2026 Melbourne Cup Field, Barriers, Horses & Jockeys

2026 Melbourne Cup Field News

All Melbourne Cup Horses In 2026 Field: Pros & Cons

Melbourne Cup 2026 Horses Form: Two Words on Each Runner
Melbourne Cup 2026 Betting Odds Update: Point Of Law Heads Market as So You Are, Trustyourinstinct and Shockletz Attract Big Support
Melbourne Cup 2026 Form Guide: Runner-by-Runner Analysis & Predictions
Official Melbourne Cup 2026 Barrier Draw Confirmed, Favourite Point Of Law Big Winner with Gate 9
Official Melbourne Cup Final Field 2026 Confirmed: All 24 Horses, Jockeys and Trainers to Run in Flemington Race 7

The official Melbourne Cup 2026 field is the most anticipated lineup in Australian racing, featuring the best local and international stayers chasing glory in the famous “race that stops a nation” at Flemington Racecourse.

This page is your complete guide to the 2026 Melbourne Cup field, including the latest horses, barrier draw, jockeys, weights, emergencies, order of entry, and final field news leading up to the Group 1 $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Bookmark this page for the latest Melbourne Cup 2026 field updates, barrier draw news, Melbourne Cup horses, jockey announcements, emergencies, odds and final acceptances as Australia’s greatest race approaches.

Melbourne Cup 2026 Overview

Race	Melbourne Cup 2026
Race Type	Group 1
Distance	3200m
Prize Money	$10.2 million
Racecourse	Flemington
Date	Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Field Size	Maximum 24 runners
Weight Conditions	Handicap
Barrier Draw	Saturday prior to race day

Bet on the Melbourne Cup 2026 Field & Horses

Updated betting on the 2026 Melbourne Cup field and horses running in the 166th edition of the famous two-mile classic is provided below courtesy of Ladbrokes.

Melbourne Cup 2026 Form Guide: Runner-by-Runner Analysis & Predictions

Melbourne Cup 2026 Horses Form: Two Words on Each Runner

Melbourne Cup 2026 Odds

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Open Race time:

