The Crown Oaks is a prestigious Group 1 horse race held every year the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It takes place on the first Thursday of November, two days after the Melbourne Cup. The event is considered the elite event for three-year-old fillies taking place over 2,500 metres at a set weight of 55.5kg and has stakes of $1 million.
The Crown Oaks is the main event of Crown Oaks day, sponsored by the Crown Casino, and is affectionately dubbed ‘Ladies Day’ ensuring large crowds. The lead up race to the Oaks is the Wakeful Stakes held on Victoria Derby Day over 2,000 metres.
Crown Oaks Information
- Date: First Thursday in November
- Carnival: Melbourne Cup Carnival
- Racecourse: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- Distance: 2,500 metres
- Race Type: 3YO Fillies, Set Weight (55.5kg)
- Group Listing: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1 million
Crown Oaks History
The Crown Oaks, formerly known as the VRC Oaks, was first held in 1861 and was won by Palestine. At the time it was a Principal race of 12 furlongs not converting until Australia switched to the metric system in 1972 when it became 2,400 metres. In 1973 the Crown Oaks changed to the current distance of 2,500 metres, and shortly after gained its Group 1 status in 1979.
