The iconic Moonee Valley racetrack will be closed for a revamp in 2026.
Moonee Valley Racecourse is preparing to bid farewell to a historic chapter, with Saturday’s Cox Plate having marked the final race on its iconic track before its grandstands are demolished and the venue undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation.
Chris Waller’s Via Sistina on Saturday won the 105th and final edition of the race in its current form at the famous amphitheatre, with the track set to undergo a major redevelopment, Jockey James McDonald claimed his fourth Cox Plate and Waller his sixth in a sensational race.
The bulldozers arrive next month, and the redevelopment, part of the $3 billion Moonee Valley Park precinct, will see the current grandstands demolished and the racetrack reconfigured. Racing will return to the revitalised venue in August 2027, with next year’s Cox Plate temporarily moving to Flemington Racecourse.
Moonee Valley Racing Club has committed $220 million to racing-specific infrastructure as part of the project. A brand-new grandstand will be constructed on the northern boundary, offering uninterrupted views of the Melbourne skyline and bringing fans 25 metres closer to the action.
The current grandstands at The Valley were built in the 1950’s and 1970’s, while the current track is some 30 years old, a decade past its used-by date. Its facilities are well overdue for renewal and the need for modernisation has become increasingly urgent.
The new track will be three metres wider to allow more runners and more races, while it’ll retain its camber and famous cushion. It’ll be faster, with an extended straight lengthening from 173 metres to 317 metres to ensure the thrilling racing style The Valley is known for remains intact.
The current track has produced some of Australian racing’s greatest moments, none more so than the dominant reign of Winx. – austadiums.com
