Mv Gold Cup

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The Moonee Valley Gold Cup (aka Cathway Pacific Airways Cup) is a Group 2 race held over a distance of 2500 metres for 4-year-olds and up at set weights and penalties. It carries prize money of $270,000 and is held on the same day as the Group 1 WS Cox Plate.

It was first run in 1883 and has a prestigious history. It was upgraded to Group 2 stats in 1980 and has been run at 2500 metres since 1995 (it was previously 2600m). Notable winners include Gallic (2007), Streak (1999), Istidaad (1996), Kingston Rule (1990), Sydeston (1989), Ideal Centreman (1988), Ngawyni (1977) and Red William (1965). The last Mare to win was Butternut in 1985, while the last 3-year-old C&G to win was Silvius (1923) and 3-year-old filly was Mirella (1897).

The Herbert Power Stakes held a fortnight earlier at Caulfield has been a great guide for the MV Gold Cup in recent years, with many winners in the MV Gold Cup coming through the Herbert Power Stakes. This year’s Herbert Power Stakes was taken out by the rampaging Alcopop ahead of Shocking and Hissing Sid. The MV Gold Cup is also used as a lead up race to the Melbourne Cup, held a week and a half later at Flemington.