Cox Plate 2026 Tips and Race Guide

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The 2026 Cox Plate is run on Saturday 24 October 2026 at Flemington Racecourse, the first time in the race’s history it has been run away from Moonee Valley. It is a 2040 metre Group 1 weight-for-age race worth $6.09 million, and it is Australia’s weight-for-age championship. This page carries the race details, the field and barriers as they are announced, and Dean McHugh’s tips, updated through race week.

Result: Cosmic Crusader won the Cox Plate on Saturday 24 October 2026, the first Cox Plate run at Flemington, ridden by William Pike for trainer Andrea Leek, from Birdman and Aeliana.

Part of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival, one week after the Caulfield Cup and one week before Derby Day.

Race details

Where is the Cox Plate being run in 2026?

Flemington. Moonee Valley, the Cox Plate’s home since the first running in 1922, is closed while the racecourse is redeveloped, so the Moonee Valley Racing Club has moved its 2026 spring meetings, including Cox Plate Day, to Flemington. It is the first Cox Plate ever run away from The Valley.

Why does the change of venue matter?

The Valley is a tight, 1805 metre circuit with a short straight, and the Cox Plate there is famous for its sprint out of the final turn. Flemington is a wide, galloping track with a long straight. Horses that relied on a Valley-style tactical burst face a different test in 2026, and stayers with a strong finish may be better suited. Punters should weigh Flemington form more heavily than usual this year.

When is the Cox Plate 2026?

Saturday 24 October 2026, the fourth Saturday of October, its traditional slot between the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

What is a weight-for-age race?

Every horse carries a set weight determined only by its age and sex, not by its past form. That removes the handicapper from the equation, which is why the Cox Plate is regarded as the truest test of the best horse in the country. The field is drawn from the top-rated horses in training, and international runners are invited.

Cox Plate 2026: the first three

Cosmic Crusader (barrier 8, William Pike, trained by Andrea Leek) won from Birdman (barrier 1, Ben Melham, trained by Chris Waller) and Aeliana (barrier 10, James McDonald, trained by Chris Waller). The 2027 field and barrier draw will be published here in race week next October.

Cox Plate tips

Dean McHugh’s tips for the 2027 Cox Plate will be published here in race week next October.

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

Past Cox Plate winners

Betting on Cox Plate Day

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.