	1. Sons And Lovers (3) 57.5kg44512 J: Dylan Browne McmonagleT: Joseph O’brien	21.00WIN 6.50PLACE
Comes here off a 52-day let-up. Last start 2nd of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 2.25 len behind Arabian Crown with 63.5kg at $15. The race before that won by a head in the G2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil at Longchamp on July 14 over 2800m defeating Parachutiste carrying 59kg at $2.60. Top weight but brings classy international form and should go very well.
	2. Trustyourinstinct (18) 57kg21214 J: James McDonaldT: Joseph O’brien	8.00WIN 3.20PLACE
Form hard to fault. Comes off a 51 day let-up. Last start 4th of 7 in the G1 Irish St Leger Stakes at Curragh on September 13 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Scandinavia carrying 61.5kg at $7.50. Before that won by 0.8 len in the G2 Curragh Cup on July 19 over 2816m defeating Happy Pharoah carrying 62kg at $7.50. Brings a lovely profile and strong international form, and the man in the saddle goes okay too.
	3. Knight’s Choice (2) 56.5kgx0930 J: Robbie DolanT: J G Symons & S Laxon	41.00WIN 11.00PLACE
Most recently eased back early on 14th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 10 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $31. Before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, head behind Pinhole with 56kg at $7. Shock winner of 2024 Cup with more weight this time, hard to see him repeating the dose.
	4. Middle Earth (1) 56.5kg87898 J: Mark ZahraT: Ciaron Maher	14.00WIN 4.80PLACE
At the latest run eased back early on 8th of 12 in the G1 Ws Cox Plate at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 7 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $71. The race before that 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 55kg at $61. Ticking along as well as he was last year and has claims.
	5. Vauban (22) 56.5kg133×9 J: Jordan ChildsT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	61.00WIN 15.00PLACE
Second-up. First-up after five months 9th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 6 len behind Point Of Law carrying 60.5kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 8 in the G1 He Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on March 28 over 2400m, slow going 5 len behind Aeliana carrying 59kg at $7. Fourth crack at the Cup, only second up here and 3200m remains a worry.
	6. Enfjaar (8) 56kg381×3 J: Ray DawsonT: Roger Varian	21.00WIN 6.50PLACE
Second run back. First-up after three months held ground to the line 3rd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.0 len behind Kingswood carrying 54.5kg at $12. Previously second-up 8th of 16 in the LR Wolferton Stakes at Ascot on June 16 over 2011m, 5 len behind Map Of Stars carrying 59.5kg at $13. Very game first up, not sure he wants 3200m though.
	7. Royal Supremacy (21) 56kg1×910 J: Ben AllenT: Ciaron Maher	61.00WIN 15.00PLACE
Last start 15th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 17 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $13. The run before that won by 0.8 len in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m defeating Future History with 60kg at $4.80. Had some excuses last time but 3200m is a worry.
	8. Wine Dark Sea (23) 56kg151×0 J: Damian LaneT: Harry Charlton	51.00WIN 13.00PLACE
Second run back. First-up after two months raced on the pace before fading 11th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 6 len behind Kingswood with 54.5kg at $8. Previously second-up won by 13 len in a Rating 85 at Carlisle on June 24 over 2212m defeating Golden West carrying 64kg at $1.80. Up in trip should suit but needed to see more last time.
	9. Asterix (6) 55kgx5300 J: Jye McneilT: Chris Waller	61.00WIN 15.00PLACE
Last start eased back early on 12th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 7 len behind Kingswood with 53.5kg at $61. Before that ran last of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, in the wet; 43 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $71. Has a lot to find on past couple.
	10. Goodie Two Shoes (19) 55kgx8210 J: W M LordanT: Joseph O’brien	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
Returns from a 52-day let-up. Most recently ran last of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 9 len behind Arabian Crown with 62kg at $34. The run before that ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by a nose in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood on August 1 over 2816m defeating Santorini Star carrying 61kg at $9. Ran very well in this last year, more weight now, place probably best again.
	11. Juja Kibo (14) 55kgx3211 J: Sam ClippertonT: Ciaron Maher	11.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run won by 0.5 len in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m defeating Kings Valley carrying 58kg at $7.50. Before that ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m in soft going defeating Aethelwulf with 56.5kg at $5.50. Flying off moderate tempos, if he can convert that to two miles he’ll run well.
	12. Hopewell Rock (15) 54.5kg3612x J: Zac LloydT: George Boughey	11.00WIN 4.00PLACE
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation second of 22 at York Ebor Handicap August 22 over 2816m, a head behind Daiquiri Bay with 60.5kg at $7.50. Previously first up; third of 8 at Newmarket (Rowley) May 2 over 2414m, 1.75 len behind Daiquiri Bay carrying 61kg at $5.50. Progressive stayer with the right form lines, looks a strong winning chance.
