Melbourne Cup 2026 sees rise in international nominations

The Victoria Racing Club has received 101 nominations for the 166th running of the Melbourne Cup, scheduled for November 3, 2026, at Flemington. While the total number of entries has decreased from 186 in 2022, there is a notable increase in international participation.

Twenty-three horses from England, Ireland, Japan, and the United States have been nominated, representing nearly one in four entries. This is a significant rise compared to previous years, where international entries accounted for 16 percent of nominations in 2024 and 2025, and 11 percent in 2023.

Notable contenders include the 2025 champion, Half Yours, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy. Other significant entries include 14 horses from trainer Ciaron Maher and 12 from Chris Waller. Joseph O’Brien leads the international contingent with 11 nominations, including last year’s runner-up, Goodie Two Shoes.