Melbourne Cup Tips, Betting, Odds, Horses & More 2024

The race that stops the nation! The Melbourne Cup is the biggest Group 1 race in Australia. It is a handicap race at Flemington Racecourse and is held each year on the first Tuesday of November. The 3,200m trip is the highlight of the Australian racing calendar and features the best horses in Australia and worldwide.

Melbourne Cup Information

Buckle yourselves in, it’s the biggest race of all. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, check out some of the key details on the Melbourne Cup below:

📅Date:Tuesday 5th November, 2024
⌚Race Time:3pm
📏Race Distance:3,200 metres
🛣️Racecourse:Flemington Racecourse
🐎Conditions:Handicap
🏅Status:Group 1
🏆Prize Money:$8,000,000
🏇2023 Winner:Without A Fight

About the Melbourne Cup

Get ready for the thrill of the 2024 Melbourne Cup, a highlight on the racing calendar that requires careful preparation, especially if you're planning to bet on the Melbourne Cup. Run at 3pm on the first Tuesday in November, as it is every year, the 2024 edition will take place on Tuesday, 5th November, and is known as one of the biggest Group One races in the world. 

Renowned as "the race that stops a nation", this year promises an exhilarating mix of horse racing, fashion, dining and entertainment. Beyond the iconic $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, the event features ten races across various distances and prize values, cementing its status as Australia's most prestigious racing spectacle. 

But it's not just about the horses. Attendees eagerly anticipate a chance to flaunt extravagant attire, with women donning vibrant dresses and ostentatious hats. There are VIP marquees, brimming with fashion parades and entertainment, which are set up throughout the racecourse. 

Witness the gripping convergence of global equine talent, as Australia and an expected crowd of over 100,000 stand still to revel in the excitement. Flemington Racecourse, one of the top tracks in Australia, is set to sparkle with fashion shows, live music, and exquisite culinary offerings. 

But even before the big day, there's plenty of anticipation with early Melbourne Cup tips and Melbourne Cup betting tips being eagerly discussed among punters. Be sure to check out the Melbourne Cup review and Melbourne Cup tips for insights that could make all the difference.

You should definitely make sure you check OnlyRacing.com.au closer to the meet on November 5th to see our most up-to-date tips and analysis of all the runners in the Melbourne Cup. Our experts will include best bets, exotics and multi-picks to satisfy your punting needs.

Melbourne Cup Tips

So let’s get to the big stuff…who’s going to win? There’s almost no better feeling than saying you backed the winner of the Melbourne Cup! Bragging rights are on the line, and the team at OnlyRacing takes that very seriously. We love giving our readers the best free horse racing tips.

While the Melbourne Cup is still a while away, our experts are biding their time until more information about the potential runners is announced. Once more information is available, they will provide all their best Melbourne Cup tips. 

While you’re waiting, you can take a look back at our tips from the race in 2023, all with the benefit of hindsight! Our expert crunched the stats, looked at all the relevant information and these are their Melbourne Cup tips: 

I’m going to say I think the winner comes from the top four in the market. That is to say, I think either Vauban, Gold Trip, Without A Fight or Soulcombe will take out the all-important Group 1 race.

Melbourne Cup Tip 1 - Vauban

At $3.20 the favourite, Vauban is exceptionally short and if it stays that price at the jump it will be the second shortest favourite to have started the Cup since 2005 when the legendary Makybe Diva won her unprecedented third Melbourne Cup.  

In 2021, Incentivise started at $2.90 and ran second. Since 2005 the favourite has only won once: Fiorente saluted at $7.00 in 2013. This favourite is hot but I just can’t bring myself to have a win bet at that price.

Melbourne Cup Tip 2 - Gold Trip

This horse is an absolute staying star, and of course, he is last year’s winner. If he were to win on Tuesday it would be history-making given that he would become only the fourth horse to win back-to-back Melbourne Cups: Archer (1861 & 1862), Rain Lover (1968 & 1969) Think Big (1974 & 1975), and of course the mighty mare herself, Makybe Diva with the aforementioned trifecta of years.  

History is not on his side and with jockey Mark Zahra, who won on him last year, opting for a rival (Without A Fight) you’d have to be brave to back him to win at $4.60. Gold Trip is certainly in with a good chance, but the quote is just a little too short for my liking.

Melbourne Cup Tip 3 - Without A Fight

This year’s Caulfield Cup winner has his battle against history, but battles are there to be won right! Ethereal was the last horse to win the Melbourne Cup having won the Caulfield Cup in 2021. In the 20 years before that, it happened four times, so it does seem to be that the form lines into the Melbourne Cup have changed over this last generation. 

