Cox Plate 2026 Tips and Race Guide

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.

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 field and barriers

The final field and barrier draw for the Cox Plate 2026 are announced in 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.

Cox Plate 2026 tips

Dean McHugh’s Cox Plate 2026 tips are published in race week, once the final field and barriers are confirmed in 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 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.

Cox Plate 2026 FAQ

Why isn’t the 2026 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley?

Moonee Valley is closed for a full redevelopment, so the Moonee Valley Racing Club has moved its 2026 spring racing, including the Cox Plate, to Flemington.

How much is the Cox Plate worth?

$6.09 million in 2026, according to Racing Victoria’s spring program.

How far is the Cox Plate?

2040 metres. The unusual distance comes from the layout of the Moonee Valley track, and it has been kept for the Flemington running.

Who has won the most recent Cox Plates?

Via Sistina won in 2024 and 2025, the first back-to-back winner since Winx. Her jockey James McDonald rode four consecutive winners from 2022 to 2025 on three different horses.