View our 2026 open day, to enquire about our 2026 Yearling purchases CLICK HERE
News

Sensational Prize money Increase for Melbourne Horse racing In 2025

11 July 2025
the 2019 melbourne cup won by vow and declare 1585714096 1352x900

Sensational Prize money Increase for Melbourne Horse racing 2025:

In a landmark decision set to reshape the landscape of Australian horse racing, Racing Victoria has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2025 Melbourne Cup. The total purse for the iconic race will rise to A$10 million, up from A$8.56 million in 2024, marking one of the most substantial boosts in the event’s storied history. The Sun+1Just Horse Racing+1TDN

A Historic Milestone:

20241105179055790340 original.jpg

The Melbourne Cup, often referred to as “the race that stops a nation,” has long been a centerpiece of Australia’s sporting calendar. Held annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse, the event attracts international competitors and a global audience. The 2025 prize money increase not only enhances the race’s prestige but also solidifies its status as one of the richest handicap races worldwide.The Sun+2Racenet+2TDN+2RacenetBlackbook

Distribution of the Prize Pool

Under the new structure, every horse participating in the Melbourne Cup will receive a minimum of A$100,000, ensuring that all 24 runners are financially rewarded. This is a significant change from previous years, where only the top 12 finishers received prize money. The Sun

The first-place winner will take home A$4.4 million, with the remaining funds distributed among the other competitors based on their finishing positions. This inclusive approach acknowledges the substantial costs associated with preparing and entering a horse in such a high-caliber race.Racenet+1Just Horse Racing+1The Sun

Broader Implications for the Racing Industry

The prize money increase is part of a broader A$316 million distribution plan by Racing Victoria for the 2025–26 season, aimed at supporting participants from grassroots to elite levels. This investment underscores a commitment to the sustainability and growth of the racing industry in Victoria.Adelaide Now

Additionally, the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup have been added to the list of ballot-exempt races, providing more opportunities for horses to qualify for the Melbourne Cup. TDN+1The Sun+1

Reactions from the Racing Community

the 2019 melbourne cup won by vow and declare 1585714096 1352x900

Melbourne cup finish 1 1024x801

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from many in the racing community, who view the increased prize money as a positive step toward enhancing the sport’s competitiveness and appeal. However, some have raised concerns about the allocation of funds and the potential impact on other races and aspects of the industry.

Notably, esteemed trainer Aidan O’Brien criticized the Melbourne Cup’s stringent vetting protocols after his horse, Jan Brueghel, was controversially withdrawn last year due to alleged injury risks identified via mandatory CT scans. The Sun

Looking Ahead

ico flemingtonrc800

The 2025 Melbourne Cup is poised to be a landmark event, reflecting both the rich tradition and the evolving dynamics of horse racing in Australia. The increased prize money not only elevates the race’s status on the global stage but also signifies a broader commitment to supporting the industry’s participants and stakeholders.

As the racing community prepares for this historic event, the implications of these changes will be closely watched, offering insights into the future trajectory of horse racing in Melbourne and beyond.

The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most prestigious horse race, has announced a significant increase in its prize money for 2025. The total purse will rise to a record $10 million, up from $8.66 million in 2024. This boost aims to reward all participants, with each of the 24 runners guaranteed a minimum of $100,000, including those finishing 13th to 24th, who previously received no prize money. Just Horse Racing+1The Sun+1

The winner’s share remains at $4.4 million, maintaining the Melbourne Cup’s status as the world’s richest handicap race.This prize money increase is part of Racing Victoria’s broader $316 million distribution plan for the 2025–26 season, aimed at supporting participants across all levels of the sport.

Additionally, winners of the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup will now receive automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup, providing more opportunities for horses to qualify for the iconic race. Just Horse Racing

While the prize money boost has been welcomed by many in the racing community, some have raised concerns about the allocation of funds and the potential impact on other races and aspects of the industry. Notably, esteemed trainer Aidan O’Brien criticized the Melbourne Cup’s stringent vetting protocols after his horse, Jan Brueghel, was controversially withdrawn last year due to alleged injury risks identified via mandatory CT scans.

The 2025 Melbourne Cup is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. With the increased prize money and enhanced qualifying opportunities, the event is expected to attract a competitive field of international and local contenders.

Start Your Racing Journey with Kurrinda Bloodstock:

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a racehorse, now is the perfect time to get involved. Kurrinda Bloodstock offers exclusive opportunities to join well-managed racing syndicates and experience the thrill of thoroughbred ownership without the complexities of going it alone.

Contact us today to learn more about our available syndicates and how you can own a share in a high-quality racehorse. Let’s turn your racing dreams into reality

To view our current available Racehorse Syndicates click here:

Kurrinda Bloodstock: A Gateway to Greatness:

Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications stands out as a trusted and proven syndicator in the world of Australian horse racing.

With a reputation built on integrity, transparency, and success, Kurrinda Bloodstock offers everyday racing enthusiasts the opportunity to own a share in a racehorse and be part of something extraordinary.

