[REVISION HISTORY]

2026 Melbourne Cup preparations and race day

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2026-11-04 02:28 UTC → 2026-11-04 03:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Preparations for the 166th running of the Melbourne Cup involved 39 horses initially in contention. Trainers such as Ciaron Maher, who aimed to field eight runners, and Joseph O’Brien, who planned to enter five, prepared for the high-stakes competition. Trainer Gai Waterhouse described the race as the “toughest in memory” due to the field depth. Notable developments included the withdrawal of Chris Waller’s mare Aeliana and the pursuit of final field spots by horses like Soulcombe and So You Are. By late October, the final field of 24 horses was released for the race scheduled for November 3 at Flemington Racecourse. The 3200m Group 1 handicap featured stayers from Australia, Europe, Japan, and the United States. Ciaron Maher entered seven runners, including favorites Point of Law and Mr Monaco. Joseph O’Brien entered five runners, though his contender Defiantly was withdrawn due to a hoof abscess. The race took place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Flemington Racecourse. Ciaron Maher secured a historic victory with Point of Law, a horse reportedly purchased from King Charles III for an estimated A$4 million. Jockey Ethan Brown secured the win, marking a significant comeback following a life-threatening fall at the same track in 2023. Maher achieved a historic trifecta, as his runners Zahrann finished second and Juja Kibo finished third. Maher saddled a record seven runners, with six placing in the top ten. Ahead of the race, trainer Chris Waller faced a setback when the gelding Asterix was withdrawn by Racing Victoria stewards following the administration of Penetrene, an unauthorised topical medication. Waller described the incident as an “honest mistake” by stable staff. Stewards subsequently fined Waller A$50,000. Weather conditions on race day were cold and windy, with morning showers and temperatures between 17 and 18 degrees Celsius.

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