The Saturday, 24 October 2026 meeting will feature a nine-race program and include the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) – a race offering the winner a golden ticket into the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup. The remaining seven races on the program and prizemoney will be confirmed at a later date.
A bumper crowd is expected for the unique race day which will precede the traditional four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington from 31 October to 7 November 2026.
MVRC and VRC members will both have access to Flemington on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.
Those unable to attend will enjoy a premium broadcast of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate meeting on the Seven Network, Racing.com, Foxtel and Kayo Sports, along with Sky Racing and industry streaming partners.
Quotes attributable to RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison
“We are pleased to officially announce that we will be programming the historic 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate meeting at Flemington Racecourse in its traditional timeslot.
“We believe that Flemington is the best location to maximise attendance, wagering and engagement with the meeting and 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 in light of The Valley’s redevelopment and for tabling an informative recommendation for our Board to consider and ultimately endorse.
“We thank all Clubs and commercial partners that were involved in submitting bids to the MVRC and congratulate the VRC and their partners on a successful bid.”
Quotes attributable to MVRC Chief Executive, Michael Browell
“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. 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 with the transferred meetings during The Valley’s redevelopment.”
Quotes attributable to VRC Chief Executive, Kylie Rogers
“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, bringing tens of thousands of Australians together to enjoy the day.
“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.”