	13. Onesmoothoperator (13) 54.5kg9×090 J: Declan BatesT: Tim Fitzsimmons	71.00WIN 16.00PLACE
At the latest run 11th of 13 in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m, 9 len behind Point Of Law carrying 57kg at $21. Before that got back early 9th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Pinhole with 58kg at $26. Not going nearly well enough.
	14. Soul Of Spain (5) 54.5kg68378 J: Tommy BerryT: Chris Waller	34.00WIN 9.50PLACE
At the latest run 8th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53kg at $61. The start before that 7th of 9 in a G2 The Metropolitan at Randwick on October 3 over 2400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Juja Kibo with 58.5kg at $7.50. Had some excuses latest but this looks too tough.
	15. Zahrann (11) 54.5kgx4106 J: Ben MelhamT: Ciaron Maher	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
Last start 6th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 4 len behind Kingswood with 53kg at $7.50. Before that 11th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 18 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56.5kg at $12. Worked home quite well last time but the 3200m is an unknown.
	16. So You Are (7) 54kg21111 J: Rachel KingT: Bjorn Baker	12.00WIN 4.40PLACE
On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; won by 0.8 len in the G3 Bendigo Cup on October 28 over 2400m defeating Berkeley Square carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.9 len in the G3 Atc St Leger Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 2600m in soft going defeating Tempesti with 57.5kg at $3.30. Other form potentially stronger but he’s flying, not the worst.
	17. Future History (12) 53.5kgx3249 J: Jamie MelhamT: Gregory Hickman	61.00WIN 15.00PLACE
At the latest run 9th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Juja Kibo with 57kg at $26. The start before that 4th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2 len behind Pinhole with 57kg at $7. Going along okay but this is too tough.
	18. James J Braddock (24) 53.5kg136×6 J: Craig WilliamsT: Joseph O’brien	18.00WIN 6.00PLACE
Second run back. Comes off a 52-day let-up. First-up after three months 6th of 10 in the G3 Kilternan Stakes at Leopardstown on September 12 over 2414m, 4 len behind Arabian Crown carrying 59kg at $13. Previously second-up won by a nose in the G3 Leopardstown Derby Trial on May 10 over 2011m defeating Pierre Bonnard with 59.5kg at $10. Epsom Derby placegetter but form since has been mixed, inclined to risk.
	19. Kizlyar (20) 53.5kg1x2x0 J: Beau MertensT: Joseph O’brien	41.00WIN 11.00PLACE
Second-up today. Last run raced on the speed throughout before fading 11th of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 4 len behind Juja Kibo with 56kg at $3.80. At only start last preparation 2nd in a small field in the G3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes at Curragh on August 22 over 2816m, 4.5 len behind Queenstown with 61kg at $4.30. Went way too slow at Aus debut, could be a knockout hope up in trip.
	20. Point Of Law (9) 53kg141×1 J: Ethan BrownT: Ciaron Maher	6.50WIN 2.80PLACE
Second-up. First-up after three months won by 0.5 len in the G3 Geelong Cup on October 21 over 2400m defeating Small Fry carrying 55kg at $6. Previously second-up won by 1.3 len in a 3yo Mdn Sw at Newbury on May 15 over 2011m defeating Hatteen with 60.5kg at $1.60. Impossible to knock and looks the one again. Huge win at local debut in fast time, lightly raced and if he brings that form he’ll go close again.
	21. Strictly Business (4) 53kg2×000 J: Dean YendallT: Thomas Carberry	71.00WIN 16.00PLACE
Most recently ran last of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 14 len behind Juja Kibo with 55kg at $81. The race before that ran second last of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 10 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $71. Not going nearly well enough.
	22. Mr Monaco (16) 52.5kgx4013 J: Jabez JohnstoneT: Ciaron Maher	23.00WIN 7.00PLACE
Recent form sound. Most recently ran on from midfield; 3rd of 16 in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup at this track on October 24 over 2500m, 0.8 len behind Juja Kibo carrying 57.5kg at $16. The start before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 1.3 len in a G3 The Bart Cummings at this track on October 3 over 2520m in the wet defeating Litzdeel carrying 54kg at $8. Past two have been good, should run well for wider exotics.
	23. Zakouma (10) 52kgx6650 J: William PikeT: Grahame Begg	26.00WIN 7.50PLACE
Most recently ran last of 11 in the G2 Crystal Mile at this track on October 24 over 1600m, 8 len behind Surfin’ Bird with 57.5kg at $26. The run before that 5th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.5 len behind Pinhole carrying 57kg at $7. Ignore last week when sharply back in trip, he was building nicely prior.
	24. Shockletz (17) 51kg64162 J: Harry CoffeyT: Ciaron Maher	10.00WIN 3.80PLACE
At the latest run 2nd of 15 in the G3 Tesio Stakes at this track on October 24 over 2040m, 0.5 len behind Soverato with 58kg at $7.50. Before that 6th of 13 in the G2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2400m, 2.75 len behind Pinhole with 55.5kg at $6. Past two have been excellent Cup trials and now up in trip with no weight, look out.

