Flemington to host 2026 Cox Plate during Moonee Valley redevelopment
This masthead last week revealed Moonee Valley Racing Club recommended Victoria Racing Club as its preferred host for Australia's best race in 2026.
The Valley will be closed after the Cox Plate this year to undergo a major redevelopment.
The RV board met last week to stamp the MVRC proposal to run the Cox Plate at Flemington next year, with wagering, attendance, engagement and commercial implications central to venue considerations.
The Valley principal partner Ladbrokes will maintain its naming rights sponsorship of the Cox Plate meeting at Flemington on October 24, 2026.
The Melbourne Cup-qualifying Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) will also be run on the same date next year as part of a nine-race card.
The historic Cox Plate race day transfer sets up a blockbuster fortnight at Flemington and tantalising springboard to the Melbourne Cup carnival – October 31 to November 7, 2026.
MVRC and VRC members will have access to Flemington on Cox Plate day next year.
RV chief executive Aaron Morrison announced the Flemington Cox Plate fixture.
'We believe that Flemington is the best location to maximise attendance, wagering and engagement with the meeting,' Morrison said.
'We have confidence in the VRC's ability to present a high-quality track for Ladbrokes Cox Plate day and the four-day Melbourne Cup carnival that follows.
'We thank the MVRC for their work in exploring various options for the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate … and for tabling an informative recommendation for our board to consider and ultimately endorse.'
MVRC chief executive Michael Browell welcomed the 'historic occasion'.
'The MVRC is excited that the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate will be held at Flemington, marking a historic occasion as the first time the race has been run at a different track,' Browell said.
'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.
'I'd also like to thank all the clubs who took part in the expression of interest process for their hard work and dedication in preparing their submissions, along with Racing Victoria for their support.'
VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers echoed the sentiment.
'It is an honour for the VRC to be named as hosts of the 2026 Cox Plate at Flemington Racecourse, this will be an historic occasion,' 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.'
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