Melbourne Cup 2026 Ultimate Guide – Schedule, Date, Race Day Start-Times, Field, Horses, Odds, How to Watch, Winners List
By Sportshistori.com | Updated Oct.17, 2026
Australia’s most iconic horse race, the Melbourne Cup 2026, returns on Tuesday 3 November 2026, bringing together world-class stayers, global trainers and millions of racing fans. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the $10 million Group 1 classic will again be staged over 3200 metres at Flemington Racecourse. The Cup is more than a sporting contest — it’s a national spectacle of racing, fashion and music.
Last year’s winner raised the stakes and added fresh intrigue to Cup week; now the focus shifts to the new generation of challengers and the international raiders arriving for Flemington.
With futures markets already active and entertainment line-ups locked in, anticipation is building across Australia and New Zealand, with UK and US fans tuning in via international broadcast partners.
Sportshistori.com Brings here is your complete guide to Melbourne Cup 2026 — from date and start time to the field, how to watch, odds, tips and the recent winners list.
What Date Is Melbourne Cup 2026?
The Melbourne Cup 2026 will be run on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 — the traditional first Tuesday of November. This fixed date anchors Cup week and the broader Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse.
What Time Does the Melbourne Cup Start?
The Melbourne Cup main event race is scheduled for 3:00 PM AEDT at Flemington. Expect full broadcast coverage to begin several hours earlier with undercard races and pre-race analysis. (For UK viewers this is 4:00 AM GMT; for US East Coast it will be 11:00 PM ET the previous day.)
Wellington (NZ) 5:00pm
London (GB) 4:00am
Munich (Germany) 5:00am
New York (USA) 12:00am
Singapore 12:00pm
Dubai (UAE) 8:00am
Cape Town (South Africa) 6:00am
Tokyo (Japan) 1:00pm
Buenos Aires (Argentina) 1:00am
New Dehli (India) 9:30am
2025 Cox Plate Ultimate Guide – Date, Time, Field, Horses, Odds, Location, How to watch, Prize Money
Where Will the Melbourne Cup Race Be Held?
The Cup is staged at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne — home of the Melbourne Cup since its inception in 1861. Managed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), Flemington’s long home straight and two-lap 3200m course provide the classic Cup challenge.
Who Won Last Year’s Melbourne Cup?
The 2025 Melbourne Cup was won by the horse Half Yours, ridden by jockey Jamie Melham and trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
What is the Prize Money of the Melbourne Cup 2026? Full breakdown
The total prize pool for Melbourne Cup 2026 is AUD $10,000,000. The winner’s share is approximately $4.4 million, with significant payouts to the placed finishers — making the Cup one of the world’s richest staying handicaps.
Of that $4.4m to the winner, the owners get 85 percent, the trainer gets 10 percent, and the jockey gets five percent.
Second place gets $1.1 million, third $560,000, fourth $360,000, fifth $240,000, and sixth to 12th placings get $160,000 each.
Connections of the runners that finish 13th to 24th earn their owners $100,000 each.
How to Watch the Melbourne Cup 2026 Live?
In Australia: live on Channel 7 and via 7plus (stream).
In New Zealand: coverage via Sky Racing NZ / TAB Trackside.
UK: expect coverage on Sky Sports Racing.
USA: coverage via TVG / FanDuel TV or partner services.
Sportshistori.com will provide live updates, odds and replay clips throughout Cup Day.
What Channel Is the Melbourne Cup On?
Channel 7 holds Australia’s free-to-air broadcast rights and will televise full Cup Day coverage. Pay-TV and specialist channels (Sky Racing, Racing.com) also provide simultaneous coverage and expert race analysis.
How to Stream the Melbourne Cup Live Online
Stream the race in Australia on 7plus (free account). NZ viewers can use Sky Go or TAB streaming. Internationally, streaming is available through broadcaster apps (Sky Sports Racing, FanDuel TV). Bookmaker streaming (TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes) is also common for account holders.
Who Has the Melbourne Cup TV Rights?
The Seven Network (7 & 7plus) holds the main Australian TV rights for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Sky Sports Racing manages UK rights; TVG/FanDuel and affiliates provide US distribution under international agreements.
2026 Melbourne Cup Race Day Times & Full Schedule
Cup Day features a 10-race card at Flemington, beginning around 10:45 AM AEDT with the Melbourne Cup as Race 7 at 3:00 PM AEDT. The day includes fashion events, live music sets and extended coverage windows — check Sportshistori.com for the final race times on race morning.
Race 1 – 10:45AM G3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate (1000 METRES)
Race 2 – 11:20AM LR TAB Trophy (1800 METRES)
Race 3 – 12:00PM MSS Security Subzero Handicap (1400 METRES)
Race 4 – 12:40PM The Schweppervescence Plate (1000 METRES)
Race 5 – 1:20PM Australian Heritage Cup (2800 METRES)
Race 6 – 1:55PM LR Furphy Plate (1800 METRES)
Race 7 – 3:00PM G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200 Metres)
Race 8 – 3:50PM LR The Amanda Elliott (1400 METRES)
Race 9 – 4:35PM G3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400 METRES)
Race 10 – 5:15PM Channel 9 Trophy (1400 METRES)
Melbourne Cup 2026 Field, Runners & Horses list, Barrier Draw, weight.
