Crowds return for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival

Increased crowds against soft wagering figures were the main talking points from a review of the Melbourne Spring Carnival by Racing Victoria.

The peak body in Victoria announced close to 600,000 people had attended race meetings through the Melbourne Spring Carnival which ran from August 31 through until December 1.

Crowds were up 4% on the 2023 Spring Carnival and 17% on the year prior which was in part due to a 9% increase of crowds across the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, while those attending country race meetings grew by 20%.

While RV was delighted with the increased patronage across the Spring, domestic wagering turnover was down 7% on 2023 to $2.73 billion, although the final four Saturdays of the Carnival all grew off the back Melbourne Cup Day which had bucked the earlier soft wagering trend.

RV paid out $114.1 million in prize money to participants over the 2024 Spring Carnival, an increase from $112.5 million in 2023.

Aaron Morrison, RV chief executive, said he was delighted to see so many people went racing and witness some unforgettable performances during the spring, none more so than Via Sistina’s romp in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

“We were especially pleased to see so many young faces engaging with racing and enjoying a fun day out, with our clubs doing a fantastic job in delivering compelling raceday experiences and events,” Morrison said.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the Victorian Government’s support of our major events which again delivered economic and social benefits right across the state and we thank them for that.

“The atmosphere at our marquee meetings was as vibrant as it’s been for some time, and it was terrific to see communities come together to celebrate spring racing throughout country Victoria.

“The buzz in the stands was more than matched by the action on the track too, with some incredible storylines headlined by Knight’s Choice’s fairytale victory in the Melbourne Cup.

“Throw in Via Sistina’s amazing Cox Plate week, Harry Coffey’s fairytale Caulfield Cup win and James McDonald’s record-breaking Melbourne Cup Carnival and it truly was a carnival to remember. “