Caulfield puts inself in mix to host 2026 Cox Plate
The Melbourne Racing Club would be willing to host the 2026 Cox Plate at Caulfield if it was in “the best interests of the industry”.
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Caulfield has joined the 2026 Cox Plate host sweepstakes.
Moonee Valley Racing Club must find a temporary home for Australia’s best race in 2026 – with its racecourse unavailable due to redevelopment.
Frontrunner Flemington and X-factor candidate Southside Racing Cranbourne submitted respective Cox Plate expressions of interest.
The Valley wants the 2026 Cox Plate to retain its traditional timeslot – the Saturday between the Caulfield Cup and Derby Day.
Victoria Racing Club’s preference is for the Cox Plate to be held at Flemington two weeks after the 2026 Melbourne Cup carnival.
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The bid is largely geared around track preparation, with the VRC reluctant to host at Flemington seven days before its iconic four-day 37-race Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga said Caulfield is “there to assist” MVRC and Racing Victoria “in any way it can”.
“If Moonee Valley is out of action, then the Cox Plate needs to be held during that time at the venue that is in the best interests of the industry and that event,” Kanga said.
“Logically, it will be held at either Flemington or Caulfield and that will be worked out in sensible discussions between RVL, Moonee Valley, VRC and MRC.
“If they want us to put on the Cox Plate at Caulfield, then we will do so, but I just want what is best for Moonee Valley and the industry.”
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If successful, Caulfield would host the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate on three successive Saturdays.
The Wednesday meeting at Caulfield, between the Guineas and Cup, would be axed to preserve the racing surface for the Cox Plate card.
The midweek fixture during the Caulfield Cup Carnival has traditionally struggled crowd, interest and wagering wise.
The Valley is set to advance talks with interested clubs over the next month.
Originally published as Caulfield puts inself in mix to host 2026 Cox Plate
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