On his side as far as history is concerned is the fact that eight horses since 2000 have carried 55kg or more. Given the fact that last year’s Cup-winning jockey, Mark Zahra, has jumped off the mount that won last year, Gold Trip, in favour of this horse is another boost for his chances. So too is the fact that this year’s Caulfield Cup was run 6L faster than average.  This is a live chance.

Melbourne Cup Tip 4 - Soulcombe

Soulcombe is such an interesting runner. Has terrible form out of the barriers, and continued that in his last run in the Caulfield Cup. Gave the field a 6L advantage in that hotly run race and he still managed to finish a creditable seventh, only six lengths off the winner.  

The jump issues are a big concern, but if he manages to start well then he is a real live contender. Certainly worth a stab at the price, and if you jump on, just say a little prayer that he can jump cleanly.

While those are the top four favourites at the time of writing, if you’re looking further out from those runners who are favoured in the market, I’m also liking two other horses. Vow And Declare and Ashrun. You could play these two runners in your exotics if that’s something you’re interested in.

Melbourne Cup Tip 5 - Vow And Declare

The 2019 Melbourne Cup winner looks set to have another tilt, having run in 2020 and 2022.  This time he will be back down in the weights and his eye-catching second in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes on October 14 says he’s primed to give a good sight again this year. It would be a fairytale win and I for one will be having a small something on him for sure.

Melbourne Cup Tip 6 - Ashrun

Ashrun is trained by Maher and Eustace, and he has had a terrible time with injuries but looks to have put them behind him with his second place in the Geelong Cup on October 25.  That was only his third run since running in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. He is an outsider in the market but the owner, Jamie Lovett holds high hopes for a top-six finish.

So, who’s my money on from the above? With all said and done I am going to side with Without A Fight at the price. Any one of the top four could win but at $8.00, I am happy to have a bet. If you fancy a roughie, then Virtuous Circle is my pick.

Putting the kudos glory of backing the winner aside, I want to turn my attention to the exotics. The Trifecta and the First Four are always a great bet in The Cup.  With that in mind, my thoughts are below. I have given the horse race number to help with putting the bets together.

Trifecta ~
For First: 3,5
For Second: 1,3,5,6
For Third 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19

First Four ~ 
For First: 3,5
For Second: 1,3,5,6
For Third 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19
For Fourth: 1,3,4,5,6,9,13,19

Whatever way you go I hope you find a winner and let’s look forward to another epic Melbourne Cup! The nation will stand still at 3pm on Tuesday, and it’s going to be a very exciting 3,200 metres.

Don’t forget to check back closer to Melbourne Cup race day, as our experts will provide their tips for the 2024 race!

Melbourne Cup Betting Sites

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Melbourne Cup Betting

Such is the interest in this iconic race that almost everyone you come across is likely to be armed with at least a couple of Melbourne Cup betting tips. It is a fantastic betting affair and if you can find some early Melbourne Cup tips and get a bet on in the “Before Noms” or “All-In” markets, then there’s a chance you could back the winner at vastly better odds compared to if you simply bet on the day.

That said, however, there is no better feeling than being able to say “I backed the winner in the Melbourne Cup''. So our advice would be if you aren’t lucky enough to get some early Melbourne Cup tips from your friends, workmates or acquaintances then make sure to read the full Melbourne Cup review that we post on this site before race day.

We thoroughly recommend having a bet on the Melbourne Cup! The thrill is unlike anything else and there are some wonderful ways to do it. You can afford to digest the Melbourne Cup review, and all the Melbourne Cup tips you hear, then back several runners in the race, and if you happen to back the winner then still walk away with a tidy profit.  

Why? Because there is so much value among the 24-runner field. In the last 18 years, the average starting price for the favourite has been $5.00+ and yet the favourite has only one in two out of the 18 years! 

In the last six years, the average price of the winner of the Melbourne Cup has been $26. Yep, $26! When you look at this you can start to see how it’s possible to bet on a few of your favourite Melbourne Cup betting tips.
 
Furthermore, it’s a great idea to incorporate any early Melbourne Cup tips into the exotics for the race, particularly the Trifecta and First Four. The prize pools for these are so big that the payout is often very good indeed, meaning that even if you have a small percentage of the Trifecta or First Four dividend you can still walk away with a big Melbourne Cup Day smile when it is all over.

