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Irish Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Daily Mirror
One of World's richest races offers huge prize money even for last placed horse
One of the globe's most prestigious horse racing events is dishing out big bucks, with even the last-placed horse set to receive a hefty sum. 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."
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Loaded racehorse owners to get £50,000 for finishing last in a race Aidan O'Brien branded ‘ridiculous'
But only those already with deep pockets can take part UP FOR THE CUP UP FOR THE CUP Loaded racehorse owners to get £50,000 for finishing last in a race Aidan O'Brien branded 'ridiculous' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOADED racehorse owners will end up winners even when they are losers - after being guaranteed £50,000 when their runner finishes last. The massive payout for objective failure comes in a race legendary trainer Aidan O'Brien branded 'ridiculous' - but is one of the biggest in the world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Aidan O'Brien has previously branded the Melbourne Cup - which will now pay £50,000 to owners of the horse finishing last - and its vet protocols 'ridiculous' Credit: Getty Dubbed 'the race that stops the nation', the hefty windfall will line owners' pockets in the Melbourne Cup. Run over two miles on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup attracts an international field and is the one race Willie Mullins is absolutely desperate to win. But with the guaranteed cash up for grabs it's unlikely owners will grumble too much even if it all goes wrong on the day. The race is worth £4.8million in all, a boost of around £650,000 from last year when shock 90-1 winner Knight's Choice landed a cheque for £2.4m. Prize money was only paid up to 12th last year, when Brian Ellison's 6-1 Onesmoothoperator took home £85,000. Those finishing 13th-24th then would have got zilch. But under the new rules every horse filling those spots will make £50,000 when this year's race is run. Racing Victoria said the cash injection is partly to reward owners who stump up hefty declaration fees along the way. CEO Kylie Rogers said: "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. "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." Don't expect to see O'Brien bothering for the cash, though. He was left absolutely furious last year when ante-post fav and subsequent Group 1-winning monster Jan Brueghel was scratched due to the infamous vet protocols. A CT scan, which all international runners must go through, revealed the horse was 'at a heightened risk of injury'. The Ballydoyle boss, whose own vets disputed the claim, said the whole process, an integral part of the Melbourne Cup, was 'ridiculous'. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Loaded racehorse owners to get £50,000 for finishing last in a race Aidan O'Brien branded ‘ridiculous'
LOADED racehorse owners will end up winners even when they are losers - after being guaranteed £50,000 when their runner finishes last. The massive payout for objective failure comes in a race legendary trainer Aidan O'Brien branded 'ridiculous' - but is one of the biggest in the world. Advertisement 1 Aidan O'Brien has previously branded the Melbourne Cup - which will now pay £50,000 to owners of the horse finishing last - and its vet protocols 'ridiculous' Credit: Getty Dubbed 'the race that stops the nation', the hefty windfall will line owners' pockets in the Melbourne Cup. Run over two miles on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup attracts an international field and is the one race Willie Mullins is absolutely desperate to win. But with the guaranteed cash up for grabs it's unlikely owners will grumble too much even if it all goes wrong on the day. The race is worth £4.8million in all, a boost of around £650,000 from last year when Advertisement Prize money was only paid up to 12th last year, when Brian Ellison's 6-1 Onesmoothoperator took home £85,000. Those finishing 13th-24th then would have got zilch. But under the new rules every horse filling those spots will make £50,000 when this year's race is run. Racing Victoria said the cash injection is partly to reward owners who stump up hefty declaration fees along the way. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing CEO Kylie Rogers said: "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. "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." Don't expect to see O'Brien bothering for the cash, though. He was left absolutely furious last year when ante-post fav and subsequent Group 1-winning monster Jan Brueghel was scratched due to the infamous vet protocols. Advertisement A CT scan, which all international runners must go through, revealed the horse was 'at a heightened risk of injury'. The Ballydoyle boss, whose own vets disputed the claim, said the whole process, an integral part of the Melbourne Cup, was 'ridiculous'. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Advertisement
