Moonee Valley races are run at Moonee Valley Racecourse, which is run by the Moonee Valley Racing Club. The biggest day of Moonee Valley horse racing is undoubtedly WS Cox Plate day when betting odds on the Australasian weight for age championship race are eagerly sought by punters. The WS Cox Plate is the once a year race that gives all punters the chance to bet on a small but select race field of the best horses.
The WS Cox Plate is named in honour of the Moonee Valley racing clubs founder WS Cox and the race has a long history being first run in 1922.
Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley is held in late October a week before the Melbourne Spring Carnival hits its peak on VRC Derby Day at Flemington races.
Moonee Valley Racecourse Details
State: Victoria
Circumference: 1805 Meters
Direction: anti-clockwise
Straight: 173 Metres
The Moonee Valley racecourse has a track circumference of 1805 metres with a final straight of only 173 metres.
Moonee Valley was a noted front-runners track before the racecourse was redeveloped with its new StrathAyr turf surface. It now seems to favour any horse that isn’t nailed to the rail whenever there is a genuine two-horse war down to the winning post.
Major Moonee Valley Races – Group 1 Races
| Race Name | Racecourse | Distance | Age | Sex | Weight |
| Manikato Stakes | Moonee Valley | 1200m | Open | Open | wfa |
| W S Cox Plate | Moonee Valley | 2040m | 3YO+ | Open | wfa |
| William Reid Stakes | Moonee Valley | 1200m | Open | Open | wfa |
Moonee Valley Racecourse Map
Address: McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039, Australia
Telephone: 1300 797 959
Getting to Moonee Valley Races
Moonee Valley racecourse is easily accessible using public transport. The 59 Tram from the city centre drops you off 200 metres from the main entrance to the Moonee Valley racetrack. If you prefer to catch the train from Flinders St Station, then the Moonee Valley Ponds train station is on the Craigburn line and just a 10 minute walk from the Moonee Valley racecourse.