When is 2026 Caulfield Cup? Date, Time, Race Day Schedule, Field, Prize money

2026 Caulfield Cup Ultimate guide: date, race day start-time, horses, location, field, odds, favourite, Prize money.

When is 2026 Caulfield Cup? Date, Time, Schedule, Race Time Today, Horses, Field, Odds, Prize money

The 149th Caulfield Cup takes centre stage this Saturday as Melbourne’s famous Spring Racing Carnival hits full stride. While Sydney celebrates The Everest, Victoria’s racing spotlight turns to the first jewel of its “Big Three” — the Caulfield Cup, followed by the Cox Plate and the legendary Melbourne Cup.

First run in 1879, the Caulfield Cup remains one of Australia’s most prestigious races — a true test of stamina over 2400 metres (a mile and a half). Though training styles have evolved, it continues to serve as the most crucial lead-up to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington, just 17 days later.

This year’s race promises another world-class field, with a strong international presence — 12 of the 18 runners hailing from Europe, plus one contender from Japan. But the locals won’t be backing down easily, with two homegrown stayers considered serious threats, including the short-priced favourite looking to keep the Cup on Aussie soil.

When Is the 2026 Caulfield Cup?

This year’s Caulfield Cup will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2025, with the feature race starting at 5:15pm (AEDT). It’s one of the biggest days on the Australian racing calendar, kicking off the spring racing excitement before the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Where Is the Caulfield Cup Held?

The Caulfield Cup is run at the iconic Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — one of the nation’s most historic and prestigious racing venues.

2026 Caulfield Cup Race Day Schedule

On Saturday 17th October, the Caulfield Cup will be Race 9 on the Caulfield 10-race card.

There will be ten races on the day, with the Caulfield Cup first race time scheduled for 12:15pm (AEDT) and the Caulfield Cup's last race time at 5:50pm (AEDT).

Note: Caulfield Cup Day is headlined by the Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m)

What Time Does the 2026 Caulfield Cup Start? Race Day Times

The 2026 Caulfield Cup is scheduled to jump at 5:15pm (AEDT) on Saturday, 17 October.

If you’re watching from interstate, make sure to adjust for your local time zone so you don’t miss the start.

Melbourne 5:15pm
Sydney   5:15pm
Brisbane 4:15pm
Adelaide 4:45pm
Perth       2:15pm
Canberra 5:15pm
Hobart   5:15pm
Darwin   3:45pm

Where Can I to Watch the 2026 Caulfield Cup Live, Channel, Streaming

Fans can watch the Caulfield Cup live across Australia via free-to-air, pay TV, or streaming services:

• Channel 7 will broadcast the race live, with streaming available on the 7plus app.

• Sky Racing 1 (and sometimes Sky Racing 2 or Sky Thoroughbred Central) will air coverage on Foxtel and Pay TV.

• You can stream via TAB or Sportsbet accounts, or use the Sky Racing Active app for live racing.

• Racing.com also offers free live streaming through its website and app, and can be viewed via Kayo Sports.

• Many pubs and clubs across Australia will show the race live — but the best place to experience it is trackside at Caulfield Racecourse.

How Long Is the Caulfield Cup?

The Caulfield Cup is contested over 2400 metres (1½ miles).
The winner typically crosses the finish line in about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, depending on track conditions and race tempo.

How Many Races Are on Caulfield Cup Day?

There are 10 races on the Caulfield Cup Day program.
The first race jumps at 12:15pm (AEDT), while the final race is set for 5:50pm (AEDT).

Races are generally spaced 40 minutes apart, with a slightly longer break leading into the main event — the Caulfield Cup.
Please note, race times may shift slightly due to late scratchings, horse behaviour, or track delays.

What Time Does the First Race Start on Caulfield Cup Day?

The first race Lamaro's Hotal Plate on Caulfield Cup Day is scheduled to begin at 12:15pm (AEDT).

What Time Is the Last Race on Caulfield Cup Day?

The last race , Sharp Eit Solutions Tristarc Stakes, of Caulfield Cup Day 2026 is due to start at 5:50pm, AEDT (Expected time), wrapping up a massive day of world-class racing action.

