One of World's richest races offers huge prize money even for last placed horse
Australia's iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup, known as the 'race that stops the nation', is a major draw for top horses from Europe, Japan, and beyond, with last year's event featuring entrants from leading trainers Willie Mullins, Brian Ellison, and Harry Eustace.
In the lead-up to the 2025 event, the Victoria Racing Club has revealed a whopping £4.8 million in total prize money will be up for grabs in the 2m handicap.
The boost is designed to acknowledge every starter in the maximum 24-horse field, with each horse finishing 13th to 24th set to pocket £48,000. Additionally, winners of the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup will secure a guaranteed start.
Victoria Racing Club CEO Kylie Rogers commented: "The Lexus Melbourne Cup is unrivalled for its history, status and reach and the VRC is proud to be able to now reward every local and international participant in the great race.", reports the Mirror.
"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.
"Cup Week adds more value to the economy and the racing eco-system than any other racing carnival in the country, contributing around 10 per cent of the annual wagering turnover across the state.
"We thank Racing Victoria for its support to lift minimum prizemoney across the week, which will continue to attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers from Australia and across the world.
"In line with the club's significant improvement in its financial position this year together with a forecast to increase again in season 2025-2026, the VRC has made a considered decision to increase its returns to participants.
"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."
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