The Caulfield Cup has seen a significant increase in its prize money ahead of the 150th anniversary of the prestigious Australian race.
The 2400m handicap, scheduled for October 17, will now boast a total prize pool of $6 million. Notably, all 18 runners will receive a share of the prize money, with those finishing outside the top 10 securing $60,000 each.
This enhancement brings the Caulfield Cup’s prize money distribution in line with the Melbourne Cup, which extends prize money to horses finishing beyond the top 12 placings.
Connections of the Caulfield Cup victor will be awarded $3.3 million, along with trophies valued at $550,000 for the owner, trainer, and jockey.
The Melbourne Racing Club has also revamped the international ballot-free pathway for the Caulfield Cup, introducing four new qualifying races. The first of these new international qualifiers is the Listed Wolferton Stakes (2004m), held on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting.
Further international qualification opportunities include 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.
MRC Chief Executive Tanya Fullarton highlighted that the 150th running presented the ideal occasion to elevate the race, ensuring its continued appeal.
“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 satisfaction with the Ballyroan Stakes’ inclusion as a ballot-exempt race for the Caulfield Cup.
“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.”
For those interested in the upcoming Caulfield Cup, exploring Australian betting sites can provide valuable insights into the latest racing odds and markets.
