The Caulfield Cup has received a significant prize money increase in time for its 150th running, one of Australia's most historic races. The 2400-metre handicap, scheduled for October 17, will this year be worth $6 million, with all 18 starters receiving a prize money cheque. Horses finishing outside the top 10 will earn $60,000.
Prize Money Details
This puts the Caulfield Cup in line with the Melbourne Cup, which also pays prize money to those finishing outside the top 12. The winning connections of the Caulfield Cup will receive $3.3 million in prize money and trophies valued at $550,000 for the owner, trainer, and jockey.
International Pathway Revamped
The Melbourne Racing Club has refreshed the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup, adding four new races. The first of these comes on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting, the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004 metres). Other new qualifiers include the Glorious Stakes (2412 metres) at Goodwood, the Prix de Reux (2500 metres) at Deauville, and the Ballyroan Stakes (2414 metres) at Leopardstown — all Group 3 races.
MRC Chief Executive Comments
MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton said the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup was the perfect moment to elevate the race, ensuring it remains a compelling target for trainers and owners. "The Caulfield Cup will remain the world's richest 2400-metre handicap race supported by the increased prize money pool, which in distributing money to every starter, recognises the considerable commitment required to prepare a horse for a race of this scale," Fullarton said.
"These races staged at premium European venues have been selected to provide a more current and practical pathway for British, Irish and French-trained horses with a genuine Caulfield Cup profile. The Caulfield Cup has an extraordinary past. These changes are about making sure it has an equally strong future."
Leopardstown CEO Welcomes New Connection
Leopardstown CEO Mark Clayton welcomed the news that the Ballyroan Stakes had been added to the Caulfield Cup with its ballot exempt status. "A 'win and you're in' initiative for the Caulfield Cup is a significant endorsement of the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes and further enhances its international profile," Clayton said.
"The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia's most prestigious handicaps, so the new connection creates an exciting opportunity for owners and trainers. We hope it will encourage even greater international ambition from Irish connections, and it would be fantastic to see more Irish-trained horses travelling to Australia and being competitive on the biggest stage."
