Flemington Racecourse, just 6 km from Melbourne’s CBD, is an iconic venue in Australian horse racing. Best known for hosting the Melbourne Cup, the richest two-mile handicap race globally, Flemington has been a cornerstone of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival for over a century. The track, with its 2313-meter circumference and a 450-meter home straight, offers fair racing conditions, with little bias towards inside or outside runners, making it a favorite among racegoers and jockeys alike.
The Famous “Straight Six”
One of the standout features of Flemington is the “Straight Six” — a name given to the 1000m, 1100m, and 1200m races that start from a chute and head straight for the finish line. This long, straight stretch offers an exhilarating challenge for the jockeys and makes for an exciting spectacle for the crowd. In dry conditions, the track provides a consistent surface, but in rain-affected weather, jockeys often seek better ground towards the outside rail.
The positioning of barriers for the Straight Six has been modified over the years to improve fairness. With fields often reaching a maximum of 22 runners, the barriers are placed centrally to ensure that no side of the track has an undue advantage.
Iconic Races at Flemington
Flemington is best known for its world-renowned Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday of November each year. As part of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival, the race attracts participants and spectators from all over the world.
Beyond the Melbourne Cup, Flemington hosts other major races such as the Victoria Derby, VRC Oaks, and Emirates Stakes, which make up the highlights of the Spring Carnival. These races showcase the best of Australian and international thoroughbreds, with many horses using these events as a stepping stone to Melbourne Cup glory.
Flemington Track Layout and Bias
Flemington’s track design is well-regarded for being fair to most runners. Races starting from 1000m, 1100m, and 1200m use the Straight Six, while the 1600m and 2500m races begin just before a bend, giving an inside barrier a slight advantage. For longer races, such as the 1400m, 2000m, and 3200m, the long straight before the turn ensures that most horses have the chance to find a good position, though leading all the way is often difficult.
The 3200m Melbourne Cup is known for its large field, with up to 24 runners. While barriers are not as crucial in a long race, many trainers prefer drawing inside positions. The pace is typically fast, and positioning just behind the leaders tends to offer the best chance of victory.
Embrace History of Racing
Flemington Racecourse has been the heart of Australian horse racing since the Victoria Racing Club first held the Melbourne Cup in 1861. Over the years, many legendary horses have graced the track, including Makybe Diva, who won the Melbourne Cup three times. The racecourse is also renowned for its Melbourne Cup Carnival, a four-day festival filled with prestigious races, exciting fashion, and a carnival-like atmosphere that attracts thousands of attendees each year.