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Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup News
The 2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup ran on Saturday October 24, 2026 on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day offering the Ciaron Maher-trained winner Juja Kibo ($7.50), who led a stable trifecta, a ballot exemption for the $10 million Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.Â
The Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 is one of Australia’s most important staying races during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, providing proven stayers and emerging Cup contenders with a valuable opportunity to secure black-type success and enhance their Melbourne Cup credentials. Run over 2500 metres at Moonee Valley (Flemington in 2026), the Group 2 feature has a rich history of producing high-quality performers and often serves as a crucial lead-up to the season’s major staying contests. With its testing distance, prestigious honour roll, and coveted Melbourne Cup ballot exemption on offer to the winner, the race regularly attracts a talented field of local and international stayers. At Races.com.au, punters can stay up to date with the latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup odds 2026, field announcements, form analysis, race news, and expert Moonee Valley Gold Cup betting 2026 tips as the spring’s leading staying prospects compete for glory.
2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup results and finishing order revealing which horse gained the Melbourne Cup ballot exemption!
- #2 Juja Kibo
- #9 Kings Valley
- #7 Mr Monaco
Winning Margin: 0.5 lengths
Winning Time: 2:38.68
The 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup results were dominated by the powerhouse Ciaron Maher stable, with Juja Kibo ($7.50) leading home a remarkable stable trifecta over Kings Valley and Mr Monaco in the Group 2 staying feature over 2500m at Flemington. Ridden by Sam Clipperton, the imported son of Belardo unleashed an impressive turn of foot off a slow tempo to score by a half-length in a time of 2:38.68, securing a ballot-free passage into the 2026 Melbourne Cup field after adding the Gold Cup to his earlier spring victory in The Metropolitan. The result significantly reshaped Melbourne Cup 2026 betting, with Juja Kibo firming from $26 into $13, while stablemates Kings Valley shortened from $101 into $51 and Mr Monaco from $51 into $34 with Ladbrokes. The performance further underlined the strength of Maher’s staying brigade heading towards the first Tuesday in November, with Juja Kibo now bidding to become the first horse since Kingston Rule (1990) to complete the coveted Moonee Valley Gold Cup-Melbourne Cup double in the same season.
Click here for the full story.
2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Race Replay
2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Odds & Finishing Order
See below for the latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.
| 2. Juja Kibo (16) J: Sam Clipperton 58kg 9×321 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 9. Kings Valley (13) J: Jamie Melham 57kg 08795 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 7. Mr Monaco (9) J: Jabez Johnstone 57.5kg 0x401 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 11. King Pedro (1) J: Damian Lane 57kg 211×4 T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton | ||
| 20. Jennivamoose (12) J: Harry Coffey 54kg x3339 T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 12. Aethelwulf (15) J: Craig Williams 55.5kg 11112 T: Matthew Smith | ||
| 3. Pinhole (7) J: James McDonald 58kg 2×311 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Valiant King (3) J: Jye Mcneil 57.5kg 0x003 T: Chris Waller | ||
| 8. Future History (14) J: William Pike 57kg 6×324 T: Gregory Hickman | ||
| 13. Autumn Mystery (5) J: Teo Nugent 55.5kg x0675 T: Rory Hunter | ||
| 18. Kizlyar (6) J: Ben Melham 56kg 11x2x T: Joseph O’brien | ||
| 4. Torranzino (8) J: Celine Gaudray 57.5kg 15×06 T: Paul Preusker | ||
| 14. Manzor Blue (10) J: Michael Dee 55.5kg 2×464 T: Lisa Latta | ||
| 17. Newfoundland (2) J: Declan Bates 57kg 90×98 T: Shane Jackson | ||
| 10. Deakin (11) J: Lachlan Neindorf 57kg 5×388 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | ||
| 16. Strictly Business (4) J: John Allen 55kg 02×00 T: Thomas Carberry |
2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup Tips
Stay tuned for our exclusive Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 Tips on the Cox Plate Carnival event this spring.
Check out our full 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Predictions, Best Bets & Same Race Multi selections now!
Favourite: No. 12 Aethelwulf
Each Way Danger: No. 11 King Pedro
Best Roughie: No. 8 Future History
The Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup is the major distance event held during the peak of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival in late October. The 2500m event usually attracts a niche group of stayers that could be looking to back-up on the first Tuesday of November in the iconic $10.2 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) over the two miles at Flemington.
In 2025 the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup officially became a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption race.
