Racing Victoria delays decision on 2026 Cox Plate host

Racing Victoria has pushed back discussions on where next year’s Cox Plate will be held. Find out why.

James McDonald steers Via Sistina to a dominant win in last year’s Cox Plate at The Valley. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Racing Victoria has pushed back discussions on 2026 Cox Plate hosting rights to early next month.

Flemington and Caulfield stay in contention for the historic schedule, a temporary relocation of Australia’s best race during The Valley redevelopment set to start after the Cox Plate this year.

The RV board met on Tuesday but deferred the 2026 Cox Plate agenda item as metropolitan clubs involved iron out conditions for the transferred fixture.

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Sources not authorised to speak publicly said Cox Plate rights remained a work in progress.

A Cox Plate at Flemington next year could deliver a record 60,000-strong crowd for the prestigious $5m weight-for-age Group 1 and double as a blockbuster start to the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Legendary mare Winx drew a record Valley crowd of 38,035 in 2018 for her unprecedented fourth-straight Cox Plate success.

The Melbourne Cup carnival has enjoyed a recent spike in crowds, with 285,675 through the gate last year at Flemington for the biggest combined four-day attendance since 2018.

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Melbourne Cup Day (91,168) and Victoria Derby Day (81,612) led the way, from Champions Stakes Day (62,022) and Oaks Day (50,873).

Victoria Racing Club has crowd ambitions of 60,000-plus for the Cox Plate, should Flemington secure the 2026 rights.

Racing Victoria has pushed back discussions on 2026 Cox Plate hosting rights. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

While unable to compete on crowd and wagering fronts, Melbourne Racing Club could offer a like-for-like Cox Plate spectacle at Caulfield with its boutique atmosphere and tight-turning circuit.

Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman Adam Lennen endorsed the Cox Plate negotiations.

“We’re close but not there yet,” Lennen said.

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The MVRC has awarded a circa $70m contract for civil and infrastructure works for the new Moonee Valley Racecourse precinct to Symal Group.

The scope of work includes bulk earthworks, full track reconstruction, new racing infrastructure, upgraded underpasses, retaining walls and the installation of new track lighting.

The MVRC has held early talks with stakeholders, including the AFL, around future infield uses but Lennen said racecourse redevelopment, including grandstand and events centre, is the priority.

The Valley infield had been linked as potential base for AFL umpires.

The AFL on Tuesday confirmed the purchase of Waverley Park and ambitions for the historic venue to house its talent pathways programs, community footy and umpire development.

The Valley infield remains in play as a potential boutique AFLW venue.

Originally published as Racing Victoria delays decision on 2026 Cox Plate host