Australian Cup Carnival 2026

Three iconic nights. Five iconic Group 1 races. One iconic race track.

Five iconic Group 1 Races, culminating with the Australian Cup Final on night three, offers something for everyone across this year’s Australian Cup Carnival. Dining, cheering and partying at The Meadows race track across these warm summer nights is an iconic experience, as are the many unique activations to enjoy. Each of the three Saturday Race Nights offer something different, enabling everyone to return each week of the carnival for a unique experience.

Explore what’s on each week below, as we look to honour Australia’s most heralded greyhound races, including the iconic Australian Cup.

SATURDAY FEB 14: ICONIC Group 1 Racing with an ICONIC Aussie BBQ on 'The Deck'

You'd be hard pressed to find anything more iconic or Australian than Greyhound racing, ice-cold beers and a BBQ on 'The Deck' by the start boxes.

Week one of our ICONIC Australian Cup Carnival lets you an enjoy all three on the one night at The Meadows, plus a Punters Club, giving you the quaddie! We'll also have the City View Bistro open for those looking for a seated meal, and will be serving a special selection of iconic Australian dishes to complement our summer menu.

BBQ ON 'THE DECK'
> Gourmet Aussie BBQ Food
> Australian Beer & Wine Specials
> Live Music, playing Aussie Classics
> Merchandise and give-aways
> Beverages Specials

RACING
> Temlee (Group 1 – 525m Invitational)
> Zoom Top (Group 1 – 730m Invitational)
> Australian Cup Heats

Entry to the track is FREE. Gates open 5:30pm. Bistro dining requires a reservation.

BOOK THE BISTRO

SATURDAY FEB 21: ICONIC Meadows Family Entertainment

As much as our racing has become iconic, we'd like to think our family nights are too!

Week two sees us fling open the gates and invite the local community in to enjoy a night of FREE entertainment, all based around our favourite friends the greyhounds.

ACTIVITIES AND GIVE-AWAYS INCLUDE:
> Children activities - Inflatable Fun Zone, FREE Carnival Food Snacks, Face Painter, GAP Dogs to Pat & Cuddle and more
> Aussie Sausage Sizzle
> Kids Entertainment Show
> FREE Showbags (first 300 on-course)
> Australian Cup Carnival Prize Draw (Over $3000 in prizes)
> Family Friendly City View Bistro Dining, plus a special selection of iconic Australian dishes to complement our summer menu
> $5 Schooners of Beer & Cider in the Midas Bar (5:30pm to 7.00pm)

RACING:
> Australian Cup (Group 1 Semi-finals - 525m)
> Fanta Bale (Group 1 Heats - 730m)
> Rookie Rebel Prelude - (600m)
> GRV Vicbred Maiden Series (525m - Semi-finals)

There will plenty of outdoor seating to make the most of the expected warm weather and twilight racing.

BOOK THE BISTRO

SATURDAY FEB 28: ICONIC Australian Cup Group 1 Final and Club Shout Fundraiser

Be part of an ICONIC night of world-class greyhound racing at Australia's premier greyhound track. Be there to see which chaser and connections will covered in glory on the final night of the three week carnival.

RACES INCLUDE:
> Australian Cup (Group 1 – 525m Final)
> Fanta Bale (Group 1 – 730m Final)
> Rookie Rebel (Group 1 – 600m Invitational)
> GRV Vicbred Maiden Series (Final)
> Australian Cup Consulation

CLUB SHOUT Fundraiser: This activation starts at 6pm and is located on The Deck. Enjoy being part of the 'Cheer Your Chaser' race activation, where your Club can win $1000s in donations. The night also includes FREE Roving Canapes, a beverage on arrival, live music and your own private entertainment area. (Registrations open soon).

ICONIC DINING: Join us in the Temlee Dining Room, located on level one in the grandstand. Seating starts from 6pm, with your 3 course meal being served across the evening. Visit the bar for a fine selection of beverages and take in the nights world-class racing from behind the floor to ceiling glass or in the undercover grandstand. (Use booking link below)

Entry to the track is FREE. Gates open 5:30pm

BOOK ICONIC DINING

An ICONIC three week Cup Carnival for all to enjoy

The ‘new’ Australian Cup Carnival racing format has fast become an iconic greyhound event.

The Prestige, The History, The Prizemoney; The Australian Cup is a race that trainers and owners all want to win. This year, the Australian Cup builds on the last two years of the three-week race event with opportunities aplenty across the carnival, offering up five Group 1’s across three consecutive weeks in February.

The 2026 Australian Cup Carnival promises to be more iconic than ever before.

Australian Cup Carnival Details

*Click the graphic to download this year’s terms and conditions*

DATES: Saturday Nights – February 14, 21 & 28
TIME: Gates open each night from 5:30pm
COST: FREE General Admission across all race nights

In 2024 the Australian Cup Carnival shifted to a new and exciting race program last year. Here's what people thought of the move.

READ THE TRAINERS THOUGHTS

A rich history of ICONIC racing

Of all the feature greyhound races held across Victoria each year, none have quite the same level of prestige as the Australian Cup.

First run in 1958, the first Australian Cup winner was the now much heralded champion Rookie Rebel (1958). The race was run and won at the Arden Street Oval track in North Melbourne. The initial First prize was 1600 pounds which has grown significantly with the 2026 edition of the race now carrying a $300,000 winner’s purse.

Notable winners include race record holder Brett Lee (2001), Blackamoor Lad (1972), Tangaloa (1980) Royal Rumpus (1982) back-to-back winner China Trip (1992-93), Fanta Bale (2017), Tommy Shelby (2021), and most recently the 2025 winner Mepunga Tully.

2025 Sportsbet Australian Cup winner Mepunga Tully with connections