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Flemington by the numbers: 286k+ fans vote with their feet
SENTrack • November 12th, 2025 2:05 pm
The Victorian Racing Club (VRC) has released some remarkable numbers from the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Over 286,000 fans attended Flemington for the four-day carnival as racegoers voted with their feet. The total crowd was 286,746 - the largest crowd since 2018.
The youngsters were heavily involved with general admission tickets purchased by people under the age of 35 rising by 17% to 53% overall. Furthermore, 66% of ticket sales came from interstate or international visitors.
TV numbers were extraordinary with 5.5 million Australians tuning into Channel 9’s broadcast across the carnival with the Melbourne Cup attracting over 2 million viewers.
Wagering went to a new level with Australians turning over a combined $382.5 million on Cup Day, an 11.1% increase from last year and more than the previous record of $375.6 million in 2021.
$247.4 million was bet on the Cup itself, a 16.4% increase and exceeding the 2021 record of $225.8 million.
“The success of the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival has emphatically demonstrated that racing is back and thriving. With our largest crowd since 2018, record-breaking wagering turnover on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, and significant uplift in broadcast figures, the momentum and energy throughout the week was infectious,” VRC CEO Kylie Rogers said in a statement.
“What's particularly exciting is the significant growth in younger audiences, with 53% of general admission tickets purchased by people under 35. This Carnival has demonstrated that racing continues to captivate a diverse range of audiences. The Melbourne Cup Carnival continues to hold its place as Australia's most celebrated sporting and entertainment event, and the momentum we're seeing gives us tremendous confidence for the future."
Melbourne Cup Carnival crowds
Howden Victoria Derby Day: 86,343Lexus Melbourne Cup Day: 84,373Crown Oaks Day: 51,239TAB Champions Stakes Day: 65,012
