Racing Victoria has announced changes to the Spring Carnival schedule, moving two Group 1 races to earlier in the spring and shifting another Group 1 from February to November. The Thousand Guineas and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes will be moved to October 18 and September 20, respectively, while the C.F.Orr Stakes will now take place on November 15 instead of February.

The changes were made after a review of the 2024 Spring Carnival and were approved by the Asian Pattern Committee. Industry stakeholders agreed that maintaining Group 1 racing at Caulfield on the second Saturday after the Melbourne Cup was in the best interest of Victorian racing. The move aims to enhance more meetings across Victoria’s peak racing period and benefit the overall pattern of Australian races.

The adjustments to the racing calendar will allow for more opportunities for horses to compete in various Group 1 races throughout the Spring Racing Carnival. The changes are part of an effort to strengthen the racing calendar and maintain 12 consecutive weekends of Group 1 racing from late August to mid-November. The move has been met with support from industry stakeholders and is seen as a positive step in shaping the racing program at Caulfield.