The Caulfield Cup is set to offer enhanced prize money for its 150th anniversary running, marking a significant boost for one of Australia’s most historic races.
This year’s 2400m handicap, taking place on October 17, will feature a total prize pool of $6 million. A key change is that all 18 participating horses will receive a prize money cheque, with those finishing outside the top 10 earning $60,000.
This increased distribution now places the Caulfield Cup on par with the Melbourne Cup, which also provides prize money for horses finishing outside the top 12.
The connections of the Caulfield Cup winner are in line to receive $3.3 million, alongside trophies valued at $550,000 for the owner, trainer, and jockey.
The Melbourne Racing Club has also refreshed the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup, introducing four new qualifying races. The first of these new international pathways is the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004m), run on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting.
Further international qualification races include the Group 3 Glorious Stakes (2412m) at Goodwood, the Group 3 Prix de Reux (2500m) at Deauville, and the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes (2414m) at Leopardstown.
MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton stated that the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup was the opportune moment to elevate the race, ensuring it remains a compelling target for equine athletes.
“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 Mark Clayton welcomed the news that the Ballyroan Stakes had been added to the Caulfield Cup’s ballot-exempt international program.
“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 commented.
“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.”
Interested punters can check out the latest racing odds on online bookmakers for the upcoming Caulfield Cup.
