News & Results
Melbourne Polo Cup - Future of Werribee
7 Oct 2026
Dear Members,
As members are aware, the Melbourne Cup Tournament marks the opening of the Victorian polo season. It is one of the most historic and significant tournaments on the Victorian polo calendar, but its importance extends well beyond the tournament itself.
The Melbourne Cup is now a critical component of the financial sustainability of the Werribee fields.
The revenue generated through this tournament, together with the state levy, reduced rental arrangements and the agreement with Hexham Polo Club, has been fundamental to enabling the Victorian Polo Association to maintain and sustain the fields at Werribee. Without these combined sources of support, the financial viability of continuing to operate the fields is seriously compromised.
Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is a lack of support from within the Victorian polo community for the Melbourne Cup Tournament. This is extremely concerning because, without sufficient participation and support, the tournament cannot generate the revenue required to contribute to the ongoing operation of Werribee.
This is compounded by the lack of local support and the absence of interstate support, particularly at a time when other states are extending their playing calendars and providing greater opportunities for their own players and clubs.
The situation has therefore become dire.
I am writing to all members because I believe it is important that everyone understands what is at stake. Supporting the Melbourne Cup is not simply about supporting one tournament—it is about supporting the future of polo in Victoria and protecting our fields at Werribee.
Werribee is an incredibly important asset to Victorian polo. Once these fields are lost, we cannot simply assume that they will be replaced or that we will be able to get them back. The loss of Werribee would fundamentally change the landscape of Victorian polo and significantly reduce the opportunities available for players, clubs and future generations.
The VPA has worked hard to find ways to make the fields financially sustainable. The levy, rental arrangements, partnerships and tournament revenue have all been part of that effort. However, these arrangements can only work if the Victorian polo community supports the tournaments and activities that generate the revenue necessary to keep the fields operating.
We now need to be realistic about the position we are in.
A serious decision will need to be made about the future of the Melbourne Cup Tournament, including whether changes to the grades to 8 Goal, 4 Gaol and 2 goal are required to make the tournament viable and attract greater participation. If we cannot achieve the level of support required, we may ultimately have no choice but to consider cancelling the tournament.
That would be an extremely disappointing outcome, not only because of the history of the Melbourne Cup, but because of what it represents for the future of Werribee and Victorian polo.
As President of the Victorian Polo Association, I am asking every member, club and player to consider how important Werribee is to you and to the future of our sport.
If we want Werribee to remain a home for Victorian polo, we all need to play a part in supporting it.
The Melbourne Cup is one of the opportunities we have to come together as a polo community, support the fields financially, support our clubs and players, and demonstrate that there is a future for polo in Victoria.
We cannot take Werribee for granted.
Once the fields are lost, we cannot get them back.
I strongly encourage everyone to support the Melbourne Cup Tournament and to consider what we can collectively do to ensure it continues to be a viable and important part of the Victorian polo calendar.
The future of Werribee, and ultimately the future of Victorian polo, depends on the decisions we make now.
Kind regards,
Amber Drum
President
Victorian Polo Association
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