Known for hosting some of Australia’s best night races, the Moonee Valley racetrack is a remarkable horse racing track with a rich history that every equestrian enthusiast or punter should know about. Why? Well, if you’re attending a race at the Moonee Valley track, understanding the track’s roots and how it developed into the standout venue it is today will give you a greater appreciation for it. Below is a brief history of the Moonee track and other relevant information you may find helpful when attending, watching, or betting on the events here.
History of the Moonee Valley Racetrack
The story of the Moonee Valley racetrack starts in 1883, when William Samuel Cox bought a farm from John F.Feehan to build a racetrack. Unlike other tracks in Melbourne, the Moonee Valley track remains a fully freehold land owned by the Moonee Valley Racing Club. After it was completed, racing started at the track on the 15th of September 1883, with the field running nine racers. With time, the Valley slowly became one of Australia’s premium racing venues.
In 1922, the W.S. Cox Plate debuted as a weight-for-age event in honour of the late Cox. This event established itself as a cornerstone of the Spring Carnival hosted at the track every year. Over the 20th century, the track expanded its facilities to include more grandstands and lights for night races. More additions to the track were made to upgrade facilities in the early 2000s.
The Best Races to Attend at Moonee Valley Racetrack
For racing fans, few venues in Australia hold the same excitement and tradition as Moonee Valley Racetrack. Known for its tight turns, strategic demands, and thrilling night races, this racetrack has carved out a unique identity in the racing calendar. It’s not just the horses that draw a crowd — the atmosphere, the history, and the electric energy make it a must-visit for punters and casual fans alike. Some of the best moments in Australian horse racing take place right here.
Among the standout events held at Moonee Valley Racetrack, several Group 1 races shine brightest. These races bring top talent to the track and attract thousands of spectators each season. Let’s take a closer look at these elite contests and what makes them special.
W.S. Cox Plate: The Crown Jewel
The W.S. Cox Plate is the centerpiece of the racing calendar at Moonee Valley Racetrack. Held every October, this 2040-metre Group 1 weight-for-age (WFA) race is more than just a contest — it’s a championship. With a prize purse of around $5 million, it attracts the best middle-distance runners from Australia and overseas.
Named after William Samuel Cox, the founder of the racetrack, the Cox Plate has been called the “race where legends are made.” Horses that win here often cement their status among the greats. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is passionate, and the racing is top-class. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend event for any serious racing fan.
A.J. Moir Stakes: Speed Under the Lights
Another major highlight at Moonee Valley Racetrack is the A.J. Moir Stakes. This 1000-metre sprint is a Group 1 WFA race known for its high-speed action and unique setting — it’s run at night under the stadium lights. Held in the spring, the Moir Stakes brings together elite sprinters for a fast and furious dash to the finish.
The night racing experience at Moonee Valley is a big part of its charm. The energy of the crowd, combined with the thrill of seeing top-tier horses race under lights, makes this one of the most exciting events on the calendar.
Manikato Stakes: A Classic Sprint
Usually scheduled close to the Cox Plate, the Manikato Stakes is another 1200-metre Group 1 sprint that adds extra firepower to the spring carnival at Moonee Valley Racetrack. It’s a WFA race that showcases top sprinters in a battle of speed and timing.
Named after the champion racehorse Manikato, this event carries a rich tradition and often features horses that go on to compete in other major races across the country. The timing of the race makes it a perfect companion to Cox Plate festivities, giving racegoers a full weekend of premium racing action.
William Reid Stakes: Early Season Elite
Run in March, the William Reid Stakes is a 1200-metre WFA Group 1 sprint that kicks off the autumn racing season at Moonee Valley Racetrack. With a $1 million purse and a reputation for attracting Australia’s best short-distance runners, this race is a magnet for top talent.
What sets the William Reid Stakes apart is its early-season timing. It often acts as a stepping stone to other major races in the autumn carnival, making it a key event for trainers looking to test their horses’ form early in the year.
All-Star Mile: A New Fan Favorite
One of the newest but most exciting races to join the Moonee Valley lineup is the All-Star Mile. Introduced in 2019, this 1600-metre Group 1 event brings a fresh twist to the scene. It rotates between major tracks in Victoria — Flemington, Caulfield, and Moonee Valley Racetrack — and is held in March.
What makes the All-Star Mile unique is its fan-voting system. Racing fans get to vote on which horses they want to see compete, giving the event a strong community feel. With a prize pool of $2.5 million, it draws high-profile contenders and offers a rare mix of speed, strategy, and spectacle.
Understanding the Track: Why It Matters
To truly enjoy races at Moonee Valley Racetrack, it helps to understand what makes the track different. The course is 1805 metres in total, with one of the shortest home stretches in Australia — just 173 metres. This means jockeys need to be highly strategic. Positioning is crucial, and races are often won or lost based on how well a horse handles the final turn.
The turf at Moonee Valley Racetrack is specially designed with a sand base and mesh overlay to improve drainage and keep the surface in good condition, even in wet weather. The rail is regularly adjusted between 3 and 7 metres to protect the turf and keep racing fair.
These factors combine to make Moonee Valley a unique challenge. Horses that can handle sharp turns and quick accelerations tend to perform well here. This is part of what makes watching races at the track so engaging — every move counts.
Why Moonee Valley Is a Must-Visit Venue
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned racegoer, Moonee Valley Racetrack offers an unforgettable experience. From the tradition of the W.S. Cox Plate to the fan-driven All-Star Mile, the racetrack combines history, excitement, and innovation in one dynamic venue.
The unique layout, the variety of elite races, and the atmosphere of both day and night events make this one of Australia’s top racing destinations. For anyone passionate about horse racing, attending a race at Moonee Valley Racetrack is not just a day out — it’s a memory in the making.
Tips if you want to bet
If you plan to bet on any of the above horse races at the Moonee Valley Racetrack, here are some tips to help you make a successful bet:
- Make sure you do your research. Good research should include a comprehensive view of the riders, historical performance, the current odds, track conditions, form, and more
- Always be aware of track bias. Track bias on the Moonee track generally favours early leaders who get an inside draw
- Depending on the race, consider which horses on the field have experience in long distances, tight tracks or broader tracks. This would give you an indication of who might perform well on the day
- Don’t place one large bet; rather, diversify your bets by placing them on multiple horses or types of bets. This levels out your risk with your reward
Finding more information on the Moonee Valley
There’s much more to learn about horse races at the Moonee Valley track. If you want to learn more or you simply want to stay up-to-date with the predictions for upcoming Moonee Valley races, you can find everything you need to know on this helpful page from Ladbrokes.
Races at the Moonee Valley track can be extremely exciting, and, because you have the option to attend races at night, you get to experience a whole other atmosphere of horse racing. Consider the tips above, and when you visit the track, admire how long it’s been standing and how well-kept it is.