It’s also a good idea to bet using a range of betting apps, so you can find the best odds going around. There are many horse racing betting sites to choose from, but we make the process of choosing one easy, thanks to our comprehensive bookmaker reviews!

If you’re on the lookout for the best Australian betting sites, there are a couple in particular that we like for all your Melbourne Cup betting needs:

  1. PlayUp - Looking for the best betting sites bonuses? Well, look no further than PlayUp! Their betting promotions are unique and you’ll feel truly valued with this bookmaker.
  2. BetRoyale - Certainly one of the best betting apps for the Melbourne Cup. BetRoyale has an awesome protest payout feature. Trust us when we say that does come in handy sometimes!
  3. BetRight - If you like your winnings in your account fast, then BetRight is the bookie for you. They pride themselves in their speedy withdrawals, so you can get to celebrating your extra cash faster.

Now, that’s just three of the bookies we like, there’s plenty more where that came from. If you want to learn about more Australian bookmakers, check out our “Betting Sites” section above!

Melbourne Cup Bet Types

The Melbourne Cup brings out all those once-a-year punters to play! If you are one of those punters, or you would simply like a refresher on all the different bet types available to you, we have so nicely put together this table for you.

Check out the range of bet types available for the Melbourne Cup:

Bet Type:Description:
Win BetAh, the Win Bet, the simplest of all the bets. Place this bet on the horse you think will win the Melbourne Cup. All bookies (like PlayUp and PuntNow, etc.) will have Win Bet markets available.
Place BetThis is another fairly simple bet when you pick a horse to finish in the top three. While your odds won’t be as lucrative as Win Bet odds, you have three chances to win!
Each-Way BetIn this bet, you place equal amounts on a particular runner to win and place. It is basically as if you are placing two bets at the one time.
Quinella Bet

Now we are getting a little bit more complex, but a Quinella Bet is a very interesting betting option. This is where you bet on which horses you believe will finish first and second in the race. Both runners can finish in either first or second. 

You also can pick more than two horses to finish in the top two (in any order). For example, you could pick one runner to cross the line first, and then a couple of other runners that you think might finish second. But remember, the more horses you pick, the smaller your return will be.

Exacta BetThe Exacta Bet is very similar to the Quinella Bet. However, the key difference is that the horses you pick must finish in a certain position. This is much harder to pick, and therefore the odds are higher than a Quinella Bet.
Trifecta BetYou had two in the Exacta Bet, now you have three in the Trifecta Bet! It’s the same as the Exacta, you just need to pick the top three horses in the correct order.
First Four

If you are feeling lucky (or brave) a First Four could be a great bet. You can bet on a First Four on the Melbourne Cup at several bookies, like Bet365 and TopSport

The First Four is when you choose the horses you think will finish first, second, third and fourth, all in the correct order. Like with the previous betting options, you can pick more than four runners to increase your chances of winning.

Quadrella Bet (Quaddie)You’ll probably hear lots of people talking about the Melbourne Cup Quaddie! This is where you pick the winner of four nominated races on Melbourne Cup Day, including the big race itself. Again, you can choose as many or as few runners as you like. But remember, the fewer selections, the greater percentage you have of the betting pool!
TrebleThis is the same as the Quaddie, except you are only choosing from three races now.
DoubleAgain, this is the same as the Quaddie, however, now you are choosing from just two nominated races.
Futures BettingGot an early hot tip for the Melbourne Cup? Well, you can bet on it if you like! Many bookies have Melbourne Cup fixed win markets up months before the big race.

Melbourne Cup Field and Key Dates

The final field for the 2024 Melbourne Cup will be revealed on Saturday, November 2 at 4.30pm, followed by the barrier draw later that evening. The main event takes place on Tuesday, November 5. However, there are some key dates to keep in mind as the race approaches. 

Some of the key dates you should be aware of:

Event:Date:
First NominationsSeptember 3
Late NominationsSeptember 10
First AcceptancesOctober 1
Second AcceptancesOctober 15
Third AcceptancesOctober 29
Barrier DrawNovember 2
Race DayNovember 5

However, such is the interest in this iconic race that many bookmakers offer what is known as a “Before Noms” market for those eager to place an early bet on the Melbourne Cup. Keep in mind, though, that when these markets are known as “All-In”, once you bet on the Melbourne Cup, there's no refund if your chosen horse doesn't make the final 24-runner field. 

The field for the 2024 Melbourne Cup is yet to be determined but as we draw closer to the big day, we are sure to get a pretty clear picture of the homegrown and international horses that are taking on the 3,200m race. 

