mrwunrfl

If you had to choose between MV on Dec 23 or Caulfield on Dec 26, which would you choose? I see that MV is at night but don't know if Caulfield is day or night.

I am considering a trip to Melbourne and/or Sydney Dec 20 to 30 or Dec 25 to Jan 4. Are there other race meets during those times that I should consider?

In general, I prefer daytime racing but am really interested in seeing quality horses and top jockeys at an attractive racetrack. That would be Santa Anita on Boxing Day if I stay home.

I noticed a transportation option at one of the tracks that had night racing. It is a service where they drive you home in your car. I suppose that has something to do with laws about BAC. If the night racing is party time then I am not interested. I'd rather be around degenerate gamblers than alcoholics.

Geordie

I'm not sure Caulfield has night racing but regardless it will be pretty quiet there as the 26th Dec is the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG, with 100,000 people attending between 10am and 6pm

I doubt there will be much quality racing around Xmas time, a lot of the top jockeys are likely to be in Hong Kong

northie

Caul field doesn't have night racing - the MV night racing is very popular .
Flemington which is the home of racing and the Melbourne cup is closing for track maintenance after Spring carnival and won't be open until New Year.

mrwunrfl

Thanks, Geordie and northie. The low, yet still painful, business class fares for December went up 10% today. The spring carnival time is what I really want, but I won't be going for that this year because the Breeder's Cup is at Del Mar on Victoria Derby day. Maybe next year.

farrermog

Just for interest given your interest in quality nags -

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-0...?section=sport

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-0...?section=sport

And for something different not too far from Melbourne over the new year period -

The Hanging Rock Races -

http://www.traveller.com.au/best-pla...rne-cup-1mxre2

or

http://www.kingisland.org.au/events

mrwunrfl

Thanks! I will keep that country racing in mind when I plan an Oct-Nov trip. Some day.