Spring brings Picnic Racing to the High Country, featuring the Marks IGA Melbourne Cup Day Picnic Races at Mansfield.
This annual race meeting, known as “the town's party”, is a major event on the High Country Festival calendar and is popular with both local residents and visitors to Mansfield over the Melbourne Cup weekend.
Patrons don their best outfits and create fabulous picnics to enjoy a great family day of country racing under the shady trees and lush lawns of Mansfield’s picturesque racecourse, situated in close proximity to the town.
Traditional offerings include abundant shade and shelter, a well-positioned grandstand, free entertainment for all ages including Fashions on the Field, music and children’s activities and a range of food and beverage outlets.
BYO alcohol, in accepted limits, is permitted in the general admission area of the course.
The Mansfield District Racing Club is always keen to introduce new innovations to this traditional day and 2026 is no exception.
The new Hospitality Pavilion, housing the Lawn Party, will be unveiled, and in a nod to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington, the event features a Yellow Rose theme.
Patrons are encouraged to be creative with the yellow rose tradition in their outfits and decorations.
In addition to the colour and excitement of live Cup Day picnic races, the race that stops the nation is not forgotten.
All the action from Flemington can be viewed on the big screen and TV monitors throughout the course.
MDRC president Leanne Backwell points out that Picnic Racing is focused on creating a thrilling and affordable day out for all ages.
General admission remains at $20pp, concession $15pp and children 17 years and under enter free.
An additional a feature of picnic racing at Mansfield is hospitality options for race goers seeking something different.
The Trackside Marquee Zone offers private marquee packages for groups of varying sizes, the Lawn Party offers a package including seating, music, picnic lunch, private bar, Punters Club entertainment and TV monitors and membership provides access to the member's enclosure and other rewards.
In recent years the Mansfield District Racing Club has been recognised for its dedication to safety and wellbeing by the Transport Accident Commission.
The club runs a free town shuttle bus and free buses from neighbouring towns such as Merrijig and Bonnie Doon.
It also affiliates with Sober in the Country to provide a range of alcohol-free beverages.
Tickets, marquee packages and memberships are available online via www.country.racing.com/mansfield, for all inquiries contact events@mansfieldraces.com.au or 0407351149.