In the final year of racing at The Valley in its current format, the Phillip Stokes trained Shirshov will be aiming to become the first horse ever to win the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge twice, while also making it back-to-back successes in the series.

Shirshov going for history in the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge

In the final year of racing at The Valley in its current format, the Phillip Stokes trained Shirshov will be aiming to become the first horse ever to win the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge twice, while also making it back-to-back successes in the series.Last season Shirshov ran a winning time of 54.84 seconds in Heat 1 on Grand Final Eve, and this season he remarkably equaled Sisstar’s track record in Heat 14, stopping the clock at 54.45 seconds two weeks ago.However, Stokes will need to wait until Friday night to find out whether the $55,000 trainer prize for the fastest time is his to savour, a nervous wait given the speed that is likely to be injected into the final with 8 of the fastest course and distance specialists accepting on Wednesday.Among them is the current clubhouse leader Shirshov, and Stokes says the stable will be treating it just like any other race.“The horse is going very well. Breaking the track record a few weeks ago was fantastic,” Stokes told us.“It was a night where a few track records were broken, so I’m not sure how it will be this week.”Shirshov was trained by Julien Welsh when he won the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge last year, but recently changed stables to Phillip Stokes, equaling the track record in his first start under the Pakenham-based trainer.Stokes is currently 9th in the Victorian Metro Trainer Premiership this season with 15 wins to his name and says despite the $55,000 carrot being attached to the series, will be treating this race just like any other.“Nothing really changes from our end. We’ll just go out there and try to win the race.“The money will be going back into the business if we are to win it, I won’t see any of it myself.”Shirshov has drawn barrier 6 of 8 in his attempt to defend his crown in the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge, and even if he’s not to win on Friday night, the Stokes camp will just be hoping they aren’t able to beat the 54.45 second benchmark.In Season 2020/21, Tony &amp; Calvin McEvoy led the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge with Meteorite all season, who ran a time of 54.54 seconds in Heat 2, and then beat their own time when the full sister of Sunlight, Sisstar, broke the track record in the final – 54.45.

Shirshov going for history in the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge | The Valley

Over the past six months, we have been focused on finalising the scope of works and budget for the racecourse and associated racing...

May 2025: From the CEO's desk - Redevelopment update

I am writing to provide the latest update on the Moonee Valley Racing Club redevelopment, which remains on schedule to commence on 1 November, following the running of the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival.Over the past six months, we have been focused on finalising the scope of works and budget for the racecourse and associated racing facilities, and exploring the opportunity to have harness racing return to The Valley.&nbsp; We are now in the final stages of contract negotiation with our civil works contractor, and we plan to execute this important project contract before 30 June.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Club has selected Evergreen for our new racecourse.&nbsp; The turf for the new track is currently growing at Evergreen Turf's Pakenham farm.&nbsp; The project plan is to see the new turf laid at The Valley in October 2026, which is anticipated to be completed in November 2026.&nbsp; This then provides a period of nine months for the new track to consolidate and settle ahead of our planned return to racing in August 2027.&nbsp;We are well progressed in securing the necessary debt funding to undertake these works. We expect this to be finalised over the coming weeks.&nbsp; It is pleasing to report that the project remains on schedule as we approach these important project milestones.Budget and FundingThe total budget for the racecourse works, including the grandstand, has increased to $220 million.&nbsp; Our initial budget was set at $200 million, and this increase of 10% is due to cost escalation across both the civil and construction sectors.&nbsp; Pleasingly, the MVRC’s projected returns from our Moonee Valley Park joint venture with Hamton – Hostplus have increased significantly since the project commenced in 2017.Importantly, the MVRC is fully funding the redevelopment. By funding the redevelopment ourselves, we retain full control of the scope and budget, and we will continue to align delivery with forecasted future Moonee Valley Park distributions. The Club and its Members can be proud of the long-term investment we are making into the future sustainability of the Victorian racing industry for generations to come.Grandstand PlanningAnother key milestone is the finalisation of the grandstand design. Our goal is to deliver a facility that meets the Club’s long-term needs, not only from a racing perspective but also as a versatile venue capable of hosting events year-round.Our immediate priority is to confirm the final cost and contract for the racecourse civil works. Once this is contracted, we will refine the grandstand plans to ensure alignment with budget expectations. We anticipate being in a position within the next three months to provide a clearer timeline for the commencement of grandstand construction.Should the grandstand not be completed in time for the racecourse's reopening, we have developed plans outlining the temporary infrastructure required to deliver a major event such as the 2027 Ladbrokes Cox Plate. This infrastructure would be designed to reflect the scale and significance of the occasion.We remain committed to delivering ‘The Valley of Tomorrow’ as soon as possible, while maintaining discipline around the approved budget.Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to sharing further updates with you as this exciting transformation progresses.<div>Michael Browell Chief Executive Officer</div>

The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Shaun Patterson as Racecourse Manager, commencing in the role later this month.

