Southside Racing to bid for Cox Plate at Cranbourne as tender process extended
South Racing will bid to host the Cox Plate when The Valley undergoes its redevelopment, saying it will be a “transformative opportunity” for the region.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Southside Racing has labelled a dream to host the 2026 Cox Plate at Cranbourne as historic and transformative for the sport in Melbourne’s southeast.
An expressions of interest window for hosting rights of Australia’s best race, among the suite of Valley fixtures from late 2025-26, was set to close on Friday.
However, it is understood the process is likely to be extended to the end of spring amid leadership changes at Victoria Racing Club and Melbourne Racing Club.
• Early Oil: Tips, race-by-race analysis for The Valley
Moonee Valley Racing Club would not be drawn on its tender process on Thursday.
The Valley racecourse will shut down for a redevelopment after the 2025 Cox Plate, with a plan to reopen in 2027.
Southside chief Neil Bainbridge conceded Cranbourne would be an unlikely host for a Cox Plate compared to Flemington or Caulfield but racing would benefit more from the “transformative opportunity”.
Southside’s bid for the Cox Plate – and Valley night meetings – is set to be lodged on Friday.
Bainbridge said the “historic move” honoured a racing legacy in Victoria’s fastest-growing region and “lay a monumental foundation” for the next generation of fans and participants.
“As we approach the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, we have a unique opportunity to spark unprecedented growth in an area rich with racing heritage,” Bainbridge said.
“This move will drive significant infrastructure upgrades, supported by local and state government funding, turning Cranbourne into a vibrant hub for racing enthusiasts.”
• The sprinter Everest slot-holders ‘should be looking at’
MVRC wants to retain the traditional date of the Cox Plate between the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup carnivals.
The MRC and VRC must consider the implications of a 10-race Cox Plate card at the end of the Caulfield carnival or before the four biggest days in Australian racing at Flemington as part of their potential bids.
Sandown, which successfully hosted a host of Group 1 races during Caulfield’s track renovation last year, could form part of the MRC’s Cox Plate proposal.
Originally published as Southside Racing to bid for Cox Plate at Cranbourne as tender process extended
US racing tycoon eyes The Everest visit
Resolving US Breeders Cup scheduling clashes is the key to American thoroughbred tycoon John Stewart making the trip to Sydney to watch his brilliant colt Storm Boy contest The Everest.
The $37 million trial: Group 1 stars clash at Randwick
If this group was to clash in a race, it would be one of the highlights of the spring carnival but instead they will contest a 1000m trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning.