There were some huge winners to emerge from the 2026 Melbourne Cup, but not King Charles and Queen Camilla after an almighty blunder.
It has been revealed the heads of the British Royal Family sold Cup winner Point of Law in August this year to top Australian trainer Ciaron Maher ahead of the spring carnival.
According to The Australian, the final sale price was “well north of $3 million”.
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But even with the monumental price tag, Point of Law’s ownership group are set to pocket at least a seven-figure sum after Tuesday’s $4.5 million win in the race that stops the nation.
Throw in the mix the $300,000 pocketed following the colt’s Geelong Cup victory — and the King has well and truly missed out.
Charles could well have remained an owner of the talented youngster, with Maher’s buyers reportedly offering the King a stake to ensure the sale went through.
However, Maher revealed the King was unable to have racehorses shared with other owners and instead agreed to part ways with Point of Law.
“I’d imagine that would be too much of a risk,” Maher said.
“I certainly asked and, to no surprise at all, that could not happen.”
According to GBNews, Maher was on hand in July to watch Point of Law take home the £200,000 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket.
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The colt also was narrowly beaten in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, a prestigious Group 2 race.
According to Maher’s bloodstock expert Will Bourne, Point of Law had shown enough upside to warrant the significant price tag while also delivering a telling comment.
“One of the main reasons he was so appealing for the stable to acquire is that he’s so lightly raced and still very progressive,” Bourne said back in August.
“With horses like him, you never quite know where the ceiling is or when they’ll stop improving and reach their peak rating.”
Lucky for the stallion’s owners, the King also kept the horse in “terrific condition” and it looked primed for a big Spring campaign during a telling trackwork session upon arrival.
“It wasn’t easy (buying Point Of Law),” owner Rupert Legh said to News Corp.
“All credit has to go to Will and his ability to negotiate. We were looking at another three prior to him that all failed the vet test, believe it or not. Then, he came up.
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“One of the first (trackwork sessions) at Werribee they decided to give him a light gallop and instead of doing one lap he decided to do three laps.
“He’s got the frame and stride of a real out-and-out stayer. He’s arrived here in great order. The King sent him over here in terrific condition.”
That form upon arrival in Australia translated to the Geelong Cup victory, handing Point of Law its entry into the Melbourne Cup.
Prior to Point of Law’s Cup victory, only three horses had managed the double in Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011).
Elsewhere, Legendary AFL player Chris Judd is reportedly apart of the colt’s ownership group.