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We are just hours away from the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, with racing fans set for a historic edition of Australia’s premier weight-for-age race. For the first time in the event’s 106-year history, the iconic event will be run at the roomier Flemington Racecourse while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment, creating a unique chapter in one of the sport’s most prestigious races.
With a star-studded field featuring the likes of Sir Delius, Aeliana, Ceolwulf, Warwoven, Birdman and Cosmic Crusader, interest in the race is at an all-time high as punters search for the official Cox Plate 2026 start time, schedule and the latest race day details.
What Time Does the Cox Plate Start in 2026?
The official Cox Plate 2026 start time is 5:10pm (AEDT) on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The $6 million feature will be run as Race 8 on the nine-race Cox Plate Day program at Flemington and serves as the headline event on one of the biggest race meetings of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Official Cox Plate 2026 Start Time by State
| State / Territory | Local Start Time |
|---|---|
| Victoria (AEDT) | 5:10pm |
| New South Wales (AEDT) | 5:10pm |
| ACT (AEDT) | 5:10pm |
| Tasmania (AEDT) | 5:10pm |
| Queensland (AEST) | 4:10pm |
| South Australia (ACDT) | 4:40pm |
| Northern Territory (ACST) | 3:40pm |
| Western Australia (AWST) | 2:10pm |
With the race scheduled later in the afternoon, punters will have a full day of elite racing action leading into the feature event.
Cox Plate Day 2026 Full Race Schedule
The 2026 Cox Plate Day schedule features over $8.79 million in prize money across nine races, including six black-type events and the world’s richest 2040m weight-for-age contest.
| Race | Event | Status | Distance | Prize Money | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race 1 | Manhari Imperatriz Sprint | Handicap | 1000m | $200,000 | 12:25pm |
| Race 2 | HKJC World Pool Red Anchor Stakes | Group 3 | 1200m | $240,000 | 1:00pm |
| Race 3 | Drummond Golf Vase | Group 2 | 2040m | $400,000 | 1:40pm |
| Race 4 | Symal Crockett Stakes | Listed | 1200m | $200,000 | 2:20pm |
| Race 5 | Cirka McEwen Stakes | Group 2 | 1200m | $300,000 | 3:00pm |
| Race 6 | Kia Ora Stud Mile | Group 2 | 1600m | $400,000 | 3:40pm |
| Race 7 | Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup | Group 2 | 2500m | $750,000 | 4:20pm |
| Race 8 | Ladbrokes Cox Plate | Group 1 | 2040m | $6,000,000 | 5:10pm |
| Race 9 | Powerflo Solutions Tesio Stakes | Group 3 | 2040m | $300,000 | 5:50pm |
Historic First Cox Plate at Flemington
While the distance remains unchanged at 2040 metres, the move from Moonee Valley to Flemington is expected to have a significant impact on how the race unfolds.
Unlike Moonee Valley’s tight-turning circuit and short run to the first bend, Flemington offers a longer run into the race and a spacious straight, potentially favouring horses able to build momentum and sustain long finishing runs.
The unique circumstances make this one of the most intriguing Cox Plates in decades as connections attempt to predict how the famous race will play out on a very different stage.
Cox Plate 2026 Field Headlined by Star Contenders
The 12-horse field assembled for the 2026 edition boasts form lines from the best races in Australia and includes proven Group 1 winners, emerging three-year-old stars and elite weight-for-age performers.
Key contenders include:
- Sir Delius (Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / Craig Williams)
- Aeliana (Chris Waller / James McDonald)
- Ceolwulf (Joseph Pride / Chad Schofield)
- Warwoven (Bjorn Baker / Rachel King)
- Birdman (Chris Waller / Ben Melham)
- Cosmic Crusader (Andrea Leek / William Pike)
- Land Legend (Ciaron Maher / Ethan Brown)
The race also carries major historical significance with trainer Chris Waller chasing a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate victory and superstar jockey James McDonald looking for an unprecedented fifth consecutive win in the race.
Cox Plate 2026 Prize Money Breakdown
The 2026 Cox Plate prize pool stands at $6 million, making it one of the richest races of the Melbourne Spring Carnival and one of the most lucrative weight-for-age races anywhere in the world.
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $4,000,000 |
| 2nd | $800,000 |
| 3rd | $500,000 |
| 4th | $250,000 |
| 5th | $150,000 |
| 6th-8th | $100,000 |
The winner takes home an incredible $4 million first prize, cementing the Cox Plate’s status as one of Australian racing’s most prestigious targets.
