What Stakes Day is
Stakes Day is the last of the four big days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, after Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day and Oaks Day. Where Oaks Day is known for fashion, Stakes Day is more relaxed. The Victoria Racing Club describes a garden-party atmosphere, with fashion that is relaxed but still stylish.
The day features three Group 1 races: the TAB Champions Stakes over 2000 metres, the VRC Champions Mile over 1600 metres and the VRC Champions Sprint over 1200 metres.
The day at a glance
- Date: Saturday 7 November 2026.
- Gates open at 10.40am.
- First race at 12.40pm and last race at 5.50pm.
- Three Group 1 races across the afternoon.
These details come from the VRC race-day page at the time of writing. Times can change, so check the VRC website before you go.
Why a chauffeur suits Stakes Day
It is a Saturday, it is a long day and it is a day to enjoy yourself. A chauffeur means nobody has to drive, nobody has to look for parking and nobody has to work out who is fit to drive everyone home. You are collected at your door, dropped off close to where you need to be, and picked up again when you are ready.
It also protects the outfit. A walk from a car park or a wait in a queue is hard on shoes and hats. A door-to-door ride keeps the day comfortable from start to finish.
Plan your timing
- Work back from the time you want to be inside. Gates open at 10.40am and the first race is at 12.40pm, so tell us when you want to arrive and we plan the pick-up around the traffic.
- Decide whether the car waits or returns later. The last race is at 5.50pm and many guests leave in the early evening, so a return window of an hour or so works better than an exact minute.
- Give us one phone number that will always be answered on the day.
- Tell us if some guests want to leave early and need a different drop-off.
Race days run late and plans change. Our dispatch is open 24 hours, so you can tell us about a change on the day.
Groups and vehicles
Stakes Day is often a group outing: friends, family, a birthday or a team lunch. The Luxury Sedan takes up to 3 passengers and the Luxury SUV up to 5. The Executive Van seats up to 7 and the Mercedes Sprinter up to 12.
If guests are starting from several addresses, send us the list in the order you want them collected, with the time everyone should be ready. We plan the route around it, so the first guest is not waiting longer than needed. For a larger party, tell us the total number and how it will be split, and we will suggest the right mix of vehicles.
A full day or a transfer
For a day that runs from a late breakfast to dinner, hourly hire keeps the car and driver with you, from 3 hours up to 12. For a simpler plan, book one transfer there and another home with our instant quote.
Booking for this Saturday
If you are reading this in the week of Stakes Day, book as soon as you can. Race weekends are busy and the best pick-up times go first. You can see your fare in a minute with the instant quote, or call or WhatsApp us and we will confirm the booking with you.
Check the official details
Dress rules, entry and road arrangements are set by the organisers and can change. Please check the Victoria Racing Club and Public Transport Victoria websites for the latest, and see our Melbourne chauffeur service for how we work. The race details in this guide were taken from the VRC race-day page for Saturday 7 November 2026.
Related
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