What makes Kurrinda unique is not just their ability to source quality horses, but their commitment to making the ownership experience enjoyable and rewarding for all their clients.

The team at Kurrinda Bloodstock understands that owning a racehorse is not just about financial investment; it’s about the emotional journey, the thrill of competition, and the bonds formed along the way.

They take the time to educate their owners, ensuring that everyone involved understands the process, the risks, and the potential rewards.

This approach has helped Kurrinda build a loyal and enthusiastic community of owners who share in the highs and lows of the sport

Back to Blog
Facebook by Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndication
🟦◻️Funshow wins three in a row◻️🟦

Congratulations: Kurrinda Bloodstock, Mr J Boyle, Mr P K Baker, Mrs C Tunhavasana, Mr G Dow, Mr N Gopaul, Riverstone Lodge, Mr G Manoussakis, GM & JFP Racing, Mr C Sanna, Mr A Tran, Mr S Troupkos, Mr J G Wells, Mr K Wybron Doyle Racing
🟦◻️Great season◻️🟦

We had a fantastic season, we want to thank our owners, our trainers, vets, Chiro, Farrier, Staff especially Shane our farm manager. 

Bring on the next season 🐎 Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing Nathan Doyle Richard & Will Freedman David Pfieffer Racing M.J. Dale Racing Mitch Freedman Racing Kendrick Racing Liam Ruddy
🟦◻️Our 2026 Open Day◻️🟦

The Open Day was an absolutely fantastic day as always, a big thank you to all of our owners nation wide for making the trip. 

It has become an annual hit and we plan and continue to make 2027 bigger and better again. 

A big thank you to Tommy & Sharnee and all of our trainers for making the effort to turn up on your Sunday liam_ruddy_racing Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing Ciaron Maher Racing Doyle Racing M.J. Dale Racing David Pfieffer Racing kensingtonproduce Pepperstone
🟦◻️So You Pence wins first up◻️🟦

Congratulations: Kurrinda Bloodstock, Five540 Racing, KB Racing 1, Mr N Coelho, Mr R J Ryan, Mr D R Porter, Ms S Lamb, Mr J L Wasik, Mr G A Mackenzie, Mrs G Wasik, Mr B J Hedley, Mr M McHugh, Mr T Bell, Mr P Guardabascio, Mr L A Reichel, Mr M Rowley, Mr J Ellis, Mr M P Broughan, Mr S D Troldahl, Rinse and Repeat M.J. Dale Racing
🟦◻️Rockthevelio two wins this prep◻️🟦

Congratulations: Kurrinda Bloodstock, KB Rakitno, Mr A R Castle, Mrs H M Daley, Mr I D Daley, Mr P F Durney, Mr D Harris, Mr M Kearney, Mr G J Kroeger, 3 Guru's, Old Quarry Racing, Mrs K Subotic, The Wolfpack, Wollongong Lions Old Boys, Mr F S Khouis, Mr N Gopaul, Mr R De Lepervanche, Mrs B Wood, Mr J R Tall David Pfieffer Racing
Our Open Day/Yearling Parade is just two weeks away.

Go into the draw to win a pair of Tommy Berry's breeches (jockey pants) that will be signed by Tommy and possibly more.... 

To purchase a ticket, donate by clicking the link below. 

All proceeds will go towards Tommy's preferred charity which is the Epilepsy Foundation 👇

Every $10 donation = 1 raffle ticket, get involved as it's going to a fantastic cause. 

The prize will be drawn at our open day. 

Please RSVP on your attendance to office@kbloodstock.com.au or call Gen 0407 278 223

https://fundraising.epilepsyfoundation.org.au/fundraisers/seandriver/kurrinda-bloodstock-open-day
We're also active on Instagram @kurrindabloodstocksyndications
Brent and Zeb - owner testimonial from our 2026 Open Day #ownership #racehorseownership #racehorses #followers #farm
Funshow went three straight today with a brilliant ride by @timclark1986 and trained to the minute as always by @doyleracing #racehorseownership @australianturfclub #racehorse #following #rosehillgardens #photo
Who do you think our next stakes winner will be? #racehorse #races #racehorseownership #racehorseowner #horses @magicmillions @inglis_sales @australianturfclub @kensingtonproduce @pepperstone_au
Owner John - #testimonial #openday #racehorseownership #racehorseowner #racehorse
🟦◻️Great season◻️🟦

We had a fantastic season, we want to thank our owners, our trainers, vets, Chiro, Farrier, Staff especially Shane our farm manager. 

Bring on the next season 🐎 @waterhousebottracing @doyleracing @thefreedmans @pfiefferracing @mjdaleracing @mitchfreedman_racing @kendrick_racing @liam_ruddy_racing
Michael from @kensingtonproduce at the 2026 Open Day #openday #racehorse #racehorseownership #racehorseowner #reel
Sensational Prize money Increase for Melbourne Horse racing In 2025 | Kurrinda Bloodstock