Three Group 3 races, more than $1.4 Million in feature prizemoney, Melbourne Cup tickets, show-stopping fashion and live entertainment will headline Newcastle’s biggest weekend of Spring Racing.
MEDIA RELEASE | SEPTEMBER 2026
The countdown is officially on to one of Newcastle’s biggest weekends of the year, with Newcastle Racecourse set to come alive for two spectacular days of Spring Racing on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September.
The 2026 Newcastle Spring Racing Carnival will bring together elite racing, trackside fashion, live entertainment and premium hospitality, as thousands of racegoers
descend on Broadmeadow for the Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup Race Day and Ladies Day.
From three high-quality Group 3 races and more than $1.4 Million in feature prizemoney on Friday to champagne, Fashions on the Field and an after-race party on Saturday, the Carnival promises two distinctly different days – and plenty of reasons to be trackside.
FRIDAY | THE RACE THAT STOPS NEWCASTLE
Spring Carnival roars into action on Friday 18 September with the prestigious Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup Race Day, one of the most significant fixtures on the Newcastle racing calendar.
The headline event, the Group 3 $300,000 Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup over 2300m, will attract some of the country’s leading racing talent to Broadmeadow as connections chase one of Newcastle’s most coveted trophies.
But the Gold Cup is only part of an exceptional program.The day also features the Group 3 $250,000 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Cameron
Handicap over 1500m and the Group 3 $250,000 NZB Tibbie Stakes over 1400m, taking the combined prizemoney across the three feature races to an impressive $800,000.
Off the track, racegoers can expect the unmistakable atmosphere of Spring Carnival, with hospitality, entertainment and thousands of people making Gold Cup Day one of Newcastle’s ultimate Friday afternoons.
SATURDAY | LADIES DAY TURNS UP THE GLAMOUR
If Friday belongs to the racing, Saturday belongs to the celebration.
On Saturday 19 September, Newcastle Racecourse transforms for Ladies Day, bringing together fashion, champagne, racing and live entertainment for one of the most anticipated social events of the Carnival.
Early arrival racegoers will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, before the Oompah Loompa Band brings the energy trackside throughout the afternoon.
And there’s no need to head home after the last race. The celebrations will continue with the Australian Shania Twain Tribute Show,
taking over after the final race and bringing some of Shania’s biggest hits to the racecourse.
From the first glass of champagne to the final song of the afternoon, Ladies Day is set to deliver the ultimate spring day out with friends.
fashion takes centre stage | WITH MELBOURNE CUP TICKETS ON
THE LINE
Fashion will share the spotlight with racing on Ladies Day, as the Hungerford Hill Fashions on the Field returns to the Ascot Lawn for one of the most anticipated
moments of Newcastle’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Racegoers are invited to bring their best trackside style to the runway, with an impressive prize pool making this year’s competition well worth dressing up for. The
Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male will each take home two General Admission tickets to the Melbourne Cup, plus a $400 flight voucher, $400
accommodation voucher and Hungerford Hill gift pack.
Prizes will also be awarded for Best Millinery, Judges’ Choice, Best Dressed Duo and runner-up categories, celebrating everything from statement headwear and
contemporary racewear to standout personal style.
At the helm of this year’s judging panel is renowned fashion stylist Kate Kohler, who will lead the panel as Head Judge. Joining her are Dean and Mitch from The Boys Studio, bringing their expertise in hair, makeup and styling, alongside Newcastle Racecourse’s 2026 Faces of the Hunter, Selina McCloskey and Benjamin Blackler.
Bringing it all together will be much-loved Newcastle personality Jane Goldsmith, who will host Fashions on the Field and guide racegoers through the style,
excitement and standout moments on the runway.
Hungerford Hill Fashions on the Field will take place on the Ascot Lawn on Saturday 19 September. Online registrations are open until midday Friday 18 September, with racegoers also able to register at Newcastle Racecourse on Ladies Day until midday.
“THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE SPRING CARNIVAL IN NEWCASTLE”
Newcastle Jockey Club CEO Duane Dowell said the Carnival was an opportunity to showcase not only outstanding racing, but the atmosphere and sense of occasion that has made the event a fixture on Newcastle’s social calendar.
“There’s nothing quite like Spring Carnival in Newcastle. For two days the racecourse has this incredible energy, you’ve got exceptional racing, fantastic hospitality, fashion, entertainment and thousands of people coming together to enjoy it.”
“Gold Cup Day has enormous significance for our Club and the racing industry, while Ladies Day brings a completely different energy on Saturday. Together, they make for a brilliant two days at Newcastle Racecourse.”
“Whether you’re here for the racing, getting a group together for a day out, entering Fashions on the Field or staying on for the entertainment, we want this
to be a Spring Carnival Newcastle can really get behind.”
With the Carnival now just days away, Newcastle Racecourse is encouraging racegoers to secure their tickets, plan their outfits and get ready for two of the
biggest days on Newcastle’s spring calendar.
Newcastle, Spring Carnival is calling.
event details
sharp office newcastle gold cup race day
Friday 18 September 2026 | Newcastle Racecourse.
featuring:
Group 3 $300,000 Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m).
Group 3 $250,000 Newcastle Car & Truck Rental Cameron Handicap (1500m).
Group 3 $250,000 NZB Tibbie Stakes (1400m).
LADIES DAY
Saturday 19 September 2026 | Newcastle Racecourse,
featuring:
Hungerford Hill Fashions on the Field, complimentary champagne on arrival*, Oompah Loompa Band and the Australian Shania Twain Tribute Show after the final race.
HUNGERFORD HILL FASHIONS ON THE FIELD
Saturday 19 September | Ascot Lawn
Online registrations close midday Friday 18 September.
On-the-day registrations close midday Saturday 19 September.
Tickets, Fashions on the Field registrations and further information are available via Newcastle Racecourse.
*Complimentary champagne subject to availability and event conditions.
For the full media release click here.