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.

Here are the key things you need to know ahead of the 166th running of the great race.

START TIME: WHEN IS IT ON?

As always, the first Tuesday in November — this year falling on the 3rd. 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.

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WHO IS IN THE FIELD?

The final field will be locked in on Saturday afternoon, with the barrier draw conducted soon after. You can check out the latest order of entry and the likely 24-horse field here.

WHAT PRIZEMONEY IS ON OFFER?

This year’s prize pool carries a total value of $10.2 million, up slightly on last year.

That consists of more than $9 million in cash and more than $1 million worth of trophies 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: 2nd: $1.1 million, 3rd: $560,000, 4th: $360,000, 5th: $240,000, 6th-12th: $160,000, 13-24th: $100,000.

Melb Cup Jockey won’t ride till race day | 00:59

WHO WON IT LAST YEAR?

Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to a thrilling victory in the 2025 Melbourne Cup to complete a historic double.

Weeks after becoming the first female jockey to win the Caulfield Cup, Melham became the first to complete the rare Cups doubles as she steered the only Australian horse in the field to a powerful win — 10 years after Michelle Payne became the first woman to ride the Melbourne Cup winner.

Sadly, Half Yours won’t get a chance to go back-to-back this year after suffering a fall in the Caulfield Cup earlier this month.

HOW IS THE WEATHER FORECAST?

At this stage it’s forecast to be mild and overcast conditions on Cup Day at Flemington. Rain is forecast for Derby Day on Saturday, and possibly on Monday, meaning it’s most likely this year’s race will be run on a Soft track.

WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES THIS YEAR?

The Ciaron Maher-trained Point Of Law is the current race favourite at $6 after an impressive victory in the Geelong Cup (watch above). Irish import Trustyourinstinct — to be ridden by superstar jockey James McDonald — is at $7, ahead of UK raider Hopewell Rock.

James J Braddock — also trained by Joseph O’Brien alongside Trustyourinstinct — is rated an $11 chance, as is local hope Shockletz.



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