Flemington set to host Cox Plate 2026
The iconic Cox Plate will step away from its traditional home in 2026, with Flemington to host the $5 million race for the very first time.
Moonee Valley, which has staged every Cox Plate since the race’s inception in 1922, will close after this year’s edition to undergo a major redevelopment, paving the way for Flemington to step in as host.
Following an Expression of Interest process, Racing Victoria and the Moonee Valley Racing Club announced the historic venue shift on Wednesday. The Melbourne Racing Club had also lodged a bid, hoping to stage the event in the aftermath of the Caulfield Cup Carnival, but Flemington was deemed best placed.
The 2026 Cox Plate at Flemington will be run the week before the Melbourne Cup Carnival and will feature a nine-race program, highlighted by the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), which awards a Golden Ticket into the Melbourne Cup.
Racing Victoria said commercial benefits, wagering turnover, audience engagement and crowd capacity were key factors behind the decision, with Flemington offering the ideal stage for such an occasion.
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Kylie Rogers said Flemington was honoured to be entrusted with the race.
“This will be an historic occasion, bringing tens of thousands of Australians together to enjoy the day,” Rogers said.
“We thank Racing Victoria, the Moonee Valley Racing Club and our commercial partners for their collaboration and can’t wait to see the collective vision for a Cox Plate at Flemington come to life.
“It sets the scene for an unforgettable spring at Flemington, where the world’s best come together.”
Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell said the change marks a milestone moment in the Cox Plate’s storied legacy.
“The MVRC looks forward to partnering with the VRC to create an exceptional event for members of both clubs and racegoers as we showcase Australia’s Best Race at Flemington,” Browell said.
For those planning a bet on the historic 2026 Cox Plate, markets will be available through the nation’s most trusted betting sites.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...