Caulfield Cup 2026 Tips and Race Guide

The 2026 Caulfield Cup is run on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne. It is the 150th running of the race, a 2400 metre Group 1 handicap, with prizemoney and trophies at a record $6.55 million. This page carries the race details, the field and barriers as they are announced, and Dean McHugh’s tips, updated through race week.

Part of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival. It shares the afternoon with The Everest at Randwick, which makes 17 October the biggest Saturday of the spring.

Race details

When is the Caulfield Cup 2026?

Saturday 17 October 2026, the third Saturday of October, which is its traditional slot. It closes the Caulfield spring carnival, two weeks after the Caulfield Guineas meeting and one week before the Cox Plate.

Why is the 2026 Caulfield Cup special?

It is the 150th edition. The first Caulfield Cup was run in 1879, and the 2026 race carries a record $6.55 million in prizemoney and trophies to mark the milestone. It is also the last major meeting at Caulfield before the track is fully resurfaced: after Cup Day the Saturday meetings on 14 and 28 November move to Sandown while the work is done.

Where is the Caulfield Cup run?

Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne’s south-east, about 12 kilometres from the CBD. The 2400 metre start is near the top of the back straight, and the race is known for its tight turns and short straight, which rewards horses that settle close to the pace.

How does the Caulfield Cup lead into the Melbourne Cup?

The Caulfield Cup is the traditional path to the Melbourne Cup two and a half weeks later, and the Caulfield Cup winner earns a ballot exemption for it. Horses that run well over 2400 metres here often start favourite at Flemington. Some contenders take the alternative route through the Cox Plate the following Saturday.

Caulfield Cup 2026 field and barriers

The final field and barrier draw for the Caulfield Cup 2026 are announced on the Wednesday of race week. This section is updated the moment both are confirmed, with each runner’s barrier, weight, jockey, trainer and Dean’s comment. Nominations and early acceptances are published by the club in the weeks before.

Caulfield Cup 2026 tips

Dean McHugh’s Caulfield Cup 2026 tips are published in race week, once the final field and barriers are confirmed on the Wednesday of race week. Dean is My Betting Mate’s racing and sports writer and rates every bookmaker on the site. His selections come with a short reason for each, and are updated again on race morning if there are scratchings or a track change.

Until then, read Dean’s Saturday previews through the carnival on our racing tips page.

Past Caulfield Cup winners

Betting on Caulfield Cup Day

With the Caulfield Cup and The Everest on the same afternoon, a lot of punters bet across both cards. Our guide to Australian betting apps covers live vision and fixed odds on the day, and how quickly each bookmaker pays out. Set a deposit limit before the day starts. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.

Caulfield Cup 2026 FAQ

How far is the Caulfield Cup?

2400 metres, run at Caulfield Racecourse.

Is the Caulfield Cup on the same day as The Everest?

Yes. In 2026 both are run on Saturday 17 October, the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne and The Everest at Royal Randwick in Sydney.

What does the Caulfield Cup winner get for the Melbourne Cup?

The winner is exempt from the Melbourne Cup ballot, which guarantees a start at Flemington if the horse is accepted.

Will Caulfield race after the 2026 Cup?

Not until the resurfacing is done. Racing Victoria has moved the Saturday 14 and 28 November meetings to Sandown while the track is rebuilt.