Caulfield Cup 2023: Spring Racing Carnival rebrand adds new November raceday

Melbourne racegoers can expect a rebooted Spring Carnival program with a new race day added to this year’s Caulfield calendar.

Tom Congerton and Lochie Barnett celebrate a rebranded Caulfield Cup. Picture: Jason Edwards

A bigger and “wilder” Caulfield Cup Carnival than ever before will raise the stakes for racegoers this spring.

Melbourne Racing Club will on Monday announce a rebooted and rebranded Spring racing program, extending across four feature Saturdays and a brand-new race day in November.

It will also break with tradition by changing the names of its race days and embracing the theme “It’s Time to Re-Wild’’ for the carnival.

In a significant change to the layout of the course, the Herald Sun can reveal corporate and general admission areas will be switched back to the way they were before last year – to get punters closer to the action.

The footprint will see The Avenue and corporate marquees revert to their historical position on the corner of the home turn and the front lawn along the home straight become the general admission area again.

Rooftop bars, a food lane, restaurant and champagne lounge are among the attractions for a Caulfield season this year running from September to December.

It comes as Memsie Stakes Day is set to be rebranded the “Caulfield Spring Opener’’, Thousand Guineas Day will be renamed “Caulfield Social” and “Zipping Classic Day’’ will become the “Caulfield Spring Finale”.

MRC chairman, Matt Cain said the new carnival theme encouraged racegoers to “leave behind their everyday and loosen their tie in a vibrant world where they can escape the expected’’.

“Our extended carnival program is designed to embrace all types of fans,’’ he said.

“From racing traditionalists to the social explorers, delivering an entertainment extravaganza and event experience that is unique to each race day, offering something for every fan.”

Starting with the “Spring Opener’ on September 2, the Carnival will roll out four Saturdays or racing plus an extra, midweek meeting.

A map of MRC’s new look this Spring Carnival. Picture: Supplied

The Caulfield Cup will be run on October 21, the new “Caulfield Thousand” on

November 18 and the “Spring Finale” will close the carnival on December 2.

Mr Cain said the extra events would add more sport to Melbourne’s sporting calendar.

“We are thrilled to expand our calendar deep into the season with the Caulfield Thousand and Caulfield Spring Finale, which will be welcomed with warmer weather,’’ he said.

“And slot perfectly into the Australian sporting calendar after the AFL season wraps and the summer of cricket commences.’’

A new “Wilderland” precinct will be built at the racecourse for the Caulfield Guineas and Caulfield Cup, giving general admission racegoers will have access to upgraded food, drink and entertainment offerings.

Trackside entertainment will include a stage with bands and DJs, “Wilderbar” and “Hanging Garden’’ chill-out zone.