One of the highlights of the Australian racing calendar is the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival. Held over three days and attracting thousands of people to the seaside city, it has become Australia's biggest country carnival.

 

The Warrnambool May Racing Carnivalbegan in 1872 and is recognised as Australia's premier regional racing event with more than 30,000 people attending over the three days each year.  The three-day event boasts total prize money of almost $1 million, making it the richest country racing carnival in Australia.

 

The highlight of the first day is the Brierley Steeplechase (3450m), while the Wangoom Handicap (1200m) takes centre stage on day two.

 

The Warrnambool Cup (2350m) and Australia's most famous jumping event - the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) - are the highlights of the final day.

 

Aside from the racing action, the carnival will feature plenty of trackside fashion, fun and excitement including Fashions on the Field, Breakfast with the Stars and much more.

 

TVN personality and passionate jumps racing fan, Shane Templeton was announced as the official Ambassador for the Carnival, while 25-year-old Bianca Gilchrist, partner of local trainer Ciaron Maher, has been named as Face of the Carnival.

 

There are a range of hospitality packages available for all three days of the Carnival.  For more information on packages or specific days, please visit the links below.

 

 

 

Sunday May 2
St Joseph’s Church, Lava Street, from 10.30am

 

The annual racing mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Lava Street Warrnambool at 10.30am. Tea and coffee will follow.

Breakfast With the Stars
Monday May 3
Simons Waterfront, 7 – 8.30am
$50 per person, guests seated at tables of 10

Breakfast With the Stars moves to the recently renovated Simons Waterfront for 2010. A delicious champagne breakfast will be served, and the 3YB Dropkick panel will give you all the late mail along with Carnival jockeys, trainers and other special guest speakers. You’ll also get the chance to see the stars of the track put through their paces on the beachfront for the final time before the carnival begins. For bookings contact Simons Waterfront on (03) 5562 1234 or email simon@simonswaterfront.com.au

 

Ladies Luncheon
Tuesday May 4
Trackside Marquee
$130 per person, $110 members Does not include admission

Located in the Park Street Enclosure, the Ladies Luncheon is perfect for members of the fairer sex who love to dress up, indulge in a mouth watering luncheon and enjoy the company of friends. Package includes:

Guests seated at tables of 10 (group and individual bookings welcome) .For bookings contact the Warrnambool Racing Club on (03) 5562 2211 or email warrnambool@countryracing.com.au.

 

Official Ladies Luncheon After Party
Tuesday May 4
Flying Horse Bar and Brewery

The fun and frivolity continues into the night at the official Ladies Luncheon after party at the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery includes a ladies lounge, free canapés, foot massage and music for all who have a ladies luncheon ticket. A courtesy bus will take ladies luncheon guests to the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery express direct from the racecourse.

 

May Racing Carnival Calcutta
Wednesday May 5
Flying Horse Bar and Brewery
From 7pm
$1000 per table of 10

Enjoy a great night out at the May Racing Carnival Calcutta, on the eve of Warrnambool’s biggest raceday. Get all the late mail and take pleasure in a delicious 3-course meal along with beer, wine and soft drink. Tickets can be purchased from the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery on (03) 5562 2254.

 

Official Tabcorp May Racing Carnival After Party
Thursday May 6
Flying Horse Bar and Brewery

Celebrate the May Racing Carnival and make the most of the public holiday by continuing the festivities at the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery. There will be a FREE courtesy bus taking patrons express to the Flying Horse after the last race.