Even though the final field is not announced for the Melbourne Cup, because it’s such a huge race, many bookmakers have already released a “Before Noms” market, and you can check out all the current fancied runners in our “Odds” section below. 

While we sit here patiently waiting for the final field of the Melbourne Cup for 2024, let’s take a look back and see which horses contested the biggest race of all in 2023:

No.HorseTrainerJockeyBarrierWeight
1GOLD TRIP (FR)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceJames McDonald258.5kg
2ALENQUER (FR)Michael MoroneyDamien Oliver956.5kg
3WITHOUT A FIGHT (IRE)Anthony & Sam FreedmanMark Zahra1656.5kg
4BREAKUP (JPN)Tatsuya YoshiokaKohei Matsuyama1855kg
5VAUBAN (FR)Willie MullinsRyan Moore355kg
6SOULCOMBE (GB)Chris WallerJoao Moreira453.5kg
7ABSURDE (FR)Willie MullinsZac Purton853kg
8RIGHT YOU ARECiaron Maher & David EustaceJohn Allen1553kg
9VOW AND DECLAREDanny O’BrienBilly Egan1953kg
10CLEVELAND (IRE)Kris LeesMichael Dee2352kg
11ASHRUN (FR)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceKerrin McEvoy1151.5kg
12DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (NZ)Phillip StokesDaniel Stackhouse1251.5kg
13OKITA SOUSHI (IRE)Joseph O’BrienDylan Gibbons (a)2051.5kg
14SHERAZ (FR)Chris WallerBeau Mertens2251.5kg
15LASTOTCHKA (FR)Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Craig Williams2151kg
16MAGICAL LAGOON (IRE)Chris WallerMark Du Plessis751kg
17MILITARY MISSION (IRE)Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottMs Rachel King551kg
18SERPENTINE (IRE)Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottJye McNeil151kg
19VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ)Liam HowleyCraig Newitt651kg
20MORE FELONS (IRE)Chris WallerMs Jamie Kah2450.5kg
21FUTURE HISTORY (GB)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceHollie Doyle1350kg
22INTERPRETATION (IRE)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceTeo Nugent1750kg
23KALAPOUR (IRE)Kris LeesZac Lloyd (a)1450kg
24TRUE MARVEL (FR)Matthew SmithBen Thompson1050kg

As always, the 2023 edition saw a full field of 24 runners, both Australian and international. Due to the fact it’s a full field of 24, there are never any emergencies in the Melbourne Cup. Runner Cleveland was scratched from the race before the jump, which resulted in 23 runners taking on the Melbourne Cup.

Scratchings and horse racing go hand-in-hand, unfortunately. Even in major Group 1 races, like the Melbourne Cup, where there is significant prize money up for grabs. Scratchings can happen at any time, a day or so before the race, up to just minutes before the jump. The good news though, is that if your horse is scratched you will get your stake back.

Something else that is vital to look at when dissecting the final field is the barrier draw. We will go into this in more detail in the section below, but in a race like the Melbourne Cup where there is a full field, the barrier draw is critical. The barrier a runner starts from will have a major influence on race strategy.

Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw

As promised, we will discuss all the ins and outs of the Melbourne Cup barrier draw! Each horse is randomly drawn a starting barrier, and it can have a major impact on the strategy deployed. Some barriers have seen more success than others over the years.

Have a look at the table below, as we go through the best and worst barriers of the Melbourne Cup:

Barrier:Number of Winners:
15
23
33
45
57
65
71
85
94
105
118
122
134
146
151
164
175
181
196
202
215
222
233
243

Looking at that data, the connections of runners in the Melbourne Cup certainly don’t want to draw barriers 7, 15 or 18, as these three barriers have only seen one winner. The last time barrier 7 saw a Melbourne Cup winner was 100 years ago, in 1924!

On the flip side, barrier 11 has seen a lot of success, with eight winners in the Melbourne Cup. The last winner from barrier 11 was in 2010 with Americain. Barrier 5 has also seen a great amount of success with seven winners, and the last winner was in 2013, thanks to Fiorente.

Melbourne Cup Form Guide

Bet with more confidence on the Melbourne Cup by checking all the key form indicators. There is a lot to check when it comes to the Melbourne Cup form guide, so it can be difficult to know where to start. The good news is the team at OnlyRacing makes this process easy for you!

We go through all the key form indicators and provide them all here, so you don’t have to scroll through pages and pages of form! Each Group 1 is different, and they don’t come bigger than the Melbourne Cup, so let’s take a look at all the key form indicators!