FINAL FIELD: TBD
MELBOURNE CUP ORDER OF ENTRY –
Updated as of 18/10/26
Horse Trainer Ballot Weight
1 DEFIANTLY (FR) Joseph O'Brien 1= 56.5kg
2 MR MONACO (GB) Ciaron Maher 1= 52.5kg
3 ZAKOUMA Grahame Begg 1= 52kg
4 SHOCKLETZ (NZ) Ciaron Maher 1= 51kg
5 AELIANA (NZ) Chris Waller 5 58kg
6 HALF YOURS Tony & Calvin McEvoy 6 59kg
7 TREASURETHE MOMENT Matt Laurie 7 57kg
8 BIRDMAN (IRE) Chris Waller 8 58kg
9 SONS AND LOVERS (GB) Joseph O'Brien 9 57.5kg
10 GREEN SPACES Bjorn Baker 10 56kg
11 STINGER GLASS (JPN) Yasuo Tomomichi 11 57kg
12 TRUSTYOURINSTINCT (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 12 57kg
13 GOODIE TWO SHOES (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 13 55kg
14 MIDDLE EARTH (GB) Ciaron Maher 14 56.5kg
15 JAMES J BRADDOCK (GB) Joseph O'Brien 15 53.5kg
16 VAUBAN (FR) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 16 56.5kg
17 KNIGHT'S CHOICE John Symons & Sheila Laxon 17 56.5kg
18 STRICTLY BUSINESS Thomas Carberry 18 53kg
19 ROYAL SUPREMACY (IRE) Ciaron Maher 19 56kg
20 ENFJAAR (IRE) Roger Varian 20 56kg
21 WINE DARK SEA (GB) Harry Charlton 21 56kg
22 OHOPE WINS (NZ) Chris Waller 22 52.5kg
23 ASTERIX (NZ) Chris Waller 23 55kg
24 SOUL OF SPAIN (IRE) Chris Waller 24 54.5kg
25 ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) Tim Fitzsimmons 25 54.5kg
26 HOPEWELL ROCK (IRE) George Boughey 26 54.5kg
27 ZAHRANN (IRE) Ciaron Maher 27 54.5kg
28 LAND LEGEND (FR) Ciaron Maher 28 54kg
29 THE EUPHRATES (GB) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 29 54kg
30 JUJA KIBO (IRE) Ciaron Maher 30 53.5kg
31 POINT OF LAW (GB) Ciaron Maher 31 51kg
32 FUTURE HISTORY (GB) Gregory Hickman 32 53.5kg
33 KIZLYAR (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 33 53.5kg
34 DEAKIN (FR) Phillip & Tommy Stokes 34 53kg
35 PINHOLE (GB) Chris Waller 35 53kg
36 VALIANT KING (GB) Chris Waller 36 52.5kg
37 TORRANZINO (NZ) Paul Preusker 37 52.5kg
38 SO YOU ARE Bjorn Baker 38 52.5kg
39 PIGGYBACK Ciaron Maher 39 51kg
40 THEBUDGIESMUGLA (NZ) Bjorn Baker 40 52kg
41 ATHABASCAN (FR) John O'Shea & Tom Charlton 41 52kg
42 KING PEDRO (NZ) John O'Shea & Tom Charlton 42 52kg
43 LITZDEEL Danny O'Brien 43 51kg
44 NEWLOOK (FR) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 44 51kg
45 MANZOR BLUE (NZ) Lisa Latta 45 51kg
46 KINGS VALLEY (IRE) Ciaron Maher 46 51kg
47 JENNIVAMOOSE (NZ) Ciaron Maher 47 51kg
48 AETHELWULF Matthew Smith 48 51kg
49 BELLA MONTAGNA (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 49 51kg
50 SAINT GEORGE (GB) Ciaron Maher 50= 55kg
51 SOULCOMBE (GB) Chris Waller 50= 55kg
52 STARFORD (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 50= 55kg
53 WOOTTON VERNI (FR) Chris Waller 50= 55kg
54 KLONDIKE (GB) John O'Shea & Tom Charlton 54 53.5kg
55 SMALL FRY (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 55 51.5kg
56 OMNI MAN (IRE) Joseph O'Brien 56 51kg
57 SAM HAWKENS (IRE) John O'Shea & Tom Charlton 57= 51kg
58 SAPPHIRE SIREN Bill Papazaharoudakis 57= 51kg
Who Is the Favorite for the Melbourne Cup 2026?
