The 2026 Caulfield Cup starts at 2:15pm AWST in Western Australia. The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has scheduled the 150th Sportsbet Caulfield Cup for 5:15pm AEDT on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse (MRC). Victoria is on daylight saving (UTC+11) and WA stays on AWST (UTC+8), so Melbourne is three hours ahead of Perth, Busselton and Margaret River.
That puts the big race in the middle of a Margaret River Saturday afternoon. You can catch it after lunch at a winery and still be on the beach for sunset.
What time is the Caulfield Cup in Perth?
2:15pm. The same applies everywhere on AWST, including Perth, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Augusta and Margaret River.
Caulfield Cup Day race times in WA time
The MRC's published Cup Day timings, converted from AEDT to AWST:
| Event | Melbourne (AEDT) | Margaret River (AWST) |
|---|---|---|
| Gates open | 10:30am | 7:30am |
| First race | 12:15pm | 9:15am |
| Group 1 Thousand Guineas | 3:45pm | 12:45pm |
| 150th Sportsbet Caulfield Cup | 5:15pm | 2:15pm |
| Last race | 5:50pm | 2:50pm |
Race times can change on the day, for example because of weather or a delayed start. Check the MRC race day page or racing.com before you sit down to watch.
Why is the time different in WA?
Western Australia does not observe daylight saving. From the first Sunday in October, Victoria, NSW, the ACT and Tasmania move to daylight time, and the gap to WA grows from two hours to three. That's why many West Australians remember the spring carnival as an early-afternoon event.
How big is the 2026 Caulfield Cup?
It is the 150th running, and the MRC has raised prize money to $6 million for the first time. The winner receives $3.3 million, and every starter is paid, with horses outside the top 10 receiving $60,000 (Racing.com). The MRC describes it as the world's richest 2400m handicap.
Watching the Caulfield Cup in Margaret River
Many pubs and some winery venues in the region screen the big spring races, but check with each venue. Programming, bookings and kitchen hours are up to them, and we won't list venues we haven't confirmed. A few practical tips:
- Book lunch for about 12:30pm. You'll be seated well before the 2:15pm jump.
- Arrange a driver. Cup Day and winery days mix badly with driving on Caves Road. Book a tour or a designated driver.
- Mind the sun. October UV in the South West is already high, so a hat and sunscreen are worth packing even on a mild day.
If you're turning Cup weekend into a South West getaway, book accommodation early and build the rest of the weekend around the wineries, Boranup Forest and the coast. Before the 2:15pm jump, check the Caulfield Cup 2026 race guide for race details and recent winners.
Flying to Melbourne for Cup Day instead?
Caulfield Racecourse sits directly outside Caulfield Station, a few stops from the Melbourne CBD (MRC Plan Your Visit). The MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate. If you didn't buy ahead, Margaret River is the better plan this year.
A short history for the Cup Day lunch table
The Caulfield Cup was first run in 1879 and is a Group 1 handicap over 2400 metres for horses aged three and older (race history). It's traditionally held on the third Saturday in October, 17 days before the Melbourne Cup. Thirteen horses have won both cups in the same year, most recently Half Yours in 2025. The 2026 field is capped at 18 starters, and the MRC added four European races as ballot-free qualifiers this year. Expect some international runners. Check the final field on racing.com rather than relying on early lists.
Caulfield Cup 2026 key facts
- Date: Saturday 17 October 2026, the 150th running (MRC).
- Venue: Caulfield Racecourse, directly outside Caulfield Station in Melbourne's south-east.
- Race time: 5:15pm AEDT. Gates open at 10:30am, the first race is at 12:15pm and the last race is at 5:50pm.
- Distance and conditions: 2400 metres, a Group 1 handicap for horses aged three and older, with up to 18 starters.
- Prize money: $6 million, with $3.3 million to the winner and $60,000 to every starter outside the top 10 (Racing.com).
- First run: 1879.
- Tickets: the MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate.
What facilities are at Caulfield Racecourse?
The Melbourne Racing Club lists the main on-course facilities on its Plan Your Visit page. ATMs are along the concourse at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand and in the Members' Reserve. First Aid is opposite the Owners Concierge, and baby change is in the First Aid Building next to the Race Day Office. Passenger lifts are on the concourse level at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand. The disabled viewing area is on the Promenade Level, and accessible bathrooms are throughout the venue. Racebooks are sold at the Race Day Office and at bars, subject to availability. For questions on the day, the MRC's number is 1300 GO RACE (1300 467 223).
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Caulfield Cup in Perth?
2:15pm AWST on Saturday 17 October 2026, which is 5:15pm AEDT in Melbourne.
What time is the Caulfield Cup in Margaret River?
2:15pm AWST, the same as Perth.
Why is WA three hours behind Melbourne in October?
Victoria moves to daylight saving in early October and WA does not, so the gap grows from two hours to three.
What time do Caulfield Cup Day races start in WA time?
The MRC lists the first race at 12:15pm AEDT, which is 9:15am AWST. The last race is at 2:50pm AWST.
Is the 2026 Caulfield Cup a special running?
Yes. It is the 150th running, with $6 million in prize money.
Sources
- Sportsbet Caulfield Cup – race day information, Melbourne Racing Club
- Why the Caulfield Cup just got bigger in every way, Racing.com
- Plan Your Visit: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne Racing Club
Information only, not betting advice. Details were checked against Melbourne Racing Club and Racing.com on 17 October 2026 and can change on the day, so confirm with the official sources linked above. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Gamble responsibly.
Photo: Caulfield Racecourse by Celco85, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Published 17 October 2026 · Margaret River WA Guide