The Advertiser - Cessnock

Top Australian horse racing events this December

Top Australian horse racing events this December
Top Australian horse racing events this December

This is partner content for Neds.

Summer is often the quietest season on the Australian racing calendar, but that doesn't mean there aren't any exciting events for pundits and fanatics to enjoy.

Home to some of the world's most prestigious annual events, Australia continues to thrill when it comes to delivering top-class racing.

Why are there fewer racing events in December?

Frequent racegoers will know that Group 1 do not race in December or January, meaning that the range of racing events in the summer is more limited.

However, the heat is another factor in the lack of summer races. With temperatures often exceeding 35°C in the peak of December, it's easy to see why both jockeys and horses would struggle in these conditions.

What are the Best Australian race tracks for Summer events?

Australia is currently home to 392 major racecourses; however, some are more active than others during the warmer summer months.

Victoria's Pakenham racecourse hosts the annual Pakenham Cup, a thrilling Group 2 event held during the first weekend of December. As one of Victoria's leading racecourses, Pakenham always delivers with spectacular views of the race track, leaving spectators in the heart of the action.

Werribee is also hosting one of December's top racing events, with the annual Werribee Cup taking place on Sunday, December 5th. Racegoers should also keep an eye out for the Caulfield Christmas Stakes, a Boxing Day spectacular held at the iconic Victoria venue.

4th December - Pakenham Cup

Location: Pakenham

The Pakenham Cup is an annual event with a prize pool of $300,000. This year, the race will be held on Saturday, December 4th, taking place at the iconic Pakenham Racecourse in Victoria.

Competitors will run a distance of 2,500 metres, and horses will carry varying weights in a race of handicap conditions.

5th December - Werribee Cup

Location: Werribee

Werribee Racecourse is once again set to host the annual Werribee Cup, a handicap race of 2,000 metres held at the Victoria venue.

This year's winners will receive a total of $125,000, awarded at the end of the race on Sunday, December 5th.

26th December - Caulfield Christmas Stakes

Location: Caulfield

Racegoers can look forward to this annual Boxing Day race, taking place as per tradition at Caulfield Racecourse in Victoria.

The handicap race will award winners with a grand total of $140,000, and competitors must run a distance of 1,200 metres.

Get race day betting tips at Neds

At Neds, you'll find everything you need to help you win big on the races. Discover daily insider tips delivered by top racing experts, and find the latest betting odds on races all across Australia.

You'll also get the chance to watch every Australian race live as you bet, and look at today's horse racing schedule to stay up to date with the latest events. So go on - place your bets at Neds now!

Gamble responsibly. Contact the Gambling Helpline for free and confidential support, information and counselling on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.