The last Melbourne Cup winner to come off a Moonee Valley Gold Cup run was Prince Of Penzance (2nd in 2015) who won the ‘race that stops a nation’ at Melbourne Cup odds of $101! Prince Of Penzance earlier won the 2014 edition of the MV Cup further franking the form lines of the race. A few years before, French raider Americain won the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in 2011 one year after claiming the Melbourne Cup (2010). Kingston Rule (1990) is the last horse to complete the Moonee Valley Gold Cup – Melbourne Cup double in the same year.
In 2021 the Moonee Valley Gold Cup form was franked with the runner-up Floating Artist running a next-up fourth in the Melbourne Cup results.
Currently worth $750,000, the set weights and penalties event is open to all horses aged four years and over.
In 2024 the Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner, Otaki Soushi, went on to place third in that year’s Melbourne Cup trifecta.
In 2026, Juja Kibo won the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on the back of a lead-up win in Sydney’s Group 2 The Metropolitan (2400m).
| 2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday October 24, 2026 |
| Track: | Moonee Valley Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2500m |
| Race Type: | 4YO+ Set Weights & Penalties |
| Status: | Group 2 |
| Prize Money: | $750,000 |
2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup Betting
The latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 betting odds will be available at Ladbrokes the week of the race for you to lock in your Moonee Valley Gold Cup tips at the right price this Cox Plate Day.
Francesco Guardi ($3.30 in 2022) and Onesmoothoperator ($4.20 in 2025) are the latest favourites in Moonee Valley Gold Cup betting to salute for the punters.
2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup Form Guide
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup form guide is an essential resource for punters analysing one of the premier staying races of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Run over 2500 metres, the Group 2 feature attracts a quality field of proven stayers, emerging Cup contenders, and seasoned distance performers looking to secure valuable black-type success and, importantly, a coveted Melbourne Cup ballot exemption. The form guide provides detailed information on each runner, including recent performances, barrier draws, weights, jockey and trainer combinations, track and distance records, and current betting market movements. By studying the Moonee Valley Gold Cup form guide, punters can identify the horses best suited to the unique Valley circuit and the demands of a genuine staying test.
What Punters Should Look for in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup Form Guide:
- 2500m and staying form – Horses with proven performances over 2400m and beyond are often the safest betting propositions.
- Melbourne Cup lead-up credentials – Many runners use the race as a stepping stone to Flemington, making their long-term spring targets an important consideration.
- Recent black-type form – Look for runners coming through quality Group and Listed staying races.
- Weight allocations – Assess which horses are well treated at the weights compared to their recent form and ratings.
- Barrier draw – A favourable gate can help runners settle closer to the speed and avoid covering extra ground.
- Current campaign form – Horses building fitness through the spring often peak at the right time for the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
- Track conditions – Consider whether runners are proven on firm, soft, or rain-affected tracks.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading staying trainers and experienced riders regularly have strong records in feature staying races.
- Sectional times and finishing strength – Horses capable of sustaining a strong run over the final 600m are often well suited to the 2500m journey.
- Previous Cup race performances – Form from races such as the Herbert Power Stakes, Bart Cummings, Geelong Cup, and Caulfield Cup can provide key insights.
- Market support – Significant movements in the latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup odds 2026 can indicate stable confidence and highlight horses attracting strong punter interest.
- Melbourne Cup aspirations – With a ballot exemption on offer to the winner, pay close attention to horses needing a victory to secure a start in Australia’s great race.
FULL 2026 MOONEE VALLEY GOLD CUP FORM GUIDE
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Ask Form Genius...
- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Flemington?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup?
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Field
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup field attracts a quality line-up of spring stayers, many eyeing a run in the Melbourne Cup field at Flemington on the first Tuesday of November.
Good lead-up races into the Moonee Valley Gold Cup field include Sydney’s St Leger (2600m) race at Randwick and even the previous weekend’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
The 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup field and barrier draw are released on the Wednesday of race week and will be provided in full below once announced.
The Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 final field features a capacity line-up of potential Melbourne Cup hopes including the Matthew Smith-trained favourite Aethelwulf coming off a Group 1 The Metrop second in Sydney, Chris Waller’s winner of that key lead-up Juja Kibo with a nasty barrier to overcome and the rails-drawn King Pedro second-up off a second fresh in the Group 2 Hill Stakes behind Cox Plate contender Attrition.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Euphrates (10) Scratched: | |||||
|
2. Juja Kibo
J: Sam Clipperton
T: Ciaron Maher |
39×321 | G | 16 | 58kg | |
|
3. Pinhole
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller |
12×311 | G | 7 | 58kg | |
|
4. Torranzino
J: Celine Gaudray
T: Paul Preusker |
215×06 | G | 8 | 57.5kg | |
|
5. Valiant King
J: Jye Mcneil
T: Chris Waller |
70×003 | G | 3 | 57.5kg | |
| 6. So You Are (1) Scratched: | |||||
|
7. Mr Monaco
J: Jabez Johnstone
T: Ciaron Maher |
10×401 | G | 9 | 57.5kg | |
|
8. Future History
J: William Pike
T: Gregory Hickman |
36×324 | G | 14 | 57kg | |
|
9. Kings Valley
J: Jamie Melham
T: Ciaron Maher |
x08795 | G | 13 | 57kg | |
|
10. Deakin
J: Lachlan Neindorf
T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes |
x5x388 | G | 11 | 57kg | |
|
11. King Pedro
J: Damian Lane
T: John O’shea & Tom Charlton |
2211×4 | G | 1 | 57kg | |
|
12. Aethelwulf
J: Craig Williams
T: Matthew Smith |
511112 | G | 15 | 55.5kg | |
|
13. Autumn Mystery
J: Teo Nugent
T: Rory Hunter |
3×0675 | G | 5 | 55.5kg | |
|
14. Manzor Blue
J: Michael Dee
T: Lisa Latta |
12×464 | M | 10 | 55.5kg | |
| 15. Point Of Law (6) Scratched: | |||||
|
16. Strictly Business
J: John Allen
T: Thomas Carberry |
802×00 | M | 4 | 55kg | |
|
17. Newfoundland
J: Declan Bates
T: Shane Jackson |
190×98 | G | 2 | 57kg | |
|
18. Kizlyar
J: Ben Melham
T: Joseph O’brien |
011x2x | G | 6 | 56kg | |
| 19. Omni Man (11) Scratched: | |||||
|
20. Jennivamoose
J: Harry Coffey
T: Ciaron Maher |
4×3339 | M | 12 | 54kg | |
2026 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup Nominations
Nominations on the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in 2026 close the Monday of race week and will be published for the punters in full below.
The Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2026 nominations attracted a bumper 36 stayers eyeing the Melbourne Cup ballot exemption led in all-in betting by Ciaron Maher’s impressive last-start Group 1 The Metropolitan winner in Sydney Juja Kibo.
Moonee Valley Gold Cup History
First held in 1883, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup was originally an eight-furlong event when it was won by Castaway. Over the years the event has changed its distance over six times ranging from eight, six and seven furlongs to eleven, twelve, ten, thirteen furlongs. Eventually it became a 2600m race before it was reduced down to 2500m.
Originally a Principal race, the Moonee Valley Gold Cup became a Group 3 race in 1979 and was then elevated to Group 2 status in 1980. Also known as the Cathay Pacific Gold Cup, Grosby Gold Cup and Governors’ Stakes, the event has had several double winners including Little Bob (1891-92), Gladwyn (1914-15), Gilltown (1939-40), and Valcurl (1945-46).
Kingston Rule went on to win the Melbourne Cup after winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in 1990, but the Cox Plate Day race has produced a number of other Melbourne Cup winners and placegetters since including in 2015 when Prince Of Penzance improved on his second to win the ‘race that stops a nation’ at 100/1 odds.
Trainer Chris Waller prepared the Moonee Valley Gold Cup quinella in both 2016 and 2017, Who Shot Thebarman improving on his second in 2016 to win the 2017 edition over stablemate Libran on way to his fourth Melbourne Cup.
In 2026, the race ran at Flemington with The Valley closed for redevelopment.
Moonee Valley Gold Cup results, winners and winning times since 2000 are listed below.
