Flemington is favourite to host 2026 Cox Plate, but bookies say it's not past the post yet

The Age

23-07-2025

The TAB entered a six-year, $40 million broadcasting deal with the VRC last year, which includes the owner of this masthead, Nine, broadcasting Melbourne Cup week.
But the two sources said TAB boss Gillon McLachlan would welcome a Cox Plate at Flemington and has had positive ongoing discussions with the VRC and Entain, which owns Ladbrokes, about sharing oncourse advertising space.
Both racing clubs have several conflicting brands that would need to be onboard before a Cox Plate venue was announced.
The VRC has ongoing deals with the TAB, Lexus, Crown, beer brand Furphy and is about to start a partnership with De Bortoli Wines, while Moonee Valley lists some of its key carnival partners as Ladbrokes, Mercedes dealership 3 Point Motors and Seppelt Wines.
Moonee Valley CEO Michael Browell said last week that an announcement on the Cox Plate was close.
'We would have liked to have had that wrapped up by now, but a decision on that is imminent,' he said.
The VRC chose not to answer specific questions about its corporate partners, but CEO Kylie Rogers continued to hold the line that her club wanted next year's Cox Plate run at its famous racecourse.
'It would be a privilege to host the Cox Plate at Flemington,' Rogers said. 'We have been a key player in discussions and await official confirmation.'
A TAB spokesperson said it was working 'collaboratively with all stakeholders on future Spring Carnival scheduling options that can benefit both the industry and our customers', while a Ladbrokes spokesman said the betting giant was 'working closely with the Moonee Valley Racing Club, Racing Victoria, and all relevant stakeholders to support discussions around the most appropriate venue for the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate'.
Racing Victoria said it was awaiting a final recommendation from Moonee Valley before making its decision.
'It will be run at a group 1 track that maximises wagering returns for the industry and where the host track partner can maximise engagement and the best promotion of the race,' an RV spokesperson said.
Both Melbourne Racing Club, which runs Caulfield, and its major sponsor Sportsbet said they would support any decision Racing Victoria made about the venue for next year's Cox Plate.
The ongoing delay comes as Moonee Valley reopens negotiations with major sporting organisations and sporting companies on the long-term lease of its racecourse infield.
The Valley will lock its gates after this year's October Cox Plate and major work will begin on shifting its amphitheatre track as well as building a new grandstand and clubhouse.
The AFL, Harness Racing Victoria, soccer organisations and a golf driving range firm are among those seeking exclusive access to the land.
'We haven't ruled anything out, but we haven't ruled anything in at this stage,' Browell said.
The AFL wants two new ovals inside the racecourse that would be open to the public and could also potentially provide a training base for the league's homeless umpiring fraternity.
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Harness Racing Victoria CEO Matt Isaacs said his organisation remained ambitious for a return to Moonee Valley and was in regular dialogue with the club about opportunities for such a move.
'It is an attractive option with significant potential, including exposing harness racing to a greater metropolitan market and building what would be one of the world's greatest harness racing venues,' Isaacs said.
'However, it would require significant investment and carries with it timing challenges.
'We will continue to do due diligence and work with the club and the state government to make sure any decision is in the best long-term interests of the sport.'
The state government announced last week it would contribute $5 million to Moonee Valley's $220 million redevelopment, which will go towards new lights, grass and horse stalls.