The Cox Plate 2026 is set for Saturday, October 24, 2026, and this year’s edition is a first: Australia’s weight-for-age championship will not be run at Moonee Valley. With The Valley closed for a major renovation, the Group 1 feature moves to Flemington. This guide covers everything you need to know, including the race time, the Cox Plate field, the Cox Plate barrier draw, the latest Cox Plate odds, the Cox Plate prize money and how to watch the race live. ttrausnz
Cox Plate 2026 at a Glance
The race is a Group 1 weight-for-age contest over 2040 metres on the turf, run left-handed. It is the feature on a big Saturday of Spring Carnival racing, and it carries a $6 million purse. The defending champion is the mare Via Sistina, who won the race in 2024 and again in 2025.
Why Is the Cox Plate 2026 at Flemington?
For the first time since the race began in 1922, the Cox Plate leaves Moonee Valley. The Valley is closed for at least 21 months from November 2025, and Racing Victoria chose Flemington to host the 2026 race, with the distance staying at 2040 metres. The new Valley track will be 1702 metres around, with a longer home straight, and the club plans to reopen in mid-2027 in time for the next Cox Plate. That makes this year a one-off, and punters should expect a different feel to the contest on the Flemington track. bettingprottrausnz
Cox Plate 2026 Key Dates
The race follows a standard acceptance timeline. Final late entries close on October 19, the final field is confirmed on October 20, and the Cox Plate barrier draw is held on the Tuesday before the race, October 20. Race day is Saturday, October 24, with the Cox Plate expected to jump at about 4:45 pm AEDT, with the exact time confirmed during race week. That is about 1:45 am ET the same day. bettingpro
Cox Plate Field and Barrier Draw
The Cox Plate field is capped at 14 starters, with four emergencies. There is no order of entry, because the Moonee Valley Racing Club committee picks the final field using international ratings, Australian and New Zealand classifications and interim ratings. Winners of the Feehan Stakes, the Takarazuka Kinen, the Juddmonte International and the Saratoga Derby cannot be eliminated. At the time of writing, 23 horses were still in the mix, so the final Cox Plate field and the Cox Plate barrier draw will shape the race. Emergency runners do not receive a barrier in the draw, and if one gets a start, it takes the barrier of the horse it replaces. The barrier draw matters a lot in the Cox Plate, so check the official field page once it is released.
Cox Plate Odds 2026
The Cox Plate odds have Sir Delius at the head of the market. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained stallion won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the autumn, and the Cox Plate is his main spring target. He was cleared to race in Victoria this spring without the scans that ruled him out of the 2025 edition. Racenet listed Sir Delius, Aeliana, Ceolwulf and Warwoven at around $5 each at the time of writing. Ceolwulf, trained by Joe Pride, has been in career-best form and shortened after an easy run last weekend. Cox Plate odds move every day, so check the current market before the race. rsnthestraight
Cox Plate Prize Money
The Cox Plate prize money is $6 million, and the winner takes $4 million plus trophies for the owner, trainer, jockey, breeder and strapper. The full Cox Plate prize money split is in the table below. The Cox Plate winner also earns a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup.
Cox Plate History and Records
The race was first run in 1922, when Violoncello won the £1,000 purse. It is named after William Samuel Cox, the founder of the Moonee Valley Racing Club. Winx is the only four-time winner, taking the race from 2015 to 2018. Kingston Town won three in a row from 1980 to 1982. Via Sistina holds the race record of 2:01.07, set in 2024. Overseas horses are winning more often, including Adelaide in 2014, Lys Gracieux in 2019 and Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in 2023.
Cox Plate Past Winners
How to Watch the Cox Plate 2026
Channel 7 and the 7plus app are the free-to-air home of Spring Carnival racing in Australia. Pay TV viewers can watch on Sky Racing, most likely Sky Racing 1. You can also stream through Racing.com, Kayo, and the TAB and Sportsbet accounts. If you want to see the race in person, tickets are sold through the Victoria Racing Club for the Flemington meeting, and general admission is around $80, according to Racenet.
Melbourne Spring Carnival Races Around the Cox Plate
The Cox Plate shares the day with another major race, and the Melbourne Cup follows soon after at Flemington.
Cox Plate 2026 FAQ
When is the Cox Plate 2026?
Saturday, October 24, 2026, at about 4:45 pm AEDT.
Where is the Cox Plate 2026 being run?
At Flemington, because Moonee Valley is being rebuilt.
When is the Cox Plate barrier draw?
The Cox Plate barrier draw is held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
How far is the Cox Plate?
2040 metres.
What is the Cox Plate prize money?
$6 million, with $4 million to the winner.
Who won the Cox Plate in 2025?
Via Sistina, with Buckaroo second and Treasure The Moment third.
Who is the favourite for this year’s race?
Sir Delius, at the time of writing..
