Country racing

You don't have to wait until spring each year to experience the atmosphere of a good race meet, as regional Victoria hosts several racing events all year round with turf clubs in many country towns. Head to the Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region in January for the New Year's Day and Australia Day races at Hanging Rock or see the Werribee Cup, a feature meeting of the country cups circuit.

During the cooler months, the Grampians region hosts a number of the flagship country race meets, the Stawell Gold Cup, Mount Avoca ANZAC Day races and later in the year the Gunbower Gold. Several of the north-west towns have regular monthly races throughout winter also.

Of course, all the focus is on spring racing in Victoria and there are loads of race days in and around Melbourne to find occasion to wear your second favourite frock. The Bendigo Cup is central Victoria's social sporting event of the year and the race runs as a Melbourne Cup qualifier. Why not try an alternative to Flemington on the first Tuesday of November and watch the famous horse race at one of the many racing clubs across the state that hold special Melbourne Cup Day functions including local races, entertainment, big screens to watch the race and country Victoria's answer to fashions on the field.