Oaks Day 2026 Tips and VRC Oaks Race Guide

Oaks Day 2026 is Thursday 5 November 2026 at Flemington, the third day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, two days after the Cup. The feature race is the VRC Oaks, a 2500 metre Group 1 for three-year-old fillies. This page carries the Oaks details, the field as it is declared, and Dean McHugh’s tips for the day.

Part of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival. Cup week runs Derby Day, the Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day.

Race details: VRC Oaks

When is Oaks Day 2026?

Thursday 5 November 2026. Oaks Day is always the Thursday of Cup week, between the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday and Champions Stakes Day on Saturday. It is often called Ladies’ Day.

What is the VRC Oaks?

The fillies’ equivalent of the Victoria Derby, run over the same 2500 metres at set weights, five days after the Derby. It is the most important staying race of the year for three-year-old fillies, and its winners are often the mares that return for the Cups in later seasons.

VRC Oaks 2026 field and barriers

The final field and barrier draw for the VRC Oaks 2026 are announced in race week. This section is updated the moment both are confirmed, with each runner’s barrier, weight, jockey, trainer and Dean’s comment. Nominations and early acceptances are published by the club in the weeks before.

Oaks Day 2026 tips

Dean McHugh’s Oaks Day 2026 tips are published in race week, once the final field and barriers are confirmed in race week. Dean is My Betting Mate’s racing and sports writer and rates every bookmaker on the site. His selections come with a short reason for each, and are updated again on race morning if there are scratchings or a track change.

Until then, read Dean’s Saturday previews through the carnival on our racing tips page.

You can also listen to our Oaks Day podcast episode from a previous carnival.

Past VRC Oaks winners

Betting on Oaks Day

Our guide to Australian betting apps covers live vision and how quickly each bookmaker pays out. Set a deposit limit before the day starts. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.

Oaks Day 2026 FAQ

Is Oaks Day a public holiday?

No. Melbourne Cup Day on the Tuesday is the public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. Oaks Day is a normal Thursday.

Can colts run in the VRC Oaks?

No. The Oaks is restricted to three-year-old fillies. Colts and geldings run in the Victoria Derby on the previous Saturday.

What is the last day of Cup week?

Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 7 November 2026, two days after Oaks Day.