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<\/p>\nThe TAB entered a six-year, $40 million broadcasting deal with the VRC last year, which includes the owner of this masthead, Nine, broadcasting Melbourne Cup week.<\/p>\n
But the two sources said TAB boss Gillon McLachlan would welcome a Cox Plate at Flemington and has had positive ongoing discussions with the VRC and Entain, which owns Ladbrokes, about sharing oncourse advertising space.<\/p>\n
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James McDonald and Via Sistina win the 2024 Cox Plate in front of Moonee Valley\u2019s Ladbroke signage.Credit: Eddie Jim<\/p>\n
Both racing clubs have several conflicting brands that would need to be onboard before a Cox Plate venue was announced.<\/p>\n
The VRC has ongoing deals with the TAB, Lexus, Crown, beer brand Furphy and is about to start a partnership with De Bortoli Wines, while Moonee Valley lists some of its key carnival partners as Ladbrokes, Mercedes dealership 3 Point Motors and Seppelt Wines.<\/p>\n
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Moonee Valley Racing Club chief executive Michael Browell.Credit: Joe Armao<\/p>\n
Moonee Valley CEO Michael Browell said last week that an announcement on the Cox Plate was close.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would have liked to have had that wrapped up by now, but a decision on that is imminent,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The VRC chose not to answer specific questions about its corporate partners, but CEO Kylie Rogers continued to hold the line that her club wanted next year\u2019s Cox Plate run at its famous racecourse.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be a privilege to host the Cox Plate at Flemington,\u201d Rogers said. \u201cWe have been a key player in discussions and await official confirmation.\u201d<\/p>\n
A TAB spokesperson said it was working \u201ccollaboratively with all stakeholders on future Spring Carnival scheduling options that can benefit both the industry and our customers\u201d, while a Ladbrokes spokesman said the betting giant was \u201cworking closely with the Moonee Valley Racing Club, Racing Victoria, and all relevant stakeholders to support discussions around the most appropriate venue for the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate\u201d.<\/p>\n
Racing Victoria said it was awaiting a final recommendation from Moonee Valley before making its decision.<\/p>\n
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VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers.Credit: Arsineh Houspian<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be run at a group 1 track that maximises wagering returns for the industry and where the host track partner can maximise engagement and the best promotion of the race,\u201d an RV spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
Both Melbourne Racing Club, which runs Caulfield, and its major sponsor Sportsbet said they would support any decision Racing Victoria made about the venue for next year\u2019s Cox Plate.<\/p>\n
The ongoing delay comes as Moonee Valley reopens negotiations with major sporting organisations and sporting companies on the long-term lease of its racecourse infield.<\/p>\n
The Valley will lock its gates after this year\u2019s October Cox Plate and major work will begin on shifting its amphitheatre track as well as building a new grandstand and clubhouse.<\/p>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/e2a0ed81c9a1ad1d7939d53e0ffe9a533c9c65f6.jpeg\")
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An artist\u2019s impression of a reshaped Moonee Valley racecourse and the available space in its infield. <\/p>\n
The AFL, Harness Racing Victoria, soccer organisations and a golf driving range firm are among those seeking exclusive access to the land.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t ruled anything out, but we haven\u2019t ruled anything in at this stage,\u201d Browell said.<\/p>\n
The AFL wants two new ovals inside the racecourse that would be open to the public and could also potentially provide a training base for the league\u2019s homeless umpiring fraternity.<\/p>\n
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Harness Racing Victoria CEO Matt Isaacs said his organisation remained ambitious for a return to Moonee Valley and was in regular dialogue with the club about opportunities for such a move.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an attractive option with significant potential, including exposing harness racing to a greater metropolitan market and building what would be one of the world\u2019s greatest harness racing venues,\u201d Isaacs said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, it would require significant investment and carries with it timing challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue to do due diligence and work with the club and the state government to make sure any decision is in the best long-term interests of the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
The state government announced last week it would contribute $5 million to Moonee Valley\u2019s $220 million redevelopment, which will go towards new lights, grass and horse stalls.<\/p>\n