Warrnambool May Carnival 2026 mega guide

The Warrnambool May Carnival is one of the most iconic three days on the Australian racing calendar. Famous for its jumps racing and deep staying contests, the Bool draws punters, participants and fans from all corners.

For Betsy, we’re thrilled to have Mitch Ellis leading the jumps coverage across the carnival. A lifelong jumps racing enthusiast, Mitch has followed the code closely since 2007/08, growing up idolising riders like Steve Pateman, Craig Durden and Brett Scott, and champions such as Bashboy, Black And Bent, Some Are Bent and Wells.

Now 28, Mitch brings a genuine passion for the game along with a sharp analytical edge, diving deep into track patterns, weights, race shape and form. He’ll be your go-to for jumps racing across the three days at Warrnambool, providing previews and key insights for each of the three days.

Below is Mitch’s full Warrnambool Mega Guide, featuring key lead-ups, horses to follow and insights from those closest to the action.

Betsy’s jumps racing content is brought to you  by Fatbet, who will be leading the charge throughout the May Carnival.

Follow Mitch on X here and Facebook here

Track Insight – Dermott O’Connor (Track Manager)

The track has played indifferently in recent years so understanding how the preparation has been ahead of the 2026 Carnival is vital.

Q – How is the track holding up with a few meetings before the big week?
“The course proper and steeple track are in really good order ahead of the carnival. As we stand at the same timeframe out from the carnival as of last year, we are about level if not better. It’s held up very well from recent trials and will be rested leading into the carnival.”

Q – How heavy are the paddocks compared to the course proper?
“Depends on the weather leading in but due to little drainage over there it is heavier.”

Q – Any inside word or tips from the staff?
“I would say Duke Of Bedford for the Brierly. Looked good in the last trial leading into the carnival. However, with some of the horses that look like will be in the race this year it should be a cracking race.”

Key Lead-Up Races & Horses To Follow

A majority of the runners listed above are expected to head towards the Warrnambool Carnival. The jumpers will target the feature races, while the flat runners aim at races like the Listed Wangoom Handicap and the Warrnambool Cup.

It’s generally advantageous to follow horses that handle give in the ground, as the track is often in the Soft range. There is no disadvantage to being on speed. Be sure to check race replays to identify those ready to peak heading into the week.

Andrew Bobbin – Trainer

DUKE OF BEDFORD
“He’s the reigning champ, he trialled well last Monday, his three lead-up runs have been beautiful. He’s handling his racing really well.”

Q – Was it a deliberate tactic to pack him away after last season’s Grand Annual?
“Everyone wants to win it, it’s his race, he’s a six-year-old and he had two hard runs in two days last year. He will only have around 68kg this year so we kept him on the flat so he didn’t go up in the weights.”

Q – Can he beat Stern Idol in the Brierly?
“Stern Idol is my favourite horse to watch at the moment, they both have the same racing patterns, but we will be up for the fight and we’ll see how we go.”

KARBURAN
“Rule a line through him the other day, he didn’t like the sticky ground at Terang as did many of the horses. He will go to the novice hurdle on day three and be hard to beat.”

HULA BEAT
“He has a future in jumps racing, he won’t be forward enough to race at Warrnambool but we’ll see him in a Maiden Hurdle at Casterton.”

EISMOND
“She was a Rising Sun Syndications purchase, she had good form in Japan winning over $160,000. It was a soft win at Stawell. Yet to try soft ground so we will probably skip Warrnambool but she looks progressive.”

KHANT BEE
“He’s going well, two wins on the trot before his run in the Stawell Cup. We’ll see him at Warrnambool in the BM66 over 2000m and he will be hard to beat. Another who has a future over the jumps.”

Shane Jackson – Trainer

The stable has a strong team of flat runners pencilled in and will finalise runners closer to the carnival. It shapes as an exciting week.

NOONDAY GUN – “We were really pleased with his effort carrying a big weight last week, he showed plenty of toughness. He will unfortunately miss the carnival.”

FABALOT – “He is getting to the stage where we need to decide whether we head to the Brierly or the Galleywood. We will assess him over the coming days.”

RAISE THE NOTE – “A fantastic run last week at Terang. There were pre-race comments suggesting she may have been out of her depth but she disproved that. Extremely consistent over the jumps. At this stage she may head towards the Grand Annual, with the BM120 chase also an option. She is a much better chaser than hurdler.”

SHAMARKAND – “He went around in the trials last Monday to qualify and we were pleased. He’s a quality horse who had lost his way on the flat and we will now look towards a maiden hurdle.”

HIGHLAND BLAZE – “All roads lead to the Galleywood, he is building nicely and we are happy with him.”

ANDY WIN – “Two very good runs on the flat this prep and has returned in great order. He will now progress towards a maiden hurdle.”

POINT NEPEAN – “He qualified over the hill last Monday and we were pleased. The likely target is the 120 chase although the Galleywood remains a possibility.”

Tom Ryan – Jockey

FABALOT – “He will mix his chases and hurdles going forward. He is a little hard to place as he has a high rating and isn’t getting any younger.”

ALIBEY – “Was a huge run at Terang after a long layoff and is a horse I’m eager to stay with.”

Tom is also looking forward to THE CUNNING FOX returning later in the season.

Braidon Small – Jockey

Braidon has been attending the carnival since 2011 and is hoping to add another feature win.

INSTIGATOR – “Has placed in all the jumps features over the years. Hopefully this can be his year. Stern Idol is a freak and extremely hard to beat over 3450m. Duke Of Bedford trialled really well and looks hard to beat again, but we’ll give it our best.”

Braidon is hoping to ride THE CLAIMANT in a maiden hurdle across the carnival.