Whether you’re a punter or a race supporter, attending a race at the Flemington track will be an event you surely won’t forget. Flemington is one of Australia's premier racecourses, so before you just rock up in sandals and a vest, you might want to learn a bit more about how they do things on Flemington race days. Here is a guide that will give you all the basics about the Flemington track and some betting tips if you plan to engage in a wager.

History behind Flemington

The Flemington racecourse has been the heart of Australian horse racing since the 1840s, when it officially opened. To date, it’s the oldest continuing metropolitan racecourse in Australia. Located around 6km outside of Melbourne, Flemington started as a flat stretch of land with basic facilities and evolved into a sophisticated, elegant racecourse, known as one of the world's most iconic racecourses. One of the most famous races held at Flemington is the Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday of November.

Flemington track layout

Flemington is a left-handed turf track with a full circumference of 2312m, with a home stretch of 450m. This long straight plays a key role in many races, depending on their distance, providing the audience and punters with thrilling finishes from horses who unleash their speed on the home stretch to take a win.

A unique feature of this track is something known as the “Straight Six”. The Straight Six is a 1200m straight course that’s used for sprint races. With this race, horses don’t need to navigate turns, and it takes out the luck of a barrier draw. It’s simply horse versus horse on the merit of power, timing, and speed. The Flemington course is one of the best-kept tracks in Australia, being meticulously maintained all year round. Like most other tracks, the Flemington is subject to changes

Key races held at Flemington

The Melbourne Cup is generally known as the most famous race at Flemington, but there are a number of other high-profile racing events that are held at Flemington throughout the season, such as:

Derby Day

The Derby Day features races like the Victoria Derby, a group one race, which is often regarded as the purist's day of racing.

Melbourne Cup Day

Then there’s the Melbourne Cup, which features a main event race of a 3200m handicap race that is a test of stamina and strategy for racers.

Oaks Day

Oaks Day is often known as ladies day, with the group one VRC Oaks hosted for three year old fillies.

Stakes Day

Finally, Stakes Day is a more family-oriented event that closes off the carnival with a group one champion stakes race.

Some other races that you may want to check out also include the following:

• Newmarket Handicap

• Australian Cup

• Lightning Stakes

• Turnbull Stakes

How track conditions impact racing

Flemington is a tactical track. Racers need to prepare strategies for whether the track is firm or heavy. Usually, wet weather throws a spanner in the works. On soft or heavy ground, the inside lanes of the Flemington become choppy, which encourages the jockeys to steer their horses wider around the track. However, when the track is firmer, the inside lane usually gives the jockey an advantage, allowing them to utilise less energy to get around the track. Picking up on how the track conditions impact a race on the day could help you place a better bet.

Tips for punters

As a punter, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or not, your primary focus should be on doing your research. Key things to consider on race day include:
 

• The past performance of jockeys, trainers, and horses on the Flemington track

• Weather and track conditions

• The current odds predicting the outcome of the race

• Potential horses that have dropped down from longer races

• Opportunities to place live bets as the race happens

• Barrier draw, the inside usually performs better, but doesn’t rule out the faster horse on the outside. Remember that Flemington has a long straight

Betting at Flemington

Betting on races at Flemington can be a fun way to engage in the sport first-hand and share in the rewards of those who win. However, to succeed in punting, you need to research. Check out the odds, race schedules, and tips for Flemington races on Ladbrokes! Here you can find everything you need to make a wise bet.

Final thoughts

Flemington races attract a huge crowd, and we think it's safe to say that the whole dace day is an event in itself, let alone the actual races. If you’re planning to attend races, make sure that you adhere to the track dress code, sit in the right area, and consider the odds if you’re going to bet! Lastly, enjoy yourself!

* This content is provided by a third party.