Recent Moonee Valley Gold Cup Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Juja Kibo | 2 minutes 38.68 seconds |
| 2nd | Kings Valley | ||
| 3rd | Mr Monaco | ||
| 2025 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Onesmoothoperator | 2 minutes 36.77 seconds |
| 2nd | Athabascan | ||
| 3rd | Scary | ||
| 2024 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Okita Soushi | 2 minutes 34.77 seconds |
| 2nd | Serpentine | ||
| 3rd | Sharp ‘N’ Smart | ||
| 2023 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Cleveland | 2 minutes 35.20 seconds |
| 2nd | Vow And Declare | ||
| 3rd | Future History | ||
| 2022 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Francesco Guardi | 2 minutes 39.38 seconds |
| 2nd | Lunar Flare | ||
| 3rd | Persan | ||
| 2021 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Lunar Flare | 2 minutes 40.12 seconds |
| 2nd | Floating Artist | ||
| 3rd | Sound | ||
| 2020 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Miami Bound | 2 minutes 39.66 seconds |
| 2nd | Shared Ambition | ||
| 3rd | Oceanex | ||
| 2019 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Hunting Horn | 2 minutes 39.48 seconds |
| 2nd | Mr Quickie | ||
| 3rd | Downdraft | ||
| 2018 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Ventura Storm | 2 minutes 34.34 seconds (R) |
| 2nd | Trap For Fools | ||
| 3rd | Libran | ||
| 2017 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Who Shot Thebarman | 2 minutes 37.38 seconds |
| 2nd | Libran | ||
| 3rd | Cismontane | ||
| 2016 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Grand Marshal | 2 minutes 41.42 seconds |
| 2nd | Who Shot Thebarman | ||
| 3rd | Pentathlon | ||
| 2015 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | The United States | 2 minutes 34.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Prince Of Penzance | ||
| 3rd | Bohemian Lily | ||
| 2014 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Prince Of Penzance | 2 minutes 36.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Le Roi | ||
| 3rd | Au Revoir | ||
| 2013 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Precedence | 2 minutes 36.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Shoreham | ||
| 3rd | Gotta Take Care | ||
| 2012 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Vatuvei | 2 minutes 35.73 seconds |
| 2nd | Reuben Percival | ||
| 3rd | Ironstein | ||
| 2011 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Americain | 2 minutes 36.41 seconds |
| 2nd | Tullamore | ||
| 3rd | Illo | ||
| 2010 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Precedence | 2 minutes 38.94 seconds |
| 2nd | Above Average | ||
| 3rd | Capecover | ||
| 2009 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | The Sportsman | 2 minutes 37.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Irazu | ||
| 3rd | Think Money | ||
| 2008 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Gallopin | 2 minutes 36.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Baughurst | ||
| 3rd | Ice Chariot | ||
| 2007 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Gallic | 2 minutes 36.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Lazer Sharp | ||
| 3rd | Jukebox Johnny | ||
| 2006 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Zipping | 2 minutes 38.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Show Barry | ||
| 3rd | Gallic | ||
| 2005 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Umbula | 2 minutes 45.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Bazelle | ||
| 3rd | Kindjhal | ||
| 2004 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Another Warrior | 2 minutes 37.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Rizon | ||
| 3rd | Hard To Get | ||
| 2003 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Frightening | 2 minutes 38.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Legible | ||
| 3rd | County Tyrone | ||
| 2002 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Thong Classic | 2 minutes 40.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Rain Gauge | ||
| 3rd | Mr Prudent | ||
| 2001 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Rain Gauge | 2 minutes 37.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Spirit Of Westbury | ||
| 3rd | Big Pat | ||
| 2000 Moonee Valley Gold Cup | 1st | Yippyio | 2 minutes 41.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Brew | ||
| 3rd | Cronus | ||
Moonee Valley Gold Cup FAQs
What is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup?
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup is a Group 2 staying race run over 2500 metres during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The race is a key lead-up to the Melbourne Cup and offers the winner a coveted ballot exemption into Australia’s greatest staying contest.
When is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup held?
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup is traditionally run in late October on Cox Plate Day during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
Where is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup run in 2026?
Due to the redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse, the 2026 Moonee Valley Gold Cup will be run at Flemington Racecourse while retaining its historic race name.
What distance is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup?
The Moonee Valley Gold Cup is contested over 2500m, providing a genuine staying test for horses targeting longer spring features.
What conditions is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup run under?
The race is run at set weights plus penalties, with horses allocated weights according to their age, sex and past Black-Type performances.
Why is the Moonee Valley Gold Cup important?
The race is one of the most significant Melbourne Cup lead-up events, with the winner receiving an automatic ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup field.
Does the Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner qualify for the Melbourne Cup?
Yes. The winner of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup receives a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup, securing a place in the field regardless of their ranking in the order of entry.
What type of horse usually wins the Moonee Valley Gold Cup?
Successful Moonee Valley Gold Cup winners are typically proven stayers with strong form over 2400m and beyond, often horses being aimed towards the Melbourne Cup.
Who can compete in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup?
The race is open to horses aged four-years-old and older, attracting a quality field of local and international staying talent.
Where can I view the latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup odds?
Races.com.au provides links to the latest Moonee Valley Gold Cup odds 2026 from leading bookmaker Ladbrokes, allowing punters to compare markets and monitor betting moves before race day.
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