Latest news with #SpringCarnival
The Age
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
Flemington is favourite to host 2026 Cox Plate, but bookies say it's not past the post yet
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. Loading 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.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Flemington is favourite to host 2025 Cox Plate, but bookies say it's not past the post yet
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. Loading 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.
The Age
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
Flemington is favourite to host 2025 Cox Plate, but bookies say it's not past the post yet
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. Loading 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.
New Paper
07-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Ceolwulf gears up for Winx Stakes
SYDNEY Trainer Joseph Pride has been heartened by the performances of a horse from a rival yard this season as he begins to plot a Spring Carnival path for stable flag bearer Ceolwulf. The Warwick Farm conditioner watched with interest as Antino thumped his rivals in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1,800m) and the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2,000m) over the Queensland winter, the efforts elevating the Tony Gollan-trained galloper to the second line of early Cox Plate markets behind the 2024 Cox Plate winner, Via Sistina. This year, the prestigious Group 1 event run over 2,040m will be held at Moonee Valley on Oct 25. While Antino, a five-time Group winner, has always shown talent, it has been as a five and six-year-old that the son of Redwood has found his groove, and Pride believes Ceolwulf is on a similar trajectory. "I was watching Antino this preparation, and he has just found this level of consistency. I remember him when he was at the same age as Ceolwulf, he was a bit inconsistent," said Pride. "He'd have a good prep, then a bad prep. These horses just need to fully mature and when they do, that's when they really find a vein of form where they always run well." Antino is two years the senior of the four-year-old Ceolwulf, and Pride can see Ceolwulf following a similar path that Antino took. Ceolwulf stamped himself as a top talent when he claimed the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1,600m) on Oct 5, 2024 and the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1,600m) at his next start a fortnight later. Both times, he was ridden by Sydney-based British jockey and regular partner Chad Schofield. But while the son of Tavistock was competitive in several major races, he could not add to his Group 1 tally. After his back-to-back Group 1 victories in spring, Ceolwulf ran in five more races - three Group 1 and two Group 2 events. While he ran third to Gringotts in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1,500m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 22, he managed only fifth in two other Group 1 races, including his last start in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,000m) at Randwick on April 12, which was taken out by Chris Waller's star Via Sistina. Ceolwulf's last win came two starts ago in the Group 2 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2,000m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 1. Pride expects that to change over the coming seasons as Ceolwulf continues to develop and mature. "He didn't run any bad races in the autumn, but he paid the price for having won a couple of Group Ones," he said. "There were no easy races for him. All of a sudden, he was up against the big boys all the time, but he is a top-shelf horse. "He is up around 530 to 540 (kilos) now, so he will race heavier again this prep. "He is coming along nicely. I haven't got a trial date for him yet but he will resume in the Winx Stakes." The first of the Group trials will be held at Warwick Farm on July 25, and the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1,400m) run at Randwick on Aug 23 will kick off the Sydney's Spring Racing Carnival this year. Pride also confirmed this week that he had picked up 2024 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2,000m) winner El Castello - previously trained by Anthony Cummings - who has not raced since finishing fifth in the 2024 Victorian Derby (2,500m) at Flemington on Nov 2. SKY RACING WORLD
News.com.au
25-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Trainer Melody Cunningham to delay One Long Day return after terrible Caulfield draw
Ballarat trainer Melody Cunningham might have to wait a little longer to start working towards her hometown dream with stable star One Long Day. One Long Day was a revelation in Melbourne racing over the summer months, progressing from two provincial wins in the winter to saluting in Saturday class at Flemington in January. Cunningham has pencilled in the $500,000 Ballarat Cup at the end of the spring carnival as One Long Day's major goal. 'We'll see where he goes but the long term plan is that we'd like to see him get to the Ballarat Cup,' Cunningham said. 'That's our aim. 'We'll just place him where he fits in and if he goes all right in this prep, he can have a little freshen up and, if his rating is high enough, we can get him into the Ballarat Cup.' Caulfield before the infamous barrier draw computer intervened. One Long Day drew barrier 18 for the $130,000 race, prompting Cunningham to assess her options. 'I'll have to talk to the owners but I'll probably say he won't run from barrier 18,' she said. Cunningham said she had limited options with One Long Day with races in which the gelding would carry a hefty weight the possible opportunities to start the rising five-year-old's preparation. 'There's not a lot around for him,' Cunningham said. 'I found that race on Saturday then there's one next week at Sandown but he'd have to carry a bit of weight in that too.' She said One Long Day was in terrific condition for his upcoming preparation and had improved mentally in recent months. 'He went to the water walker when he came back for a month and did really well there,' Cunningham said. 'He had a nice trial since and I'm really happy with him going into wherever he does race. 'He's still a big kid and everything is still a joke to him but his racing manners are getting better each time he goes to the races.'