How much Caulfield Cup Winner takes home from 2026 prize money?

$6.5 million. The winner takes home $3.3 million, and even 10th place earns $125k.

Caulfield Cup 2026 Field Breakdown, Full 18 Horses Line-Up, Latest Odds.

Most Expected Field is here.

1. Green Spaces

2. Aeliana

3. Wootton Verni

4. Half Yours

5. Sir Delius

6. Darkbonee

7. Wine Dark Sea

8. Deakin

9. Shes A Hustler

10. Thebudgiesmugla

11. Barnavara

12. Birdman

13. Buckaroo

14. Campaldino

15. James J Braddock

16. King Pedro

17. Middle Earth

18. Mr Monaco

19. Ohope Wins

20. Royal Supremacy

2026 Caulfield Cup Nominations: Close on Tuesday the 18th of August 2026 – attracted 124 early entries.

2026 Caulfield Cup First Acceptances: Close on Tuesday the 22nd of September 2026

2026 Caulfield Cup Second Acceptances: Close on Tuesday the 6th of October 2026

2026 Caulfield Cup Final Field Released 9:00am (local time) on Tuesday the 13th of October 2026.

Full 2026 Caulfield Cup Day Race Start-Times and Schedule

When available, The Caulfield Cup day schedule and race numbers can be found below:

Click on the race name below to go directly to a form guide for this race.

Race 1 – 12:15PM Lamaro's Hotel Plate (1400 METRES)

Race 2 – 12:50PM Sportsbet Classic (2000 METRES)

Race 3 – 1:25PM Schweppes Ethereal Stakes (2000 METRES)

Race 4 – 2:00PM Stow Storage Gothic Stakes (1200 METRES)

Race 5 – 2:35PM Manhari Alinghi Stakes (1100 METRES)

Race 6 – 3:10PM Herald Sun Sprint (1000 METRES)

Race 7 – 3:45PM Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600 METRES)

Race 8 – 4:30PM Sportsbet Moonga Stakes (1400 METRES)

Race 9 – 5:15PM Sportsbet Caulfield Cup (2400 METRES)

Race 10 – 5:50PM Sharp EIT Solutions Tristarc Stakes (1400 METRES) 

What is the First Winner of Caulfield Cup, Who won the last year race? 

FIRST WINNER: Newminster, in 1879

LAST WINNER

Duke De Sessa - a gelded Irish import who raced on the pace under his light 52kg impost and won by 1.25 lengths at $11.

What is Caulfield Cup?

The Caulfield Cup is a Group 1 handicap for three-year-olds and up, run over 2400 metres — a classic mile-and-a-half test of stamina and speed. It serves as the key lead-up to Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup, held 17 days later over 3200m.

Though shorter than the Flemington marathon, the Caulfield Cup is a demanding contest that rewards toughness, timing, and a strong finishing burst. The sharp 300m dash to the first corner makes positioning crucial, especially for wide barriers — yet history shows that success can still come from out wide, with 12 of the past 37 winners jumping from barrier 10 or wider.

When is the Caulfield Cup Race, Time, FAQs

What time is the Caulfield Cup?

The Caulfield Cup 2026 race time is 5:15 AEDT (Most expected) on Saturday 17th October 2026.

When is Caulfield Cup 2026?

The Caulfield Cup will be held on 5:15 AEDT on Saturday 17th October 2026.

What Distance is Caulfield Cup?

The Caulfield Cup is run over 2400m and given that the race is a sprint featuring the fastest horses in the country it will be finished in just over two minutes.

How many races are there on Caulfield Cup Race card?

Caulfield Cup race card for 2026 offers up a sizzling 10 races.

How many horses run in the Caulfield Cup?

The race typically features a full field of 18 runners, plus emergencies, making it one of the deepest staying contests of the spring.

What race number is the Caulfield Cup Race?

The Caulfield Cup is race number 9th No. on the 10-race card.

What Time Does Caulfield Cup Finish?

The race will finish after just over two minutes so make sure you are tuning in! The race is scheduled to jump at 5:15 pm AEDT AEDT.

Where is Caulfield Cup run?

The Caulfield Cup will be held on Saturday 17th October 2026 at Caulfield racecourse.

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