The Group 1 Caulfield Cup will carry record prizemoney of $6 million in 2026, with the Melbourne Racing Club unveiling a series of changes designed to strengthen Victoria’s premier 2400m handicap and attract greater international participation.
The enhancements come ahead of the 150th running of the famous race and include a $1 million increase in total prizemoney, new overseas qualifying pathways and a revised distribution model that will see every starter earn prize money.
For the first time in the race’s history, all runners in the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup will receive a financial return, with horses finishing outside the top 10 collecting $60,000.
The initiative mirrors the structure of the Melbourne Cup, where runners outside the major placings receive a share of the overall purse.
The winner’s cheque will increase to $3.3 million, while trophies awarded to the winning owner, trainer and jockey will rise in value from $330,000 to $550,000.
Melbourne Racing Club chief executive Tanya Fullarton said the milestone anniversary provided the ideal opportunity to elevate the race.
“The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s great races and the Melbourne Racing Club has a responsibility to ensure it remains there,” Fullarton said.
“The 150th running gives us the right moment to elevate the race, ensuring it remains a compelling target for the best available staying horses.
“The Caulfield Cup will remain the world’s richest 2400m handicap race supported by the increased prizemoney pool, which in distributing money to every starter, recognises the considerable commitment required to prepare a horse for a race of this scale.”
The MRC is also looking to further internationalise the race through the introduction of four new ballot-exempt qualifying events in Europe.
The qualifying series begins with this week’s Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot and also includes the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood, the Group 3 Prix de Reux at Deauville and the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
The changes are designed to attract a stronger international contingent while maintaining the Caulfield Cup’s position as one of the world’s premier staying handicaps.
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