Australia’s $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, run over 3.2km, will be held for the 166th time today at Flemington Racecourse.
Champion trainer Ciaron Maher has a record seven runners, including one of the race favourites Point of Law.
Dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien has returned with last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes.
Champion jockey James McDonald will ride Trustyourinstinct for the Irish trainer. McDonald rode four winners at the recent Howden Victoria Derby Day.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice has returned to Flemington for trainers Sheila Laxon and John Symonds, with Robbie Dolan in the saddle.
Entertainment on the day will be led by British performer Robbie Williams.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions On The Field competition is being held this morning with first winners announced this afternoon.
The Victoria Racing Club’s current Melbourne Cup race list is below.
2026 Melbourne Cup runners
| No. | Horse | Barrier | Weight |
| 1 | Sons And Lovers | 3 | 57.5kg |
| 2 | Trustyourinstinct | 18 | 57kg |
| 3 | Knight’s Choice | 2 | 56.5kg |
| 4 | Middle Earth | 1 | 56.5kg |
| 5 | Vauban | 22 | 56.5kg |
| 6 | Enfjaar | 8 | 56kg |
| 7 | Royal Supremacy | 21 | 56kg |
| 8 | Wine Dark Sea | 23 | 56kg |
| 9 | Asterix | 6 | 55kg |
| 10 | Goodie Two Shoes | 19 | 55kg |
| 11 | Juja Kibo | 14 | 55kg |
| 12 | Hopewell Rock | 15 | 54.5kg |
| 13 | Onesmoothoperator | 13 | 54.5kg |
| 14 | Soul Of Spain | 5 | 54.5kg |
| 15 | Zahrann | 11 | 54.5kg |
| 16 | So You Are | 7 | 54kg |
| 17 | Future History | 12 | 53.5kg |
| 18 | James J Braddock | 24 | 53.5kg |
| 19 | Kizlyar | 20 | 53.5kg |
| 20 | Point Of Law | 9 | 53kg |
| 21 | Strictly Business | 4 | 53kg |
| 22 | Mr Monaco | 16 | 52.5kg |
| 23 | Zakouma | 10 | 52kg |
| 24 | Shockletz | 17 | 51kg |
Source: Victoria Racing Club – Every runner in the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
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