Caulfield is expected to be announced as the host of the 2026 Cox Plate, with the final details of the deal with Moonee Valley Racing Club set to be signed off.
Industry sources have told The Straight that the deal for Caulfield to host the iconic Group 1 weight-for-age race in October 2026, while Moonee Valley is undergoing a massive renovation, is all but done.
The clubs have been negotiating final details this week, with an announcement expected shortly.
Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga would not confirm that a deal had been signed but he remained confident in his club’s pitch that the Cox Plate should be held at Caulfield in 2026.
“We have always said we will be happy to do everything we can to assist Moonee Valley,” Kanga said.
“From our perspective, if we were to host the Cox Plate, it wouldn’t be a commercial exercise, we would only look at making sure we have cost recovery.”
The MVRC issued a statement in response to The Straight's story on Wednesday, saying as far as it was concerned, the process was still ongoing.
"The MVRC is continuing discussions with both Racing Victoria and the Clubs who participated in the EOI specific to the reallocation of MVRC race meetings during the period of redevelopment at The Valley," it read.
"Those discussions remain focused on supporting the hosting of the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate and the race meetings relevant to the 2025/26 and 2026/27 calendars."
‘"There is no imminent announcement specific to the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate venue however upon finalising the EOI process and ultimate approval of the race dates, the MVRC will work with Racing Victoria to ensure appropriate communications are shared’."
While the proces may not be complete, The Straight understands its outcome is a foregone conclusion.
Kanga, who assumed the chairmanship in October, said it was important that the three Melbourne clubs worked together to find solutions which were for the greater good of racing.
“You never know when our club may be in need, so it’s important to work together,” he said.
Moonee Valley signed a 10-year advertising partnership with Ladbrokes in 2022, while Sportsbet inked a five-year deal with the Melbourne Racing Club at the beginning of 2024.
However, it is believed these competing deals will not be an impediment to Caulfield staging the race in 2026.
Meanwhile, Caulfield is still awaiting final clearance to resume racing after the recent fire which significantly damaged the Norman Robinson Stand earlier this month.
Kanga said the MRC was hoping to secure an occupancy permit for the adjacent Rupert Clarke Stand in the next day or so.
Due to the impacted access around the stands, aspects such as fire sprinklers and exit and entries needed to be approved.
Bren O’Brien
The Blue Diamond Preview meeting on Saturday has already been moved to Sandown, while the February 1 meeting is still scheduled at Caulfield. Kanga said he would like that meeting to remain at Caulfield to not put too much pressure on the newly re-laid Sandown track.
He also raised the option that if an occupancy permit wasn’t forthcoming for February 1 meeting, the club could look to temporary infrastructure to accommodate racegoers
The Group 1 CF Orr Stakes meeting is scheduled at Caulfield on February 8.
Longer-term, Kanga was hopeful a full refurbishment of the impacted areas in the Norman Robinson Stand would be completed by the 2025 spring carnival.
“We've got full visibility of where we're at and exactly what we need, and I'm very confident that we'll be right for the spring,” he said.
Kanga said incoming chief executive Tom Reilly is due to start in his new role next Monday.
He also said the Club has received a wave of positive feedback over its decision to slash food and drink prices, mirroring a move from the Victoria Racing Club and Southside Racing.
