Significant enhancements to the prize money for the Caulfield Cup have been announced, coinciding with the landmark 150th running of this historic Australian race.
The prestigious 2400m handicap, scheduled for October 17, will now carry a total prize pool of $6 million. A notable aspect of this year’s event is that all 18 starters will receive prize money, with horses finishing outside the top 10 set to earn $60,000.
This updated prize money structure aligns the Caulfield Cup with the Melbourne Cup, which also provides prize money for competitors finishing beyond the top 12 places.
The connections of the Caulfield Cup winner will be rewarded with $3.3 million, in addition to trophies valued at $550,000 for the owner, trainer, and jockey.
The Melbourne Racing Club has also updated the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup, incorporating four new races. The first of these new international qualification events is the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004m) at Royal Ascot.
Additionally, 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 have been included as overseas Caulfield Cup qualifiers.
MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton indicated that the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup was the opportune moment to elevate the race’s status and ensure its continued appeal to participants.
“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 stated.
“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 expressed his approval of the Ballyroan Stakes being 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.”
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