Caulfield Cup 2026 prize money and how the field is decided

The 2026 Caulfield Cup carries $6 million in prize money, and the winner receives $3.3 million. The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) added $1 million to the pool for the 150th running. For the first time, every starter earns prize money, with horses outside the top 10 receiving $60,000 (Racing.com). The race runs at 5:15pm AEDT on Saturday 17 October 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse (MRC).

Source: Melbourne Racing Club, Racing.com.

How much does the winner of the Caulfield Cup get?

$3.3 million in prize money, before the usual splits between owners, trainer and jockey. Separately, the trophies for the winning owner, trainer and jockey rose in value from $330,000 to $550,000 for 2026.

How much is the Caulfield Cup worth in total?

The headline figure is $6 million, up from $5 million in 2025. MRC chief executive Tanya Fullarton said the race "will remain the world's richest 2400-metre handicap race supported by the increased prizemoney pool". Some sources quote a larger total that includes trophies and other payments. Use the $6 million prize pool if you're comparing races.

Why does every starter now get paid?

The MRC changed the payment structure to match the Melbourne Cup. Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the change recognises "the additional time, effort and money that goes into training and qualifying horses for our greatest staying races". In practice, an owner who gets a horse into the field is guaranteed a return. That helps the race attract interstate and international stayers.

How many horses run in the Caulfield Cup?

The field is capped at 18 starters, plus emergency acceptors. It's a handicap, so each horse carries an allotted weight. Horses aged three and over are eligible. Winners of designated lead-up races earn ballot exemptions, and the rest of the field is decided by ballot. Prize money and recent wins and placings are among the main factors.

What are the new European ballot-free races?

For 2026 the MRC named four European races as "win and you're in" qualifiers for the Caulfield Cup:

• Wolferton Stakes (2004m), Royal Ascot
• Glorious Stakes (2412m), Goodwood
• Prix de Reux (2500m), Deauville
• Ballyroan Stakes (2414m), Leopardstown

The aim is to give the best northern hemisphere stayers a clear path to Caulfield.

Where can I find the official field?

Final fields, barriers and scratchings are published by the MRC and racing.com. We don't republish fields or odds, because they change. Late scratchings are common on Cup Day, and only the official form guide is authoritative.

How does the Caulfield Cup fit the spring calendar?

The Caulfield Cup is traditionally run on the third Saturday in October. The Melbourne Cup follows 17 days later (race history). Thirteen horses have won both in the same year, most recently Without A Fight (2023) and Half Yours (2025). For every spring fixture alongside the AFL, cricket and motorsport, see our sports calendar. For today's runners and the race's honour roll, Race.com.au keeps a Caulfield Cup field, form and past winners page.

Cup Day timeline (AEDT)

According to the MRC's race day page, gates open at 10:30am and the first race is at 12:15pm. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas runs at 3:45pm, the Caulfield Cup at 5:15pm and the last race at 5:50pm.

Who has won the Caulfield Cup recently?

Half Yours won in 2025 under jockey Jamie Melham (Racing.com, 2025 review) and went on to win the Melbourne Cup that spring. Without A Fight did the same double in 2023. The race was first run in 1879. Seven horses have won it twice, most recently Ming Dynasty (1977 and 1980). Results on Cup Day are official once confirmed by stewards and published by the MRC and racing.com. Treat early social posts with caution until then.

Caulfield Cup 2026 key facts

• Date: Saturday 17 October 2026, the 150th running (MRC).
• Venue: Caulfield Racecourse, directly outside Caulfield Station in Melbourne's south-east.
• Race time: 5:15pm AEDT. Gates open at 10:30am, the first race is at 12:15pm and the last race is at 5:50pm.
• Distance and conditions: 2400 metres, a Group 1 handicap for horses aged three and older, with up to 18 starters.
• Prize money: $6 million, with $3.3 million to the winner and $60,000 to every starter outside the top 10 (Racing.com).
• First run: 1879.
• Tickets: the MRC listed Cup Day as sold out, with strictly limited tickets at the gate.

What facilities are at Caulfield Racecourse?

The Melbourne Racing Club lists the main on-course facilities on its Plan Your Visit page. ATMs are along the concourse at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand and in the Members' Reserve. First Aid is opposite the Owners Concierge, and baby change is in the First Aid Building next to the Race Day Office. Passenger lifts are on the concourse level at the rear of the Rupert Clarke Grandstand. The disabled viewing area is on the Promenade Level, and accessible bathrooms are throughout the venue. Racebooks are sold at the Race Day Office and at bars, subject to availability. For questions on the day, the MRC's number is 1300 GO RACE (1300 467 223).

Information only, not betting advice. Details were checked against Melbourne Racing Club and Racing.com on 17 October 2026 and can change on the day, so confirm with the official sources linked above. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Gamble responsibly.