Moonee Valley Racecourse

The legendary Ladbrokes Cox Plate and also the Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights, are staged hereat Moonee Valley Racecourse. The MVRC is a welcoming and inclusive Club that hosts up to 25 racedays annually. The MVRC, in addition to horse racing, hosts corporate gatherings, runs various entertainment venues, and has its own catering sector.

The Track

Moonee Valley’s unique narrow track, with a circumference of 1,805 metres and a straight of only 173 metres, demands strategic positioning. Horses that can take the lead or secure a strong position early have a distinct advantage. Unlike the broader expanses of Flemington, where comebacks are more feasible, Moonee Valley’s tight turns and short straights often make it difficult for horses to recover if they fall behind. On wet days, the inside rail can become particularly challenging, affecting race outcomes significantly.

The Tracks History

Moonee Valley Racetrack was founded in 1883 by William Samuel (W.S.) Cox purchased a farm belonging to John F. Feehan the previous year to build a racetrack. Moonee Valley is distinct from other Melbourne racecourses because it is a freehold ground controlled by a private club. The racecourse’s facilities were expanded in the 1960s, thanks to compensation for land purchased for constructing the adjacent Tullamarine Freeway. In addition, harness racing was brought to the Valley from the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds in the 1970s.

Moonee Valley Races

Most Famous Race Held At Moonee Valley

The Ladbrokes Cox Plate, often referred to as the “Weight-For-Age Championship of Australasia,” is the pinnacle event at Moonee Valley. Analysing past winners, such as Winx’s unprecedented four consecutive victories, reveals that early positioning and stamina are key to conquering The Valley’s demanding 2040m track.

The W.S. Cox Plate, also known as the Weight-For-Age Championship of Australasia, brings together the most incredible middle-distance horses in Australia and New Zealand and has recently attracted the top middle-distance horses in the world.

In 2018, Winx won her fourth Cox Plate. The W.S. Cox Plate can consistently produce and showcase the most outstanding horses in Australian racing history. There has never been an undeserved race winner in its 100 runnings.

Phar Lap, Tulloch, Kingston Town, Octagonal, Makybe Diva, So You Think, and Winx are just a few of our great race’s champions, and every winner in the race’s history may be found on the wall of The Valley’s Octagonal Lounge.

The Cox Plate is a spectacle like no other, with the best horses in the world competing pound for pound in front of The Valley’s amphitheatre, and the deafening scream of the fans when the gates slam back is worth coming to witness in and of itself.

The Last Five Winning Horses

2022 – Anamoe

2021- Anamoe/Verry Elleegant (tie)

2020- Russian Camelot

2019- Lys Gracieux

2018- Winx

Racecourse Parking

Getting to Moonee Valley is straightforward whether you’re coming by car, train, or tram. For the Cox Plate, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised. Alternatively, take Tram 59 from Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, directly to the racecourse. Our interactive map below allows you to plan your route, offering real-time traffic updates and alternative public transport options depending on your starting location.

Parking with General Admission: On-site public parking is available in the racecourse’s centre, accessible by Gate 7 at Wilson Street or Pattison Street/Dean Street.

Members’ Parking: McPherson Street parking is now closed. Instead, members can park in a designated location in the racecourse infield, accessed through Gate 7 at Wilson Street or Pattison Street/Dean Street.

Parking for People with Disabilities: Disability parking will be available at the Centre Car Park, accessed via Dean Street or Wilson Street. When you arrive, please notify the parking attendants that you require disability parking.

Contact Details

Address: Moonee Valley Racing Club, PO Box 245, Moonee Ponds, Vic 3039, Australia
Ph: +61 3 9373 2242
Fax: +61 3 9370 0017
Website: Moonee Valley Racing Club Website

Directions To The Track