the most of any day in the Australian racing season.
Queen Elizabeth Stakes
The highest prize of the two-day The Championships at Royal Randwick – the Queen Elizabeth Stakes – has a AUD5 million prize and attracts a top-class field.
The 2,000m weight-for-age race is the richest of its kind in Australia and the pinnacle of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival on day two of The Championships.
Notable winners include Winx, who won it three years in a row from 2017to 2019, and Pride Of Jenni.
The race has a rich history dating back to 1954 and has become one of the most anticipated events of Australia’s autumn racing calendar.
TJ Smith Stakes
Also part of the Group 1s on the first day of The Championships at Royal Randwick is the TJ Smith Stakes, which consistently attracts Australia’s best sprinters.
The 1,200m race with a AUD3 million prize has been dominated by a handful of sprinters since The Championships was first launched.
Both Chautauqua (2015 to 2017) and Nature Strip (2020 to 2022) achieved three consecutive victories in the race, underlining the case that only high-class performers prevail.
Doncaster Mile
The headline act of Day 1 of The Championship is the Doncaster Mile, one of Australia’s most prestigious mile races, offering a AUD4 million prize.
Previously known as the Doncaster Handicap, it has a long history dating back to 1866 and has seen 10 multiple winners throughout its existence.
Recent notable multiple winners include Mr Brightside (2022 and 2023) and Sacred Falls (2013 and 2014).
The race has been dominated by trainers TJ Smith, after whom the TJ Smith Stakes on the same day is named, and Gai Waterhouse, with seven wins each. Chris Waller follows closely with six victories.
