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Melbourne Cup 2026 draws highest viewership since 2020
The 2026 Melbourne Cup broadcast achieved its highest viewership in six years, with the race itself attracting a total reach of 2.4 million viewers and an average audience of 2.216 million. Nine Network dominated the ratings through its multi-platform coverage, securing top positions across major demographic brackets including the 25-54 and 16-39 age groups.
Specific segments of the broadcast also saw significant engagement. The official trophy presentation reached 2.284 million viewers, while post-race analysis achieved a reach of 2.229 million. Earlier mounting yard coverage captured a national reach of 2.131 million.
In evening programming, Seven News led all news bulletins with a national reach of 2.265 million, outperforming Nine News. In prime-time entertainment, Seven’s My Kitchen Rules reached 1.794 million viewers, leading Nine’s Euro House and Network 10’s Big Brother Australia.
Entities
Ciaron Maher · Melbourne Cup · Nine Network · Point of Law · Seven Network
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Seven News led evening news bulletins with a national reach of 2.265 million. ministryofsport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The average audience for the Melbourne Cup race was 2.216 million. ministryofsport.com · mumbrella.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nine holds the broadcast rights to the Melbourne Cup through to the 2029 race. mumbrella.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] My Kitchen Rules reached 1.794 million national viewers. ministryofsport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Melbourne Cup race had a total reach of 2.4 million viewers. mumbrella.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nine Network secured the top four positions across Total People, 25-54, and 16-39 demographic brackets. ministryofsport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Point of Law drew barrier nine for the race. www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The trophy presentation generated a national reach of 2.284 million. ministryofsport.com · mumbrella.com.au