Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) marked a major milestone in its historic redevelopment with a sod turning ceremony last week signalling the start of the much-anticipated construction of the racing club’s facilities.

After a successful 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, which saw The Valley run its last Cox Plate in October until at least 2027, the redevelopment of the racecourse infrastructure now in full swing Flemington Racecourse will host the iconic Cox Plate in 2026 with Moonee Valley expected to take back its iconic event in 2027.

MVRC and Symal will now proceed with the redevelopment, which will see the creation of a new-look world class sporting, lifestyle, residential and events precinct. 

One of the major features of the redevelopment will be the new racecourse track to be built which will be designed to create one of Australia’s best racing surfaces. The home straight is to be extended from the current 173 metres to 317 metres, 1702 metres in circumference, 30 metres wide which would allow staging of up to 35 race meetings each year. 

The MVRC will retain all key starting positions with the new track, including the Cox Plate 2040 metre start at the top of the home straight.

“After years of detailed planning for the ‘Valley of Tomorrow’, we are pleased to now step into the delivery stage. The support from our members has been remarkable, and I am excited to bring them along on this transformation journey,” MVRC chairperson Adam Lennen said in a statement.  “It was a collaborative process with Symal throughout the Early Contractor Involvement phase, and the Club is very satisfied with the outcome."

The redevelopment works will take several years to complete and have been carefully staged to ensure minimal downtime, without compromising quality or safety.  Beyond racing, the venue will host a range of community activities, creating inclusive spaces that deliver value well beyond race days.

Racing will return to the new Valley racecourse at the commencement of the 2027/28 racing season.

Story: Nick Creely; Picture: MVRC