Early markets will firm after key lead-up races including the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. Keep an eye on European and Japanese stayers as well as locally proven two-mile performers from Maher, Waller and Waterhouse stables. Half Yours currently carries top weight of 59kg.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions
Look for horses with strong 3200m stamina, proven sectional closing speed and form over heavy or soft tracks. European stayers often carry lighter weights; home-trained stayers benefit from local acclimatisation. Sportshistori.com’s expert panel will publish favourites, value picks and race-day bets as markets firm.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Entertainment Line-Up
Look for horses with strong 3200m stamina, proven sectional closing speed and form over heavy or soft tracks. European stayers often carry lighter weights; home-trained stayers benefit from local acclimatisation. Sportshistori.com’s expert panel will publish favourites, value picks and race-day bets as markets firm.
Past Melbourne Cup Winners List (2007–2025)
A roll call of recent champions — who have written Cup history at Flemington:
2025 — Half Yours — J: Jamie Melham — T: Tony and Calvin McEvoy
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2024 — Knight’s Choice — J: Robbie Dolan — T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon
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2023 — Without A Fight — J: Mark Zahra — T: Anthony & Sam Freedman
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2022 — Gold Trip — J: Mark Zahra — T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
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2021 — Verry Elleegant — J: James McDonald — T: Chris Waller
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2020 — Twilight Payment — J: Jye McNeil — T: Joseph O’Brien
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2019 — Vow And Declare — J: Craig Williams — T: Danny O’Brien
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2018 — Cross Counter — J: Kerrin McEvoy — T: Charlie Appleby
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2017 — Rekindling — J: Corey Brown — T: Joseph O’Brien
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2016 — Almandin — J: Kerrin McEvoy — T: Robert Hickmott
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2015 — Prince Of Penzance — J: Michelle Payne — T: Darren Weir
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2014 — Protectionist — J: Ryan Moore — T: Andreas Wohler
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2013 — Fiorente — J: Damien Oliver — T: Gai Waterhouse
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2012 — Green Moon — J: Brett Prebble — T: Robert Hickmott
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2011 — Dunaden — J: Christophe Lemaire — T: Mikel Delzangles
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2010 — Americain — J: Gerard Mosse — T: Alain de Royer Dupre
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2009 — Shocking — J: Corey Brown — T: Mark Kavanagh
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2008 — Viewed — J: Blake Shinn — T: Bart Cummings
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2007 — Efficient — J: Michael Rodd — T: Graeme Rogerson
(This list covers winners from 2007 through 2024 — updated with details available. Sportshistori.com will maintain an extended past-winners archive for deeper history.)
Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds – Top 24 Field
Bookmakers (TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes) publish futures and fixed-odds markets through spring. Expect heavy market movement after key races (Caulfield Cup, Hotham Stakes). Sportshistori.com will refresh odds and provide value plays and market analysis as fields lock in.
How Many Horses Run in the Melbourne Cup?
The Cup accepts 24 starters in the final field. Entries are determined by a combination of nominations, handicap weights and ballot exemptions from key “golden ticket” races.
How Much Do You Get for Winning the Melbourne Cup?
The winner’s prize is about AUD $4.4 million from the $10 million purse, plus trophies and significant prestige. The runner-up receives roughly $1.1 million, with payments down the order — ensuring meaningful payouts across the top 12.
What Year Was the First Melbourne Cup Run?
The inaugural Melbourne Cup ran in 1861, won by Archer. From that first stirring finish the Cup has grown into a cultural and sporting institution that still captivates national attention every November.
Melbourne Cup Record Time
The record time is 3:16.3, set by Kingston Rule in 1990. That benchmark has stood for decades; rough tracks and race tempo mean it remains a tough record to challenge.
How Long Is the Melbourne Cup Race?
The race distance is 3,200 metres (two miles) — a pure staying test that rewards stamina, race sense and timing across two laps of Flemington.
How Long Does the Melbourne Cup Last?
The actual race runs for approximately 3½ minutes, though the entire Cup Day experience — from fashion to form analysis to the post-race celebrations — extends across many hours for attendees and television audiences.
Where to buy Melbourne Cup 2026 Tickets & How to Attend
Buy official tickets through the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) website and authorised sellers (early bird and hospitality packages sell quickly).
Options include General Admission, Members’ Enclosure, Birdcage and corporate hospitality. Travel packages for fans from New Zealand, the UK and the USA are available via VRC partners and specialist tour operators.
Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be purchased via Victoria Racing Club or Ticketmaster.
Quick Practical Tips (Australia / NZ / UK / USA)
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Australia/NZ: Book rail or car travel early — Flemington is busy and trains fill up on Cup Day. Use 7plus and TAB streaming for on-the-go viewing.
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UK/USA viewers: Check local listings for Sky Sports Racing or FanDuel TV; convert 3:00 PM AEDT to your local time (UK: 4:00 AM GMT; US ET: 11:00 PM previous day).
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Betting: Use reputable bookmakers (TAB, Sportsbet, Ladbrokes) and check final fields before placing bets — scratches and barrier changes can shift odds.
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