Cassö is the headline act at the 2026 Caulfield Cup. The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) says the London-based DJ and producer will take over the Main Stage in the centre of the Carnival precinct after the final race on Saturday 17 October. The last race is scheduled for 5:50pm AEDT (MRC). In the Members' Reserve, Ben Allen is back on the decks after the last.
| Caulfield Cup 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 17 October 2026 (150th running) |
| Race time | 5:15pm AEDT (2:15pm AWST) |
| Gates / first race / last race | 10:30am / 12:15pm / 5:50pm |
| Venue | Caulfield Racecourse, outside Caulfield Station |
| Distance | 2400m, Group 1 handicap, up to 18 starters |
| Prize money | $6 million ($3.3 million to the winner) |
| Tickets | Listed sold out by the MRC; limited tickets at the gate |
Source: Melbourne Racing Club, Racing.com.
For a site that's all about Melbourne dance floors, this is the most interesting racecourse booking in years. House and techno at Caulfield isn't new, but a global chart act closing out a Group 1 day is a step up.
Who is Cassö?
According to the MRC, Cassö is the London-based DJ and producer behind "Prada". The track has passed 1 billion streams and earned a BRIT Award nomination for Song of the Year. The MRC describes his sound as blending UK rap with '90s house and techno, and says he has played more than 100 shows across 19 countries.
What time does Cassö play at the Caulfield Cup?
The MRC says he plays after the last race. The last race is listed at 5:50pm, so expect his set to start sometime after that, once the final race is run. The club hasn't published an exact set time. Check the MRC website or app on the day.
Where is the Main Stage?
The MRC's Carnival map puts the Main Stage in the centre of the General Admission Carnival precinct, close to GA Food Lane and The Jockey Club. Gate 21 is the main entry into the Carnival precinct. You need a racecourse admission ticket to get in, and Cup Day was listed as sold out with strictly limited tickets at the gate.
Is there music in the Members' Reserve?
Yes. DJ Ben Allen returns to the Members' Reserve and plays a set after the last.
Can you shuffle at the races?
You can dance, but you need to dress for the area you're in. In General Admission there is no dress code, and the MRC encourages smart casual or relaxed clothes. In the Members' Reserve on Cup Day, jackets and ties are mandatory for men, and runners and sportswear are not permitted (MRC Plan Your Visit). If you plan to dance properly, wear clean, smart shoes you can move in. Our guide to shoes and floors has more on grip. A lawn is not a sprung floor, so go easy on spins.
Tips for the after-the-last crowd
- Hydrate. Free water refill stations are at every bar. Bring an empty, non-glass bottle, because outside drinks in bottles or cans aren't allowed.
- Bring ID. Anyone who looks under 25 is asked for accepted photo ID before getting an over-18 wristband or being served alcohol.
- Protect your ears. Big outdoor rigs are loud. See our guide to protecting your hearing.
- Plan the trip home. Caulfield Station is directly outside the racecourse, and there's a dedicated Uber and taxi zone.
For more of the spring's club nights and festivals, see our roundup of festivals and clubs. If you want to know what's happening on the track before the music starts, Race.com.au's Caulfield Cup page has the race details and recent winners.
Is the Caulfield Cup sold out?
Yes. The MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with "strictly limited tickets available at the gate". It advises arriving early. Final-release General Admission tickets were listed at $65 before selling out. Hospitality packages are also sold out. Buy only through the MRC or its authorised ticketing partner, because resale scams spike around big events. If you miss out, plenty of Melbourne venues run club nights on Cup Saturday. Check our scene guides for regular nights.
Caulfield Cup 2026 key facts
- Date: Saturday 17 October 2026, the 150th running (MRC).
- Venue: Caulfield Racecourse, directly outside Caulfield Station in Melbourne's south-east.
- Race time: 5:15pm AEDT. Gates open at 10:30am, the first race is at 12:15pm and the last race is at 5:50pm.
- Distance and conditions: 2400 metres, a Group 1 handicap for horses aged three and older, with up to 18 starters.
- Prize money: $6 million, with $3.3 million to the winner and $60,000 to every starter outside the top 10 (Racing.com).
- First run: 1879.
- Tickets: the MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate.
What facilities are at Caulfield Racecourse?
The Melbourne Racing Club lists the main on-course facilities on its Plan Your Visit page. ATMs are along the concourse at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand and in the Members' Reserve. First Aid is opposite the Owners Concierge, and baby change is in the First Aid Building next to the Race Day Office. Passenger lifts are on the concourse level at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand. The disabled viewing area is on the Promenade Level, and accessible bathrooms are throughout the venue. Racebooks are sold at the Race Day Office and at bars, subject to availability. For questions on the day, the MRC's number is 1300 GO RACE (1300 467 223).
Information only, not betting advice. Details were checked against Melbourne Racing Club and Racing.com on 17 October 2026 and can change on the day, so confirm with the official sources linked above. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Gamble responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Who is performing at the Caulfield Cup 2026?
London DJ and producer Cassö headlines the Main Stage after the last race. Ben Allen DJs in the Members' Reserve.
What time does Cassö play at Caulfield?
After the last race, which is scheduled for 5:50pm AEDT. The MRC has not published an exact set time.
Where is the Main Stage at Caulfield Racecourse?
In the centre of the General Admission Carnival precinct, near GA Food Lane.
Do I need a ticket to see Cassö at the Caulfield Cup?
Yes. You need racecourse admission for Cup Day, which the MRC listed as sold out with limited tickets at the gate.
Is there a dress code for the Main Stage area?
General Admission has no dress code. The Members' Reserve has a strict Cup Day code.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Sportsbet Caulfield Cup – race day information — Melbourne Racing Club
- Plan Your Visit: Caulfield Racecourse — Melbourne Racing Club
