Melbourne Cup 2026: 101 nominations received
The Victoria Racing Club has received 101 entries for the upcoming 166th Melbourne Cup, a 3200m race scheduled at Flemington on November 3.
Despite a dip in overall nominations from previous years, international interest has grown, with 23 horses nominated from four nations: England, Ireland, Japan, and the USA.
Last year, 2025, saw 120 nominations, 19 of which were international. In 2024, there were 123 nominations (20 international), and in 2023, 132 nominations (15 international). The 2022 edition had 186 nominations, with a substantial 43 from overseas, though entries were finalized a month earlier.
The defending champion, Half Yours, which delivered a career-defining victory for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy, is among the nominees.
The McEvoy stable also has Nearco Frod and Yellow Jersey nominated. Half Yours is set to kick off his Cup preparation in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday week.
Ciaron Maher has submitted 14 entries as he aims for another Cup win. Chris Waller, who trained Verry Elleegant to victory in 2021, has 12 horses entered for the first Tuesday in November. These include Aeliana, River Of Stars, and Soulcombe, the latter recently making his first appearance since finishing second to Without A Fight in the 2023 Cup.
Joseph O'Brien, a dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, leads the international contingent with 11 nominations. His entries include last year's runner-up, Goodie Two Shoes, and Defiantly, who earned a ballot exemption by winning the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville.
Aidan O'Brien is striving for his first win in the prestigious event, a pursuit that began in 2006 when Yeats finished seventh.
Epsom Derby victor Christmas Day heads O'Brien's team, aiming to go one better than the runner-up finishes achieved by Johnannes Vermeer (2017) and Tiger Moth (2020), both beaten by Joseph's previous winners Rekindling and Twilight Payment.
Knight's Choice, the 2024 winner, is nominated after being sidelined last year due to strangles. Middle Earth, who placed last year, and Okita Soushi, a placegetter in 2024, are also nominated for another attempt.
Among the more intriguing nominations is champion UK hurdler turned flat runner, Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson.
Constitution Hill's path to Melbourne will include a run in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton Park over 2400m.
Leigh Jordon, VRC Chief Racing Officer, highlighted the global appeal of the Melbourne Cup, stating, "From the reigning champion Half Yours and some of Australia's leading trainers, to a strong international contingent and the return of a Japanese-trained horse for the 20th anniversary of Delta Blues' historic victory in 2006, there are plenty of compelling stories already emerging ahead of the first Tuesday in November."
Additional opportunities for ballot exemptions at Flemington include the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on September 12 and the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 3. The Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) and Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24 are also key lead-up races.
Other races offering ballot exemptions are the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), both scheduled for next month.
Horses that have already secured their automatic entry through winning a golden ticket include Zakouma, Tawny Port, and Defiantly.
Late entries are due by September 8, with weights to be released on September 17. Punters can explore the latest racing betting markets on offer through various online bookmakers.
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