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Moonee Valley Racecourse ~1883
WINX 4 Statue W S Cox Plate Legend 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
TOTE Bar & Dining converted the old TOTE Building which was the first in Victoria
Feehan Avenue Apartments
Gateway to The Valley of Tomorrow render of Cox Place community hub

Moonee Valley Racing Club

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Presented by: Moonee Valley Racing Club

Description

Established in 1883, the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) has enjoyed a rich and vibrant history of thoroughbred horse racing at its unique amphitheatre racecourse nestled in the heart of Moonee Ponds. For over 100 years, Moonee Valley has been the stage where the world's equine elite have come to play. Renowned for the W.S. Cox Plate, Australasia’s Weight-for-Age Championship, The Valley is also Australia’s leading night racing venue.

Renowned for its innovation, in 1998 the MVRC became Australia’s first metropolitan venue to flick the switch on night racing. On Australia Day that year, 30,000 patrons filled the course for what has now become a pivotal part of the club's racing calendar.

The MVRC is embarking on a historic transformation of the racecourse precinct which includes the reconfiguration of the racetrack, new event centre grandstand, and commercial usage of the infield.

Following the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival, the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) will commence the transformation of our iconic racecourse with the construction of ‘The Valley of Tomorrow’. The new Valley Racecourse will be a state-of-the-art world-class racing, sporting, and community precinct in the heart of the Moonee Valley Park residential development.

This program will reposition the club to provide new entertainment, commercial, retail and community offerings, catering to racing members and patrons, residents, and the local community; and ensure the club’s relevance, profitability, and sustainability into the future

What's On

Visitors are invited to explore The Valley through a guided site tour that includes the racetrack, grandstand, horse stalls, the historic Tote building. Throughout the day, guests will hear fascinating stories about the evolution of thoroughbred racing, including memorable events, colourful local anecdotes, and the Club’s rich legacy. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the ‘Valley of Tomorrow’ redevelopment program and the exciting future community offerings it will bring. Presenters on the day include MVRC Chief Executive Michael Bowell, members and historians, who will all share their unique insights and passion for The Valley.

Children's Activities

Families are warmly welcomed, with children’s activities available throughout the day, including the chance to meet Crossword, our beloved 32-year-old Shetland pony.

Images: (1) Moonee Valley Racecourse ~1883 Image 2 - The Moonee Valley Rcing Club, in partnership with the Victorian State Government and Racing Victoria commission a bronze statue of the greatest W.S. Cox Plate legend - titled WINX 4. The 1.25 life size statue weighs 1.5 tonne and took acclaimed artist Louis Laumen over 20 months to complete. Image 3 - Victoria's first on-course Totalisator was introduced in August 1931 at Moonee Valley Racecourse. In 2020 the club converted the totalisator building into TOTE Bar & Dining, a premium dining option located in Tote Park. Image 4 - In December 2021 Moonee Valley Park renames McPherson Street to Feehan Avenue to acknowledge John F Feehan who leased the family farm to Samuel Cox in 1882 who turned the land into iconic racecourse and in 2022 the first residents settle into Feehan Avenue apartments. Image 5 - Artists impression of Cox Place, the gateway to The Valley of Tomorrow.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Saturday 26 July
Open access 10am—4pm

Talks run 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm + 3.15pm
Running for 30 minutes for up to 100

Bookings

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting Point

Meet in the Octagonal Lounge—please follow directional signage

Accessibility

Partially wheelchair accessible

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