Melbourne Cup 2026 Prize Money: What is the total prize pool, and how much do the winner, jockey and trainer earns?
With a total prize purse of $10.2 million, up from $10 million in 2025, the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup stands as the world's richest handicap horse race.
The Melbourne Cup — the race that stops the nation — is here again with a field of 24 local and international horses racing over 3200m for a whopping $10.2 million in prizemoney and trophies.
Half Yours has won the 2025 Melbourne Cup.
Jamie Melham is the second female jockey in history to win the race, 10 years after Michelle Payne did it on Prince Of Penzance.
Jamie Melham, formerly Kah, has made history as the second woman in history to win the Melbourne Cup.
Melham and Half Yours have also completed the Melbourne Cup-Caulfield Cup double; Melham is the first woman to do so.
Here are the things you need to know ahead of the 165th running of the great race.
Full 2026 Melbourne Cup prize money breakdown for All 24-horses
This year’s prize pool carries a total value of $10.2 million, up from $8 million was 2024.
The $4.5 million winner's prize money for the upcoming Melbourne Cup is split among the winning horse's owners, trainers, and jockey.
That pool consists of more than $9 million in cash and $910,000 worth of trophies — including the 18-carat solid gold Hardy Brothers trophy — valued at $250,000 — awarded to the winning owners.
The winning horse’s connection receive a $4.5 million first prize, with the rest of the payouts as follows:
Sure — here’s your list with prize money attached, keeping all horses in their original order and places:
2025 Winner. Half Yours (14) — **$4,500,000**
The winning horse’s connection receive a $4.5 million first prize, with the rest of the payouts as follows:
Melbourne Cup Winner Share: 4.5 million AUD
2nd: $1.1 million,
3rd: $560,000,
4th: $360,000,
5th: $240,000,
6th-12th: $160,000,
13-24th: $100,000.
2026 Melbourne Cup Prize Money for Owners
The winning owners collect the majority 85 per cent share of the prize, a massive $3.825 million. This includes the main prize — The "Loving Cup Trophy" the famed from 60 ounces of 18-carat solid gold from Northern Teritorry, Australia, weigh 1.8KG, valued at $1000,000, which is awarded to the winning owners.
2026 Melbourne Cup Prize Money for Trainers
The trainers of the winning horse take home 10 per cent of the prize money, amounting to $450,000, plus a replica trophy.
2026 Melbourne Cup Prize Money for Jockeys
The champion jockey's prize is $225,000, representing 5 per cent of the payout. They also receive a replica miniature Melbourne Cup trophy valued at $25,000 and a riding fee of approximately $258.50 for race day.
2026 Melbourne Cup Prize Money for Strappers
The winning horse's strapper will be presented with the Tommy Woodcock Trophy — named after Phar Lap's attendant — valued at $15,000.
2026 Melbourne Cup Prize Money for Breeders
The breeder also receives a trophy valued at $10,000.
When is the Melbourne Cup, What time is the Melbourne Cup Start?
As always, the first Tuesday in November — this year falling on the Tuesday, 3th, November. This year’s race will start at 3pm AEDT.
So that’s 3pm for Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Hobart. The race begins at 1.30pm if you’re in Darwin, 2pm in Brisbane and 2.30pm in Adelaide.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Prize Money FAQs
How much is the Melbourne Cup 2026 prize money?
The total prize pool is $10.2 million, including about $9.09 million in cash and more than $1 million in trophies.
How much does the Melbourne Cup winner get?
The winning horse earns $4.5 million in cash, plus the $1 million gold Cup for the owners.
How much does the winning jockey get?
The winning jockey receives 5 per cent of the winner’s prize money, which is $225,000, plus a miniature trophy and the Harry White Whip.
How much does the winning trainer get?
The trainer receives 10 per cent, which is $450,000, plus a replica trophy.
How much do the owners get?
Owners take 85 per cent, which is $3.825 million before welfare contributions, shared among all partners in the horse.
Does the horse that finishes last get paid?
Yes. Every runner finishing 13th to 24th receives $100,000, subject to VRC conditions.
How much is the Melbourne Cup trophy worth?
The 2026 owners’ trophy is valued at $1 million and contains almost 60 ounces of 18-carat gold.
When is the 2026 Melbourne Cup?
Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at 3pm AEDT at Flemington Racecourse...
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