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 01/11/2026 06:02:45 PM (Australia/Brisbane)

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Melbourne Cup 2026 Final Field

The official Melbourne Cup 2026 final field will be declared following final acceptances and mandatory veterinary clearances.

Once released, the Melbourne Cup final field table will include:

Saddlecloth numbers
Horse names
Trainers
Jockeys
Barrier draw
Weights
Melbourne Cup odds

2026 Melbourne Cup Field

The 2026 Melbourne Cup final acceptances close at 4:30pm (local time) on Saturday October 31, 2026, with the field made public and published below soon after.

The 2026 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place on the evening of Saturday October 31, 2026, from 6:30pm (AEDT) and can be viewed live at Racing.com.

The official Melbourne Cup 2026 Field and Confirmed Barriers have been released with Ciaron Maher’s impressive Ladbrokes Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law drawing ideally in gate nine with the lightly raced four-year-old current co-favourite with Joseph O’Brien’s well-backed Irish raider Trustyourinstinct who drew wider out in gate 18 for jockey James McDonald.

Click here to read more on the 24-horse Melbourne Cup 2026 final field.

Click here for the full Melbourne Cup 2026 barrier draw breakdown.

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)

Open Race time:

Entrant	Last 6	Sex	Barrier	Weight
1. Sons And Lovers J: Dylan Browne Mcmonagle T: Joseph O’brien	144512	G	3	57.5kg
2. Trustyourinstinct J: James McDonald T: Joseph O’brien	721214	G	18	57kg
3. Knight’s Choice J: Robbie Dolan T: J G Symons & S Laxon	8×0930	G	2	56.5kg
4. Middle Earth J: Mark Zahra T: Ciaron Maher	x87898	G	1	56.5kg
5. Vauban J: Jordan Childs T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	x133x9	G	22	56.5kg
6. Enfjaar J: Ray Dawson T: Roger Varian	x381x3	G	8	56kg
7. Royal Supremacy J: Ben Allen T: Ciaron Maher	31×910	G	21	56kg
8. Wine Dark Sea J: Damian Lane T: Harry Charlton	1151×0	G	23	56kg
9. Asterix J: Jye Mcneil T: Chris Waller	1×5300	G	6	55kg
10. Goodie Two Shoes J: W M Lordan T: Joseph O’brien	2×8210	M	19	55kg
11. Juja Kibo J: Sam Clipperton T: Ciaron Maher	9×3211	G	14	55kg
12. Hopewell Rock J: Zac Lloyd T: George Boughey	x3612x	G	15	54.5kg
13. Onesmoothoperator J: Declan Bates T: Tim Fitzsimmons	x9x090	G	13	54.5kg
14. Soul Of Spain J: Tommy Berry T: Chris Waller	x68378	G	5	54.5kg
15. Zahrann J: Ben Melham T: Ciaron Maher	3×4106	H	11	54.5kg
16. So You Are J: Rachel King T: Bjorn Baker	421111	G	7	54kg
17. Future History J: Jamie Melham T: Gregory Hickman	6×3249	G	12	53.5kg
18. James J Braddock J: Craig Williams T: Joseph O’brien	5136×6	G	24	53.5kg
19. Kizlyar J: Beau Mertens T: Joseph O’brien	11x2x0	G	20	53.5kg
20. Point Of Law J: Ethan Brown T: Ciaron Maher	2141×1	C	9	53kg
21. Strictly Business J: Dean Yendall T: Thomas Carberry	02×000	M	4	53kg
22. Mr Monaco J: Jabez Johnstone T: Ciaron Maher	0x4013	G	16	52.5kg
23. Zakouma J: William Pike T: Grahame Begg	1×6650	G	10	52kg
24. Shockletz J: Harry Coffey T: Ciaron Maher	864162	M	17	51kg

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Key 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Field & Acceptance Dates

Entry & Acceptance Stages	Date
Nominations/Entries	12:00pm Tuesday 1 September
Late Nominations	12:00pm Tuesday 8 September
Weights Released	12:00pm Thursday 17 September
First Declarations	12:00pm Tuesday 29 September
Second Declarations	12:00pm Tuesday 13 October
Third Declarations	10:00am Monday 26 October
Final/Fourth Declarations	4:30pm Saturday 31 October

Melbourne Cup 2026 Barrier Draw

The official Melbourne Cup 2026 barrier draw will be conducted on the Saturday before race day and will determine where each runner starts from in the 24-horse field.

