Total prize-money for the 2025 edition of the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup has been increased to A$10 million – up from A$8,560,000 in 2024 – with every runner in the race guaranteed to pocket at least A$100,000 just for taking part.
In addition, the G3 Geelong Cup and G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup have been added to the list of ballot-exempt races, meaning the winners will earn a guaranteed spot in 'the race that stops a nation'.
Last year's Geelong Cup was won by the Brian Ellison-trained Onesmoothoperator.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is unrivalled for its history, status and reach and the Victoria Racing Club [VRC] is proud to be able to now reward every local and international participant in the great race,” said Kylie Rogers, chief executive officer of the VRC.
“It reflects the significant effort required to prepare and qualify for the Lexus Melbourne Cup and goes hand-in-hand with a decision to add additional qualifying opportunities through the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup.”
She added, “Planning for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival is in full swing and this is just one of a number of exciting announcements that build momentum towards the world's greatest racing event.”
Under a new prize-money structure for the 2025/26 racing season at Flemington, total prize-money for the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival will increase to A$32.5 million (from A$30.6 million in 2024) after the minimum level was lifted for all Group and Listed races to A$200,000.
Three Group 1 races staged outside of the Melbourne Cup Carnival have also received a significant boost in prize-money, with the Yulong Newmarket Handicap, the All-Star Mile and the TAB Australian Cup all set to be run for A$2 million.
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