The Caulfield Cup has received a prize money boost in time for the 150th running of one of Australia’s historic races.
The 2400m handicap to be run on October 17, will this year be worth $6 million with all 18 starters receiving a prize money cheque, with horses finishing outside the top 10 receiving $60,000.
This puts the Caulfield Cup in line with the Melbourne Cup which pays prize money to those that finish outside of the top 12.
The Caulfield Cup winning connections will receive $3.3 million in prize money and trophies to the value of $550,000 for the owner, trainer and jockey.
The Melbourne Racing Club has refreshed the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup with four new races, the first of those coming on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting, the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004m).
The Glorious Stakes (2412m) at Goodwood, the Prix de Reux (2500m) at Deauville and the Ballyroan Stakes (2414m) at Leopardstown – all Group 3 races – have been added as overseas Caulfield Cup qualifiers.
MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton said the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup was the right moment to elevate the race, ensuring it remains a compelling target.
“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 said.
“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 welcomed the news the Ballyroan Stakes had been to the Caulfield Cup with its ballot exempt status.
“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 said.
“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.”