Historically, barriers have played a role in Melbourne Cup results, although quality stayers have won from both inside and outside draws.

Recent Melbourne Cup Winning Barriers

Year	Winner	Barrier
2025	Half Yours	10
2024	Knight’s Choice	2
2023	Without A Fight	16
2022	Gold Trip	13
2021	Verry Elleegant	18

Once released, the full Melbourne Cup 2026 barrier draw will be published here.

Melbourne Cup Horses 2026

The Melbourne Cup 2026 horses list is expected to feature a quality blend of local and international talent.

Key Local Chances

Australian-trained stayers traditionally use races including:

Caulfield Cup
Geelong Cup
Bendigo Cup
Moonee Valley Cup
Herbert Power Stakes
Metropolitan Handicap

to qualify for the Melbourne Cup and improve their order of entry ranking.

International Horses

European and Japanese-trained runners continue to play a major role in the modern Melbourne Cup and regularly dominate betting markets thanks to their proven two-mile form.

Many of the highest-ranked horses in the 2026 Melbourne Cup order of entry have arrived from Ireland, England, France and Japan.

How is the Melbourne Cup Field Selected?

The Melbourne Cup field is limited to a maximum of 24 starters.

Places are determined by:

Ballot exemption winners.
Handicap ratings.
Order of entry rankings.
Final acceptances.
Veterinary clearances.

Horses outside the top 24 remain on standby and can gain a start if runners ahead of them are withdrawn.

Melbourne Cup Emergencies

Unlike many Australian races, the Melbourne Cup does not have traditional emergencies once the final field is declared.

Instead, horses waiting outside the top 24 rely on withdrawals occurring before declarations are finalised.

The horses immediately outside the field are often referred to as the “first emergencies” or “on the cusp of the field” by punters and media.

Melbourne Cup Field Trends

Recent Melbourne Cup results suggest several important trends worth considering:

European-bred stayers continue to excel.
Horses carrying 54kg-57kg have enjoyed strong success.
Lead-up runs in the Caulfield Cup and Geelong Cup remain key form references.
International-trained horses frequently start among the favourites.
Proven 2400m+ performers generally hold an advantage over emerging stayers.

2026 Melbourne Cup Third Acceptances

The 2026 Melbourne Cup third acceptances close on Monday October 26, 2026, at 10:00pm (local time).

The official Lexus Melbourne Cup 2026 third acceptances are now out featuring 39 horses still in the hunt including Ciaron Maher’s Geelong Cup winner and current all-in favourite at Ladbrokes, Point Of Law, and an eight-strong contingent for Ireland’s Joesph O’Brien headed by Trustyourinstinct.

Melbourne Cup 2026 Third Acceptances: At A Glance

39 horses remain in contention
15 runners withdrawn at third acceptance stage
Aeliana officially out of Melbourne Cup calculations
Birdman also withdrawn
James McDonald confirmed for Joseph O’Brien’s Trustyourinstinct
Joseph O’Brien retains five international raiders
Ciaron Maher continues to boast the strongest local team
Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law remains market leader at $7 through Ladbrokes

Click here to read more on the key Melbourne Cup 2026 third acceptors.

2026 Melbourne Cup Second Acceptances

The Melbourne Cup second acceptances are the second round of declarations taken the Monday before the final field is released on the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day. The Melbourne Cup second acceptances stage is the final step in the process before the announcement of the final field on Victoria Derby Day and traditionally attract around 30 – 40 hopefuls.

The 2026 Melbourne Cup second acceptances close on Tuesday October 13, 2026, at 12:00pm (local time).

