Feeling left out because everyone at work (and on social media) is talking about the Spring Carnival in Melbourne? Don’t have a clue what any of it means?

Here’s a short guide to the different horseraces in Melbourne:

Caulfield cup

The Caulfield Cup is the richest turf handicap in the world. The race spans 2400 metres and Group 1 race is valued at $3.1 million. Although it has been run for 139 years, it didn’t become internationally recognised until 1998 when Lady Herries was the first female trainer to win the race with Taufan’s Melody. The Caulfield Cup 2017 had over 30,000 people attend.

W.S Cox plate

The Cox plate is a Moonee Valley Group 1 race for horses only ages three and older, held over a distance of 2040 metres. The race has gained a lot of momentum recently with Winx, arguably the greatest horse to hit the track, winning the last three years at incredibly short odds.

Derby day

Derby Day is made for large groups and families alike. The day is full of the highest level of racing, fashion, entertainment for all ages and a wide range of bars and restaurants. From a racing perspective, the day features four Group 1 races with the Group 1 Victoria Derby worth over AU$1.51 million

Melbourne cup

It’s the race that stops a nation; what more needs to be said? The Melbourne Cup is arguably the most prestigious race in all of Australiasia with it being worth AU$6.25 million. The race spans 3200 at the famous Flemington racecourse and attracts crowds in excess of 100,000 that often get to witness racing history being made each year. The Melbourne Cup 2017 had the highest crowd of any of the Spring Carnival races.

Oaks day

Oaks Day is most commonly known as Ladies Day with the main attraction being the Group 1 Kennedy Oaks. The race is run over 2,500 metres with only three year old fillies under set weight conditions. Despite the day being held on a typical working day across Victoria, crowds up to 70,000 attend the event.

Stakes day

Unfortunately for punters and Spring Carnival goers, this is the last major race of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Group 1 Emirates Stakes – or formally known as the Mackinnon Stakes – features some of the best international horses over a 2000 metre distance. With food stalls and kiosks littered throughout the grounds, it’s a great way to sign off on the Spring Carnival.