2024 Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup entries announced, 100+ horses nominated

We are just a little over two months out from some of the biggest Group 1 races in Australia. The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) is on October 19th at Caulfield Racecourse. The Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) is just a week later on October 26th at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne.  
 
While the races are months out, we have some idea of who will be running in them. 137 horses have been nominated for the Cox Plate. 173 runners have been thrown into contention for the Caulfield Cup. 

Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup preview 

Just a week apart in the Australian horse racing calendar, the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate are two of Australia’s biggest races.  
 
Both events have $5 million prizes up for grabs, which also makes them some of the richest races in the world. It’s no wonder then that so many horses have entered the running.  
 
More than 130 horses have been nominated for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate, respectively. 16 trainers have entered horses for both races. In total, 43 horses have been nominated for both events.  
 
The horses nominated include betting sites favourites Mr. Brightside, Auguste Rodin, and Rebels Romance.  

International nominees talked up by organisers 

Out of the 150+ horses nominated for both races, the international-based runners have gotten the most attention from Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate organisers.  
 
Both races have seen an increase in international nominees compared to last year.  
 
The Caulfield Cup had 24 international nominees last year. 36 of their 173 entrants this year are from international markets. For the Cox Plate, 20 of the 137 potential runners are international. Only 17 foreign horses entered the running last year.  
 
“We’re happy with the quality, especially from the international contingent,” said Charlotte Mills, head of racing at the Moonee Valley Racing Club. 
 
Julian Cook, Melbourne Racing Club Racing and Media Officer, echoed Mills’ sentiment.  
 
“To have 36 entries, up from 24 internationals from last year, is great reward for the work the team has done to attract those entries,” Cook said.  

Long wait for final field 

If you are new to Australian horse racing betting, you might want to hold off on placing your Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate bets. Not only are the races months away, but also there are still a lot of horses who could be eliminated.  
 
Only 18 horses will run in the Caulfield Cup on October 19th. That means 155 horses will be eliminated. This could include some of the early favourites.  
 
For the Cox Plate, 14 horses will run at Moonee Valley on October 26th. Like the Caulfield Cup, that means 100+ current nominees won’t run.