MELBOURNE CUP PRIZE MONEY A RECORD $8 MILLION FOR 2019

Victoria Racing Club announced the biggest cash prize pool in its 158-year history in response to Racing NSW’s aggressive attempt to seize the initiative from the spring carnival with a series of million dollar races funded from a $45 million war chest. The winner of this year’s Cup will pocket a cool $4.4 million plus $250,000 in trophy value. Last year the race was worth $7.3 million and the winner took home $4 million plus trophies. At 8 million, the Melbourne Cup is the world’s richest handicap and the world’s richest staying race. It is a race every Australian owner, trainer and jockey wants to win and internationally, has become one the most sought after prizes in world racing. Ms Amanda Elliot, Chairperson of VRC, had a shot at Sydney’s $14 million spring sprint, The Everest, saying connections would never be able to buy a spot in the Melbourne Cup-“it has to be earned”. Victoria has been unsettled by the massive flow of cash into the thoroughbred industry in NSW racing under the leadership of Racing NSW CEO Peter Vlandys.