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
One of world's richest horse races to offer £48,000 for finishing last
One of the world's most famous races is splashing the cash to reward even the horse which finishes last. The Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup is Australia's greatest horse race, known as the 'race that stops the nation' is renowned around the world and has become a huge draw for horses from Europe and Japan. Last year's edition featured runners from the stables of Willie Mullins, Brian Ellison and Harry Eustace while a Japanese runner finished second behind local horse Knight's Choice. In the build-up to the 2025 race, the Victoria Racing Club has announced the 2m handicap will offer total prize-money of £4.8 million. The increase has been introduced to recognise every starter in a race which annually draws a maximum field of 24 horses. As a result every horse which finishes from 13th to 24th place will be paid £48,000. In addition winners of the Geelong Cup, won by the Ellison-trained Onesmoothoperator, and Moonee Valley Gold Cup, will be guaranteed a start. VRC chief executive officer, Kylie Rogers said: '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. '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.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Horse Power: Onesmoothoperator can win the Northumberland Plate again at Newcastle
ONESMOOTHOPERATOR can secure victory in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (3.15pm) for a second successive year at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. The seven-year-old won the 'Pitmen's Derby' to give Newcastle-born trainer Brian Ellison a long-awaited first win in his 'home' race – the feature of the eight-race card at Gosforth Park. The last horse to win the Northumberland Plate twice was Tominator in 2011 and 2013 although in recent years very few horses have tried to win the prestigious two-mile handicap after their success with 2014 hero Angel Gabriel the most recent when he finished fourth, beaten less than two lengths, in 2015. And although Onesmoothoperator is 12lb higher than for his win in the North East 12 months ago and despite having scored just once more in eights starts since, he can triumph again. Advertisement Ellison's seven-year-old, who also won the November Handicap over 1m4f at Doncaster in November 2023, has run well in several races around the globe since giving his trainer that special 'home' win. Onesmoothoperator won the Group Three Geelong Cup in Australia last October before running reasonably well to be 12th in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington the following month. He also finished seventh, third and fifth at Group Three and Group Two level in Meydan earlier this year. He was third to subsequent Ascot Gold Cup third Dubai Future in February and fifth in a Group Two contest over 1m4f the following month. READ MORE: Arsenal legend makes controversial claim about Liverpool £200m transfer business READ MORE: Wilfried Zaha makes Everton transfer admission after failed £50m bid and club statement He has clearly been aimed at a return to Gosforth Park, having been off the track since. This two-mile trip on the synthetic surface at Newcastle clearly brings the best out of Onesmoothoperator and despite carrying top weight he may be able to repeat his biggest career success of 12 months ago. Advertisement Others in with a chance of victory include Irish raider, the Tony Martin-trained Zanndabad; James Owen's Chester Cup hero East India Dock; and Pappano – from the all-conquering Willie Mullins' stable. SPYCATCHER can come out on top in a fascinating renewal of the Group Three Jenningsbet Chipchase Stakes (2.10pm). Liverpool FC fan Karl Burke's seven-year-old has been a solid performer at this level over recent seasons and won a similar contest, the Group Three Prix De Meautry Stakes at Deauville last August. He landed the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on his seasonal return and wasn't too far behind Ten Bob Tony stepped up to seven furlongs in the Betfred John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock Park last month. The drop back to six furlongs and in a race in which he was a neck runner-up two years ago, Spycatcher can return to winning ways. James Fanshawe's Kind Of Blue, the Owen Burrows-trained Alyanaabi and Ferrous – from the Jack Channon stable – all rate as dangers to Spycather's hopes of success. Sir Mark Prescott's winning machine GODSEND can bring up a five-timer in the Jenningsbet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap (Consolation Race For The Northumberland Plate) (GBB Race) (2.40pm). The four-year-old has won five of his last six starts and just missed the cut for the Northumberland Plate. But in this consolation, following another victory over two miles on his seasonal return at Nottingham last month, Godsend can score again. Advertisement STRIKE RED can bounce back and land his customary summer success in and win the