Blue Diamond Preludes and the return of Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Observer will make for a great Saturday at Caulfield and MRC CEO Tanya Fullarton said the day would be a celebration of racing, community and charity.
“We’re excited to welcome members and racegoers to Caulfield for Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day – a special race day that brings together quality racing, family-friendly entertainment and important fundraising for 12 deserving charities,” said Tanya Fullarton. “We’re looking forward to delivering a vibrant and enjoyable experience for all ages to share with the community.”
Saturday’s meeting features seven stakes races with several Group 1 winners competing for the first time in 2026.
Ciaron Maher's Victoria Derby hero Observer returns in the $300,000 Group 2 Hyland Race Colours Autumn Stakes (1400m) while fellow Godolphin-owned star Tom Kitten resumes in the $200,000 Group 3 Henley Homes Kevin Heffernan Stakes over the same distance.
The Blue Diamond Preludes will play a key role in shaping the final field as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race fast approaches. The first three placegetters in both Blue Diamond Preludes are awarded ballot free exemption for the $2 million Group 1 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday, February 21.
With a full day of quality racing, premium dining, family activities and fundraising action, the event will offer racegoers of all ages an unforgettable day out – while raising vital funds for 12 participating charities.
The MRC Foundation will take the reins with funds raised shared across charity partners to support the important work they do in the community.
A key highlight of the day will be the Catanach’s Jewellers MRC Foundation Cup (T.S. Carlyon Cup), where each participating charity will be randomly allocated a horse* in the race. A cash prize pool will be awarded to the charities of the winning and placed horses, with $20,000 for first, $10,000 for second, and $5,000 for third.
The entertainment lineup will feature something for every age, stage shows from Paw Patrol and Justice League, rides, face painting and pony petting and an interactive AFL skills zone for kids to sharpen their footy skills ahead of the season.
MRC Foundation partner Sportsbet will have the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Mobile Clinic on course, providing free skin checks for racegoers throughout the day.
Racegoers can also enjoy a standout food and drink offering throughout the day, including Melbourne favourite Chargrill Charlie’s with a trackside pop-up and refreshments from the Hard Rated Bar and Carlton Draught Bar.
Tickets?to Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day start?from?$25 for Adults and Kids (under 18) enter FREE.?
WHAT:? Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day
LOCATION:? Caulfield Racecourse??
DATE: Saturday?7 February ?
TIME: Gates open?11:15AM, first race 12:15PM?