MVRC appoints Shaun Patterson as Racecourse Manager

The Moonee Valley Racing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Shaun Patterson as Racecourse Manager, commencing in the role later this month.Patterson has been the Australian Turf Club’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Manager since 2018, after being promoted to the role following five years as Assistant Track Manager.&nbsp;Among his achievements, Patterson holds a Certificate III in both Turf Management and Parks and Gardens. He was awarded Emerging Racecourse Manager of the Year and the Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) Rising Star Award at the 2019 ARMA conference.“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join the Moonee Valley Racing Club and be part of the transformation,” Patterson said.MVRC CEO Michael Browell said the Club was thrilled to secure Patterson’s services as it embarks on the redevelopment of the track after the 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.&nbsp;"I congratulate Shaun on his appointment. He brings a wealth of experience and insight from his time with the ATC,” Browell said.“As we approach the final Spring under our current track configuration, his expertise will play a key role in ensuring a successful Carnival. Moreover, Shaun’s leadership will be essential as we navigate a transformative period in the Club’s history with the redevelopment of the track.“We are thrilled to have Shaun lead our outstanding Track and Grounds team alongside Track Foreman Tony Salisbury, who has stepped up as Acting Racecourse Manager over the past few months.”The appointment follows the departure of long-time MVRC Racecourse Manager Marty Synan in January.&nbsp;Patterson will officially assume his role on April 28.

MVRC appoints Shaun Patterson as Racecourse Manager | The Valley

Via Sistina’s record-breaking, eight-length victory in the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate secured the race its fourth top-10 ranking in the...

2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate upholds its legendary status

Via Sistina’s record-breaking, eight-length victory in the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate secured the race its fourth top 10 ranking in the past decade in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Longines Top 100 Group 1 races.Her stunning performance shattered Winx’s 2040m track record by nearly two seconds, earning a 127 rating from the IFHA—the third highest in the world for 2024, behind City Of Troy and Laurel River.The IFHA announced the 2024 Top 100 Group 1 races this week at the Longines World Racing Awards, where the Ladbrokes Cox Plate ranked equal 10th with a rating of 121.25. This rating was based on the performances of the top four finishers: Via Sistina, Prognosis, Broadsiding, and Mr Brightside.Champion jockey James McDonald, the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival ambassador, showcased his dominance by securing a third consecutive victory in the race. His exceptional talent was further recognised on the global stage, as he was honoured with the Longines World's Best Jockey Award by the IFHA for the second time.Since the inception of the IFHA Group 1 rankings, the Ladbrokes Cox Plate has consistently been recognised among the world's best races. Its highest ranking (equal 2nd), and highest rating (124.75) came in 2016, when Winx secured her second Cox Plate victory, defeating Hartnell, Yankee Rose, and Vadamos.The race achieved further top 10 rankings in 2018 (equal seventh) when Winx completed an unprecedented fourth-straight win, and again in 2019 (ninth), with Japanese galloper Lys Gracieux triumphing.Via Sistina’s 2024 victory continues the trend, as the race’s top four ratings and rankings have all been achieved when won by a mare.All four of The Valley’s Group 1 races secured a place in the Top 100 rankings for 2024.The 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes, where Imperatriz completed a clean sweep of The Valley’s Group 1 sprinting Triple Crown for the 2023/24 season, ranked equal 36th.The Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes, won by Southport Tycoon under lights on AFL Grand Final Eve, ranked equal 71st, while the Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes, which saw trainer Gavin Bedggood achieve a fairytale first Group 1 victory with Mornington Glory, came in at equal 98th. TEST

2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate upholds its legendary status | The Valley

Ten-time Group 1 winning champion Imperatriz will be honoured at The Valley this season with the inaugural running of the Imperatriz Sprint, to be held on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.

Imperatriz Sprint to be run on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day

Ten-time Group 1 winning champion Imperatriz will be honoured at The Valley this season with the inaugural running of the Imperatriz Sprint, to be held on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.The existing Open 1000-metre handicap is the race that will be revamped in her name, with prize money increased from $150,000 to $200,000.The Te Akau Racing stable star was unbeaten from five starts at The Valley, including four Group 1 wins at the track. She is the current 1000m track record holder, with a time of 56.47 set in the 2023 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes. In 2023 she also became the first horse in history to claim The Valley Sprint Triple Crown, winning all three Group 1 sprints across the year.In 2024 she returned to The Valley and defended her crown in the 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes, joining elite company in Apache Cat and Black Caviar as the modern-day dual winners of the race, while also winning the three Valley Group 1 sprints in the same season.Imperatriz retired as the highest-rated sprinting mare in the world and was sold at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for a record $6.6 million to Yulong Investments.Currently in foal to Pierata, Imperatriz has taken to broodmare life as well as she did to her career on track, and as we celebrate 100 years of the William Reid Stakes, it is a fitting week to announce the Imperatriz Sprint on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day in 2025.

Imperatriz Sprint to be run on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day | The Valley

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