Jenningsbet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap (1.40pm). Richard Fahey's six-year-old may not have won as much as he probably should, but invariably lands at least one big handicap a year. He scored at the Curragh in 2023 and at York last October. Strike Red has run well enough in three starts this season, including when fifth not beaten that far behind the aforementioned Ferrous over course and distance last month. Down to just 3lb higher than his last winning mark, he can go close to another victory. Burke's NATIVE WARRIOR, second at Windsor on his most recent start, can go one better to win the Pertemps Network Handicap (3.45pm). Others who can score at Gosforth Park are Andrew Balding's SANDS OF SPAIN in the Pertemps Education Network EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)) (4.25pm); the Ian Williams-trained HALIPHON in the Pertemps Education Network Handicap (Division One (5pm); and recent Redcar winner BILLY BATHGATE in the finale, the Pertemps Education Network Handicap (Division Two (5pm). At York Liverpool FC fan and jockey William Buick could have a good day and he can partner Ed Bethell's recent Thirsk winner PABORUS to victory in the Group Three Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes (2.25pm). Buick may have already had a winner on George Boughey's hat-trick-seeking CADARN in the opener, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Mile Handicap (1.55pm). Advertisement The Godolphin number one jockey may also triumph on Charlie Johnston's GRAVITAS in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (4.15pm) and the Charlie Appleby-trained COMMANDING OFFICER in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (3.40pm). John and Sean Quinn's course and distance winner JM JUNGLE can score again in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dash Handicap (3pm). While others who can triumph on the Knavesmire are Richard Fahey's course and distance winner YES I'M MALI in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sprint Handicap (5.25pm); and the David O'Meara-trained WESTERNESSE in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai For Feed Amateur Jockeys' Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5.05pm). At Chester Hugo Palmer's well-drawn course and distance winner FLAMING RIB – from the nearby Manor House Stables of former Liverpool FC and England striker Michael Owen – can return to action with victory the Manor Car Hire Handicap (3.05pm). Others who can score on the Roodee are Johnston's GHAIYYA and CURRAN in the Horseradish Catering & Events Handicap (3.35pm) and the Going Is Good Handicap (4.45pm) respectively; the Charlie Fellowes-trained unbeaten hat-trick-seeking COSI BELLO in the John Smith's Handicap (4.10pm); and ANGEL OF ANFIELD, from the Tom Clover stable in the opener, the EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (2pm). Advertisement Cheshire-based handler Palmer can also land the finale, the Next Up July Music Weekend EBF Fillies' Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (5.20pm) with PATAGONIA GIRL. At Windsor Daniel and Claire Kubler's course and distance scorer ANDALEEP can go in again in the Michael Foster Memorial Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (3.25pm). At the Curragh on Saturday, Aidan O'Brien's WHIRL can gain compensation for her narrow defeat to stable-mate Minnie Hauk in the Betfred Oaks at Epsom to get the better of chiefly the Andrew Balding's Kalpana – who was third in the Group One Tattesalls Stakes over course and distance last month – as she steps back down to 1m2f in the Group One Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes (Fillies & Mares) (3.30pm). The Joseph O'Brien-trained course and distance winner TRUSTYOURINSTINCT can also land the Group Three Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai International Stakes (2.55pm). Advertisement At the Curragh on Sunday, O'Brien's LAMBOURN can be the latest Betfred Derby winner at Epsom to double up and land another Classic in the Group One Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (No Geldings) (4.10pm). Wright Ones NEWCASTLE 1.40pm Strike Red 2.10pm Spycatcher 2.40pm Godsend 3.15pm Onesmoothoperator (NAP) 3.45pm Native Warrior 4.25pm Sands Of Spain 5pm Haliphon 5.30pm Billy Bathgate YORK 1.55pm Cadarn 2.25pm Paborus 3pm Jm Jungle 3.40pm Commanding Officer 4.15pm Gravitas 4.50pm Yes I'm Mali 5.25pm Westernesse CHESTER 1.55pm Angel Of Anfield 2.25pm Circios 3.05pm Flaming Rib 3.40pm Ghaiyya 4.10pm Cosi Bello 4.45pm Curran 5.20pm Patagonia Girl Advertisement WINDSOR 1.35pm Clipsham Noble 2.15pm Amorim 2.50pm Antrim 3.25pm Andaleep 4pm The Flying Seagull 4.35pm Lesson Of Life 5.10pm Milliethemollie LINGFIELD 5.35pm Pigeon House 6.10pm Voix De Bocelli 6.45pm Hot Dancer 7.15pm India Love 7.45pm The Coffee Pod 8.15pm On A Vespa 8.45pm Nelson Rose DONCASTER 5.50pm Many A Star 6.25pm Shavkat 7pm Blue Seeker 7.30pm Kawthar 8pm Billyb 8.30pm Endless Whisper 9pm Obito CURRAGH 1.45pm Beautify 2.55pm Trustyourinstinct 3.30pm Whirl SUNDAY'S NAP: Gentleman Joe (Curragh 5.55pm)
