Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Cox Plate moves to Flemington during Moonee Valley rebuild
The Cox Plate will be run at Flemington for the first time this Saturday, instead of its usual home at Moonee Valley in Melbourne.
Moonee Valley is closed for a 21-month, $250 million rebuild, prompting the temporary move.
The race remains 2,040 metres, and its winner will receive a $4 million share of the $6 million purse.
Trainer Joe Pride says he believes his horse Ceolwulf can win, but feels the race belongs at Moonee Valley, whose tight turns shaped many famous contests.
The change also required months of negotiations between the Moonee Valley Racing Club and the Victorian Racing Club, which governs Flemington.
Flemington will host the race at half capacity, with some areas closed ahead of the Melbourne Cup crowds.
The Cox Plate will be run at Flemington for the first time while Moonee Valley closes for a 21-month rebuild.
The rebuild is valued at $250 million.
The race remains 2040 metres, with a $6 million purse and a $4 million first-prize share.
Trainer Joe Pride said the Cox Plate belongs at Moonee Valley, though he believes Flemington may suit his horse Ceolwulf.
Organisers said they are trying to recreate some of Moonee Valley’s atmosphere at Flemington.
- Who
- The Moonee Valley Racing Club and Victorian Racing Club are involved in the venue change. Trainer Joe Pride is among the competitors, with Ceolwulf.
- What
- The Cox Plate will be held at Flemington for the first time.
- When
- Saturday, in 2026.
- Where
- Flemington, Melbourne, instead of Moonee Valley.
- Why
- Moonee Valley is closing for a 21-month, $250 million rebuild.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Moonee Valley Racing Club and Victorian Racing Club held negotiations before agreeing that Flemington would host the Cox Plate.
Moonee Valley is set to close for 21 months for a $250 million rebuild.
The Cox Plate is scheduled to be run at Flemington for the first time.
- Race distance
- 2040 metres
- Purse
- $6 million
- First-prize share
- $4 million
- Moonee Valley closure
- 21 months
- Rebuild cost
- $250 million
What people are saying
It’s such an iconic race, and it belongs at Moonee Valley. Everyone knows that
If it were shifted full-time to Flemington, it’s the Mackinnon Stakes mark II, isn’t it? It’s not the Cox Plate any more.
We’re trying to replicate some of that Valley experience at Flemington