As the Melbourne Cup has turned into a truly international race, the form lines can be difficult to follow as you have to match up international form and see how it compares to Australian form. Despite this, many international horses, if their end target is the Melbourne Cup, will be in Australia well before the race and will likely target a few Group 1 races here to get some experience under their belt.

We have seen that the traditional major lead-up race for the Melbourne Cup has been the Caulfield Cup. It is run two weeks before the Melbourne Cup and is another staying event. The Caulfield Cup is another major Group 1 and many international and home-grown horses will be targeting this race as well.

Although, the impact of the Caulfield Cup has lessened over the years, as a win in this race would mean a potential weight penalty for the Melbourne Cup thanks to the handicap conditions. The connections of runners would rather have a lighter weight as it means less weight on the back of their horse.

This is certainly something that the connections have to consider, but on the flip side, a win in the Caulfield Cup means the horse receives automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup. There are a few other ballot-free races that horses can target, including:

  • Andrew Ramsden Stakes
  • Cox Plate
  • Lexus Archer Stakes
  • The Bart Cummings
  • Roy Higgins Quality
  • Ebor Handicap

When it comes to the favourite and the Melbourne Cup, it’s best to look past them. On average, only one in five of the winning horses was the favourite. The last favourite to win was Fiorente in 2013, even then the starting price was $7.00! The shortest-priced favourite in recent years was Incentivise in 2021, with a starting price of $2.90, but he could only manage second place.

Entires have had the most success in the Melbourne Cup, with 72 wins in total. While 4YOs narrowly beat out 5YOs as the most successful age of Melbourne Cup winners, at 46 and 45, respectively. As well as this, since the year 2000, we have seen eight international runners take out the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup Horses

Only the best horses contest the Melbourne Cup each year, and only the best of the best go on to win the race that stops the nation. We could go into great detail about every winner of the Melbourne Cup, but instead, we’ve picked out some of the key winners over the years to dig a little deeper into what makes them so great.

The goal at hand? To provide you with some of the top horses that have ever competed (and won) the Melbourne Cup, and boy there sure are a lot of them! Check out the key horses from previous editions of the Melbourne Cup below:

Archer - 1861 & 1862

Archer will forever be known as the first-ever winner of the Melbourne Cup, as well as the first multiple-winner of the great race. He won the first two editions of the Melbourne Cup, and in 1861 he was completely dominant, winning by six lengths. Archer successfully defended his crown in 1862, but due to a bureaucratic issue, he wasn’t able to try and win the race for a third time.

Peter Pan - 1932 & 1934

Peter Pan was the first multiple Melbourne Cup winner since Archer. The 1932 victory was certainly a famous one as he was near the back of the field and nearly fell over after clipping another runner’s heels. But he was able to steady up thanks to stablemate Denis Boy, and the rest is history! Peter Pan wasn’t able to defend his crown in 1933 as he was suffering from a viral disease, but got his chance in 1934, and made the most of it.

Makybe Diva    - 2003-2005

When you think of Melbourne Cup winners, the horse that most likely comes to mind is Makybe Diva. To this day, Makybe Diva is the horse that has the most Melbourne Cup wins, after winning the great race three years in a row. After each win the handicappers piled the weight on, but that wasn’t enough to hold her back. In 2005, she was carrying 58kg on her back and still won, and she holds the record for the heaviest weight carried by a winning mare.

Prince of Penzance - 2015

The Prince of Penzance created history for a couple of reasons when winning the Melbourne Cup back in 2015. Firstly, Prince of Penzance was ridden by Michelle Payne, who became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Secondly, he started with some of the largest odds ever seen in a Melbourne Cup winner, paying $101!

Verry Elleegant - 2021

All the recent winners of the Melbourne Cup are high-quality horses, but we couldn’t go past the great Verry Elleegant. Verry Elleegant was even crowned the 2020/2021 Australian Racehorse of the Year, thanks to several key wins, including the 2021 Melbourne Cup along with the 2020 Caulfield Cup. She ended her career with a record of 36:16-7-3 and amassed over $14 million in prize money.

Melbourne Cup Odds

One of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the Melbourne Cup odds. As the Melbourne Cup is the biggest race of the year, all the top horse racing betting apps will have odds available all year round. As soon as one race ends, they will have horse racing markets up for the next year’s race!

You’ll find that odds for even the current favourite could be in double digits because there are a lot of live chances vying for a spot in the final field. So, if you’ve got a hot early Melbourne Cup tip, we suggest getting on it as soon as you can to take advantage of those great odds.

