Published 2026-10-17
The 2026 Caulfield Cup is on Saturday 17 October at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. It is the 150th running of the race. The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) lists gates opening at 10:30am, the first race at 12:15pm, the Cup at 5:15pm AEDT and the last race at 5:50pm (MRC). The race is worth $6 million, a record (Racing.com).
We're a nightlife site, so this guide covers the full day: the track, then the night after.
What date is the Caulfield Cup 2026?
Saturday 17 October 2026. The Caulfield Cup is traditionally held on the third Saturday in October, and the Melbourne Cup follows 17 days later.
What time is the Caulfield Cup 2026?
The 150th Sportsbet Caulfield Cup jumps at 5:15pm AEDT. The full MRC timeline:
| Time (AEDT) | What's on |
|---|---|
| 10:30am | Gates open |
| 11:15am | Members' photo moment with the Caulfield Cup (one hour, behind the Rupert Clarke Grandstand) |
| 12:15pm | First race |
| 3:45pm | Group 1 Thousand Guineas |
| 5:15pm | 150th Sportsbet Caulfield Cup |
| 5:50pm | Last race, then Cassö on the Main Stage |
Can I still get Caulfield Cup tickets?
The MRC has listed Cup Day as sold out, with "strictly limited tickets available at the gate". It advises arriving early. Its final-release General Admission tickets were listed at $65. Buy only through the MRC or its authorised ticketing partner, not from resellers on social media. Hospitality packages are also listed as sold out.
What's on after the last race?
London DJ and producer Cassö, whose track "Prada" has passed 1 billion streams according to the MRC, takes over the Main Stage after the last race. In the Members' Reserve, DJ Ben Allen plays a set. The MRC also calls The Glasshouse "the punters' favourite post-race venue".
How do I get from Caulfield to the city after the races?
Caulfield Station is directly outside the course, and the train is a few stops to the CBD. There's also a dedicated Uber and taxi zone (MRC Plan Your Visit). Leaving straight after the Cup or after the last race means the biggest queues. Leaving after Cassö's set, or before the Cup, is calmer.
Where to go out in Melbourne after the Caulfield Cup
The usual Melbourne split still applies on Cup night. Laneway bars and hotel bars are in the CBD, walkable pubs are in Fitzroy, and St Kilda has bandrooms if you already hold a ticket. Our Melbourne hub covers each precinct. For the field and the race before the night starts, see Race.com.au's Caulfield Cup 2026 coverage. We don't rank venues. Expect busy doors, and in most venues the dress code from the track will get you in.
What should I wear on Cup Day and night?
General Admission has no dress code. On Cup Day the Members' Reserve requires a jacket and tie for men, and formal dresses, skirts or dress pants for women. Denim, shorts and runners are not allowed. If you're heading out afterwards, that racewear covers most bars. Bring flats.
Rules to know before you go
No BYO alcohol or packaged drinks. Anyone who looks under 25 needs accepted photo ID. Car parks are alcohol-free zones. Free water is available at every bar.
How big is the 150th Caulfield Cup?
The MRC has lifted prize money to $6 million, with $3.3 million to the winner. Every starter is paid, including $60,000 for horses outside the top 10 (Racing.com). The race was first run in 1879 and is a 2400-metre Group 1 handicap. The 2025 winner, Half Yours, went on to win the Melbourne Cup. Even if you're mainly there for the after-party, it's worth watching the 5:15pm race from the lawn.
Caulfield Cup 2026 key facts
- Date: Saturday 17 October 2026, the 150th running (MRC).
- Venue: Caulfield Racecourse, directly outside Caulfield Station in Melbourne's south-east.
- Race time: 5:15pm AEDT. Gates open at 10:30am, the first race is at 12:15pm and the last race is at 5:50pm.
- Distance and conditions: 2400 metres, a Group 1 handicap for horses aged three and older, with up to 18 starters.
- Prize money: $6 million, with $3.3 million to the winner and $60,000 to every starter outside the top 10 (Racing.com).
- First run: 1879.
- Tickets: the MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate.
What facilities are at Caulfield Racecourse?
The Melbourne Racing Club lists the main on-course facilities on its Plan Your Visit page. ATMs are along the concourse at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand and in the Members' Reserve. First Aid is opposite the Owners Concierge, and baby change is in the First Aid Building next to the Race Day Office. Passenger lifts are on the concourse level at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand. The disabled viewing area is on the Promenade Level, and accessible bathrooms are throughout the venue. Racebooks are sold at the Race Day Office and at bars, subject to availability. For questions on the day, the MRC's number is 1300 GO RACE (1300 467 223).
Frequently asked questions
What date is the Caulfield Cup 2026?
Saturday 17 October 2026, at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne.
What time is the Caulfield Cup 2026?
The 150th Sportsbet Caulfield Cup runs at 5:15pm AEDT. Gates open at 10:30am.
Is the Caulfield Cup 2026 sold out?
The MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate.
Who is playing after the Caulfield Cup?
Cassö headlines the Main Stage after the last race, and Ben Allen DJs in the Members' Reserve.
How do I get back to the city from Caulfield Racecourse?
Take the train from Caulfield Station, which is directly outside the course, or use the dedicated Uber and taxi zone.
Sources
- Sportsbet Caulfield Cup – race day information, Melbourne Racing Club
- Plan Your Visit: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne Racing Club
- Why the Caulfield Cup just got bigger in every way, Racing.com
Photo: Australian Information Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (source).
Information only, not betting advice. Details were checked against Melbourne Racing Club and Racing.com on 17 October 2026 and can change on the day, so confirm with the official sources linked above. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Gamble responsibly.