There has never been a more rewarding time to contest the Melbourne Cup, with connections of all 24 runners now guaranteed a minimum of $100,000 from this spring onward.
Announced on Thursday morning, the total prizemoney for the November Melbourne Cup has been lifted by $1.34 million to a record $10 million, with the bulk of the increase aimed at supporting those finishing 13th to 24th—each now receiving $100,000.
Previously, only those placed sixth to 12th received $160,000, while the remaining horses earned nothing despite incurring declaration fees and other entry-related expenses throughout the spring campaign.
In a boost for connections of emerging stayers, two more local races will now offer ballot-free entry into the Melbourne Cup. These include the $500,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 22 and the $750,000 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on October 24.
This takes the total number of Melbourne Cup qualifying races with ballot exemption to eight, joining the Roy Higgins Quality, Andrew Ramsden, Archer Stakes, Bart Cummings, Caulfield Cup, and Cox Plate, each building momentum toward Australia’s most iconic race.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Cox Plate has received a $1 million prizemoney boost, taking the total purse to $6 million. The new structure focuses more heavily on the top three, with the winner taking $4 million, and prizemoney now paid down to eighth place instead of 10th, marking a shift in approach to one of the country’s premier weight-for-age events.
Though the Caulfield Cup remains steady at $5 million, the Melbourne Racing Club has enhanced several of its major spring features:
• G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m, September 20) – $1 million (up $250,000);
• G1 Orr Stakes (1400m, November 15) – $1 million (up $250,000);
• G3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m, November 15) – $1 million (up $800,000);
• G2 Sandown Guineas (1600m, November 15) – $400,000 (up $100,000).
Additionally, Racing Victoria has committed a further $7 million to maiden races in a show of support for grassroots racing and emerging talent across the state.
With record prizemoney and expanded qualification pathways, it’s an exciting time for owners, trainers, and those interested in betting on the 2025 Melbourne Cup.