Recent Cox Plate Winners
Recent winners highlight the extraordinary quality required to win the Race Where Legends Are Made:
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Via Sistina |
| 2024 | Via Sistina |
| 2023 | Romantic Warrior |
| 2022 | Anamoe |
| 2021 | State Of Rest |
| 2020 | Sir Dragonet |
| 2019 | Lys Gracieux |
| 2018 | Winx |
| 2017 | Winx |
| 2016 | Winx |
Cox Plate 2026 Key Details
- Race: Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026
- Race Number: Race 8
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Distance: 2040 metres
- Venue: Flemington Racecourse
- Grade: Group 1
- Prize Money: $6 million
- Official Start Time: 5:10pm AEDT
With history set to be made at Flemington, a $6 million purse on the line, and a field packed with elite talent, the 2026 Cox Plate promises to deliver one of the most memorable editions of Australia’s weight-for-age championship in modern racing history. Whether you’re tuning in for the favourites, hunting value in the betting markets, or simply looking to witness a unique piece of racing history, make sure you’re ready for the official Cox Plate 2026 race time of 5:10pm (AEDT) on Saturday afternoon.
Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 Odds
| 1. Ceolwulf (3) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 52322 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd in a small field in the G1 King Charles Iii Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1609m, slow going 2.25 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $4.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind God’s Window with 59kg at $9.50. Racing as well as ever, gets a smother and explodes late. | |||
| 2. Light Infantry Man (11) J: Harry Coffey 59kg 5×482 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 1.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 58kg at $26. Before that 8th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $41. Loves Flemington, was game last time, can give cheek. | |||
| 3. Sir Delius (5) J: Craig Williams 59kg 31×44 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 4th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 4 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $5. Second run from a spell 4th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 3.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $3. Been set for this, set up is perfect, best horse in the race if he brings it. | |||
| 4. Attrition (4) J: Jamie Mott 59kg x9031 T: Mitchell Freedman | |||
| At the latest run won by a neck in the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on October 10 over 1900m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. Before that raced on the pace when 3rd of 8 in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m, 4 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $101. Rock solid, good win last time, doubt he quite has the class. | |||
| 5. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 13214 T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Most recently 4th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.4 len behind Kingswood with 56kg at $4.80. The start before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m on a heavy track defeating Light Infantry Man with 58kg at $8. Not far away last start. Iron horse, the Turnbull win says he can win and he’ll be fitter than anything. | |||
| 6. Birdman (1) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1×613 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run 3rd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Land Legend carrying 59kg at $4.40. The run before that won by 1.75 len in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m defeating Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $6. Like the draw, can improve again and the Underwood win was dominant. | |||
| 7. Land Legend (12) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 9×001 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| At the latest run won by a head in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m defeating Sheza Alibi carrying 59kg at $61. Before that 11th of 13 in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m, 9 len behind Royal Supremacy with 56.5kg at $12. Shock winner in track record time latest, not sure they’ll let him pinch this one. | |||
| 8. Middle Earth (7) J: John Allen 59kg x8789 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $61. The start before that 8th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56kg at $31. Outclassed, better suited next week in the Cup. | |||
| 9. Saint George (6) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 11202 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 0.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53.5kg at $10. The race before that eased back early on 10th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 11 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 55kg at $13. Doubt he’s good enough. | |||
| 10. Aeliana (10) J: James McDonald 57kg 1×023 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 2.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 57kg at $3.80. The start before that 2nd in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at Randwick on September 19 over 1600m, 1.3 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 57kg at $21. Building beautifully, will be charging home. | |||
| 11. Warwoven (2) J: Rachel King 49.5kg x5111 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 1.75 len in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m defeating Blind Raise with 57kg at $2.40. The run before that favourite; won by 3 len in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1400m defeating St Gotthard with 56.5kg at $6. Very talented 3yo, draws perfectly, this is the acid test. | |||
| 12. Blind Raise (9) J: Jamie Melham 49.5kg 9×112 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start held ground to the line 2nd of 11 in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Warwoven carrying 57kg at $3.10. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.75 len in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 19 over 1400m defeating Tornado Valley with 57kg at $2.40. Very brave in the Guineas, wouldn’t surprise if he measured right up. | |||
