The definitive feature of the Mansfield Picnic Races, is the ‘best of both worlds’ ideal.

While relaxed, less crowded and more affordable than Flemmington, each race of the meeting is hotly contested and provides all the thrills with local bookmakers and the TAB servicing the ‘flutterers’. While local designers and fashionistas battle it out in the lucrative fashions on the field component, the foodies take advantage of the delicious locally sourced marquee dining or VIP area for an un-missable feast.

An attractive country course, defined by 70 year old elms and lush green lawns in one of the biggest recreational horse riding areas in Australia, it's no surprise that Mansfield shares an intertwined history with horse racing. Races are held over 2000, 1750, 1200 and 1100 metres in a festival atmosphere, with the prestigious ‘Mansfield Cup’ the feature race of the meet.

The Mansfield Cup Day Races cap off the ‘Wild at Heart’ High Country Festival & Spring Arts long weekend. From Friday 2nd November, the town is abuzz with fireworks, live entertainment & theatre, art exhibitions, a bush market, grand parade and open gardens. The High Country’s locally sourced produce and cuisine, spectacular lakes and mountains, wineries, golf course, award winning eateries, and romantic escapes, are all just 185 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.

So why not take the long weekend to immerse yourself and enjoy ‘Melbourne Cup in the High Country’!