All the details you need to know to attend races at the Caulfield.
One way to get someone to enjoy horse races is to spend the day at the Caulfield track. This is not just your average track, because Caulfield hosts some of the most elite horse racing events (like the Caulfield Cup) in Australia. That said, this is not a place to just ‘show up to’. This guide will provide all the details you need to know to attend races at the Caulfield track.
What are you expected to wear?
Typically, the dress code for most races at Caulfield is smart-casual. So, not too dressed up, but it generally means you need to wear a collared shirt, long or short chinos, and closed shoes. For the ladies, a modest dress or smart skirt with a blouse will do.
However, you need to be aware that specific events at this prestigious track often have a specific dress code. For example, Caulfield Guineas Day or the Caulfield Cup Day demand particular attire, and unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb, here’s what you need to know:
Caulfield Guineas
When attending the Caulfield Guineas, the dress code is smart. This means wearing either the standard dress code expectation mentioned above or smarter attire. The people who attend the race to place their bets generally stick out like a sore thumb, as punters tend to show up in casual jeans and a shirt.
Caulfield Cup
Attendees of the Caulfield Cup are expected to dress up to the nines. Many men wear slim-fit suits, stylish sunglasses, and copious amounts of hair product. The ladies usually wear a summer dress with some fancy headwear of sorts. Either way, the expectation is that you would dress smartly. So, a rule of thumb is if you would wear it to play sports, go to the movies, or as your comfortable clothes around the house, it’s probably not going to be appropriate enough to wear to the track.
Where would you meet with people?
Naturally, the events that happen at the Caulfield track attract a lot of people, and many choose to come with mates, colleagues or family. If you are meeting up with people at the track, then the best place to meet is at the main gate on Station Street. While it might be packed here, it is one of the most central places for you to meet.
Is there good food at the Caulfield track?
Now, to the important stuff, where do you find the food? A day at the races can be long in the tooth if you don’t come prepared. Thankfully, there are places to buy food at the Caulfield track. If you head out the back of the course past the administration block, there are a few places to find quality food. Or, you could stand in line to get hot dogs or some chips. Alternatively, you can bring a picnic basket packed with goodies. This is both cheaper and more convenient.
Where are the best seats in the house?
While the best seats in the house are typically reserved for members only, there is nothing wrong with the view from the lawn area. If you head out to the back of the course near the stabling area, you’ll find a lovely patch of grass and a large bank of tote windows.
A bonus to sitting on the lawn area is that the queues for food or drinks tend to be much shorter here, and there’s a toilet right there too. So, whether you’re starving or need to run to the toilet, you won’t have to worry about losing your spot on the grass.
Are there other fun things to do?
To add a bit of fun to the day, if you happen to see a policeman at the race, head up to them and pose for a group photo. It might seem out of the ordinary, but it’s something fun and quirky that people do these days, and the police have almost come to expect it. However, if they indicate that they aren’t up for it, it's best to listen to them.
What are some other tips from the seasoned Caulfield goers?
Don’t park out front
It might seem like a great idea to secure a parking space right in front of the track, but when you leave, you’ll most likely find a pink slip on your car indicating that you’ve been given a fine. A sign out front says parking on Saturdays, but not on race days. So, if you’re parked there on a race day, you’re setting yourself up for a fine. You might also find that the traffic to get out of there is insane.
You might need an age band
Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, Caulfield has received some bad press because of the drunken behaviour of a select few people. What’s even more unfortunate is that many of these individuals were students. So, to solve this problem, the MRC has cracked down on who they serve alcohol to. The way they’ve done this is by denying access to minors under the age of 18 who don’t have an adult accompanying them. In addition, they are also required to wear an age band showing the bar tenders and those selling drinks their age.
More information about Caulfield races here
If you’re excited about your trip to the Caulfield track and want to know more about the races, then Ladbrokes can provide you with all the information you need. Following Caulfield Races is more than simply finding the race date. You must know the line-up, odds, track conditions, and more. Ladbrokes can give you this information, allowing you to stay up-to-date always.
Final thoughts
The Caulfield track is a fantastic place to chill, enjoy great entertainment, place a bet or two, and take in all that horse racing has to offer. Whether you’re new to racing or a pro, Caulfield will provide you with a great experience every time. Take note of where to sit, what to bring, and where to find food; you will be all set.
