The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s premier handicap horse racing events. Run over 2400m at the Caulfield racecourse, the Caulfield Cup is a staying race that is the traditional lead up event for the longer distance of the Melbourne Cup.
Caulfield Cup history
The Caulfield Cup was first run way back in 1879 with Newminster becoming the first horse to win the race. The first Caulfield Cup came 18 years after the first running of the Melbourne Cup.
The 2021 Caulfield Cup will be the 142nd running of the race, the event has been run every year including during the war years. The race has always been run of the 2400m distance, though until 1972 the metric system was used and the race was 1.5 miles, or 2414m.
Race for the greats
Many of Australia’s best racehorses have won the Caulfield Cup. Being a handicap, it is harder to win multiple editions of the race, but notably Rising Fast achieved the feat in 1954 – 55. Several horses have also won the race before going on to win the Melbourne Cup. View the full list of Caulfield cup winners.
2020 Race results
The 2020 Caulfield Cup was won by Verry Elleegant who was ridden by Mark Zahra and trained by Chris Waller. Sir Dragonet won by 0.20 of a length from Anthony Van Dyck while The Chosen One ran third:
- 1st: Sir Dragonet
- 2nd: Anthony Van Dyck
- 3rd: The Chosen One
2021 Caulfield Cup
| Date: | Saturday 16th October 2021 |
| Time: | TBA |
| Where: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2400m |
| Conditions | Handicap |
| Class: | Group 1 |
| Prizemoney | 5150000 |
| 2020 Winner | Verry Elleegant |
Caulfield Cup prize money 2021
The total prize money on offer for the 2021 Caulfield Cup is $5,150,000. Of this, the winner collects $3,000,000, 2nd place $700,000, and third $350,000. Horses that finish 6th through to 10th place all receive $120,000. In addition to the money distribution, trophies worth some $150,000 will be award to winning connections.
The Caulfield Cup prize money on offer is on a par with that offered for the 2021 Cox Plate.
Breakdown of prize money for the 2021 Caulfield Cup
| Finish place | Prize money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $3,000,000 |
| 2nd | $700,000 |
| 3rd | $350,000 |
| 4th | $200,000 |
| 5th | $150,000 |
| 6th | $120,000 |
| 7th | $120,000 |
| 8th | $120,000 |
| 9th | $120,000 |
| 10th | $120,000 |