The 2026 Melbourne Cup second acceptances have been taken with 58 remaining chances including 13 international raiders with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Irish stayer Defiantly narrow favourite in the latest all-in markets.

Click here to read more on the key 2026 Melbourne Cup second acceptances and remaining Cup chances.

2026 Melbourne Cup Second Acceptances: At a Glance

58 horses remain
13 horses withdrawals at second declaration stage
Ciaron Maher leading trainer with 14 second acceptors
Chris Waller retains 9 contenders headed by Aeliana, Ohope Wins, Pinhole, Birdman and Valiant King
Joseph O’Brien has 9 remaining entries, including market elect Defiantly and fellow internationals James J Braddock and Trustyourinstinct
Defiantly heads all-in Melbourne Cup betting at $9 through Ladbrokes
Half Yours remains on track to defend his Melbourne Cup title and become the race’s first dual winner since Makybe Diva (2003-05)
19 of the 22 Caulfield Cup runners have also accepted for the Melbourne Cup, highlighting Saturday’s race as a key lead-up
International hopes remain strong with runners from Ireland, England, and Japan, including Defiantly, Wine Dark Sea and Stinger Glass

Click here to view the complete list of 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup second acceptors.

2026 Melbourne Cup First Acceptances

Melbourne Cup first acceptances are the first round of declarations helping narrow down the original bumper crop of nominees for the classic ahead of the official Melbourne Cup final field of 24 being released on the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day.

The 2026 Melbourne Cup first acceptances close on Tuesday September 29, 2026, at 12:00pm (local time) and can be viewed on our Melbourne Cup field page.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup 2026 first acceptances are now out leaving 71 remaining hopefuls including 13 internationals led by last year’s Spring Cups double hero Half Yours and Joseph O’Brien’s impressive Group 2 Prix Kergolay winning Irish raider Defiantly.

Click here to read more on the key 2026 Melbourne Cup first acceptances and remaining Cup chances.

2026 Melbourne Cup First Acceptances: At a Glance

71 horses remain in contention
58 Australian-trained runners and 13 international contenders left from Ireland, England, and Japan
Ciaron Maher leading trainer with 14 acceptors including Zahrann, Shockletz and Middle Earth
Chris Waller retains 9 contenders headed by Aeliana, Soulcombe, Valiant King and Birdman
Defiantly (Joseph O’Brien, Ireland) heads latest all-in 2026 Melbourne Cup betting at $9 through Ladbrokes
Half Yours remains on track to defend his 2025 Melbourne Cup crown as the $10 second favourite in futures markets

Click here to view the complete list of 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup first acceptors.

2026 Melbourne Cup Nominations & Weights

The 2026 Melbourne Cup nominations closed on Tuesday September 1, 2026, at 12:00pm (local time).

The 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup nominations feature 101 horses (down from 120 last year) including 23 internationals (up from 19 last year) and featuring the defending champion Half Yours.

Click here to read more on the Melbourne Cup 2026 nominations and key early contenders.

2026 Melbourne Cup Nominations: Quick Glance

101 total nominations received for the 166th Melbourne Cup
78 Australian-trained stayers and 23 international contenders
Entries from England, Ireland, Japan and the USA
Half Yours returns as the defending Melbourne Cup champion
Ciaron Maher submits 14 nominations as he chases a second Cup
Chris Waller enters 12 runners, including rising star Aeliana
Joseph O’Brien leads the internationals with 11 nominees, including golden ticket winner Defiantly and last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes
Aidan O’Brien nominates five, headlined by Christmas Day, the Epsom Derby winner
Japan represented by Stinger Glass on the 20-year anniversary of Delta Blues’ historic Cup victory
Fan favourite Constitution Hill among the northern hemisphere entries
Golden ticket qualifiers: Zakouma, Tawny Port, Defiantly
Additional ballot exemption pathways include the Archer Stakes, Bart Cummings, Caulfield Cup, Moonee Valley Gold Cup and Geelong Cup