If you are betting when the market is “Before Noms” this is perfect because if your horse doesn’t end up getting a run in the big race, you’ll get your stake back. When the market changes to “All-In”, if your horse isn’t in the final field, you, unfortunately, won’t get your stake back.

Even though we are still a while away from the Melbourne Cup, our favourite bookie, PlayUp, already has a market available for the race. Check out all the odds for the top runners below:

Runner:Odds:
Soulcombe$14
Without A Fight$15
West Wind Blows$15
Middle Earth$20
Riffs Rocket$21
Zardozi$23
Prowess$26
White Marlin$26
Valiant King$26
Absurde$31
Apulia$31
First Immortal$31
Gold Trip$31
Just Fine$31
Land Legend$31
Militarize$31
Muramasa$31
Tom Kitten$31
Riff Rocket$31

*Odds correct as of late January 2024.

Melbourne Cup Stats

The Melbourne Cup, one of Australia's most iconic horse races, is held annually on the first Tuesday in November. It's a 3200-metre race that sees participants from across the globe. Known for its grandeur, pageantry, and occasional controversies, the Melbourne Cup is steeped in history. 

Here are some interesting facts about the biggest race of them all:

  • The Melbourne Cup's inaugural race was in 1861, making it one of the world's oldest horse races.
  • Only one horse has ever won from barriers 7, 15 or 18, making these three barriers the equal least successful barrier.
  • Only one female jockey, Michelle Payne, has ever won the race. She rode Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015, and the odds were a staggering $101!
  • In 1890, the race had a record 39 runners. For safety purposes, the field is now limited to 24 runners.
  • The Melbourne Cup has been won by some of Australia's most legendary horses, including Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, Saintly, and Might and Power.
  • In 1993, the Cup went global when Vintage Crop won the race. Since then, several international horses have claimed the Cup, including; Media Puzzle (Ireland, 2002), Delta Blues (Japan, 2006), Americain (France, 2010), Dunaden (France, 2011), Protectionist (Germany, 2014), Almandin (Germany, 2016), Rekindling (Great Britain, 2017), Cross Counter (Great Britain, 2018), Twilight Payment (Ireland, 2020), Gold Trip (France, 2022) and Without A Fight (Ireland, 2023).
  • The Melbourne Cup is often dubbed "the race that stops a nation" because of the public holiday declared in Victoria on race day.

So, there you have it - a compilation of fascinating facts about one of Australia's most cherished events, the Melbourne Cup! These stats are interesting and very unique, but if you’re looking for more about form indicators, scroll up to our “Form Guide” section.

Melbourne Cup History

Annually, on the first Tuesday of November, Melbourne stands still for the renowned Melbourne Cup. Fondly dubbed “the race that stops a nation”, thanks to the nationwide attention it garners, this event is deeply rooted in Australian culture. The race takes place in one of the biggest horse racing carnivals of the year, the Spring Racing Carnival.

It stands as one of the most prestigious and celebrated horse races globally, drawing immense interest from those seeking Melbourne Cup tips and betting opportunities. This year, it ups the ante with an even richer prize purse, boasting over $8 million.

The Melbourne Cup is a public holiday in Victoria, with school children and working professionals alike taking a day off to revel in the festivities. As the biggest betting event in Australia, it has thousands of punters trying to predict the winner, and millions partake in Melbourne Cup sweeps. Countless others tune in via radio or television, ensuring nearly everyone has a stake in the Melbourne Cup race.

The inaugural Melbourne Cup was held in 1861, and since then, it's become a significant mark on Australia's calendar. Immortalised in songs like 'Waltzing Matilda' by Banjo Paterson, it holds a special charm that continues to captivate the nation even after over 150 years. For those interested in this historic race, Melbourne Cup review articles offer insights into its storied history and provide Melbourne Cup betting tips to help guide their wagers.

While the Melbourne Cup is the biggest race of them all, if you’ve found you’d like to learn more about some of the other races on the Australian horse racing calendar, make sure you check out our Group One races list. We’ve got all the details you need on all the key races every year!

History of International Runners in the Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup, a celebrated icon in Australian sport, has seen an illustrious transition from its local roots to a significant international event. When it was first run in 1861, the race was a predominantly local affair. However, over time, it has emerged as a global spectacle, with its prestige attracting competitors from all corners of the globe.

The Melbourne Cup's journey towards internationalisation began in earnest in 1993 when Irish thoroughbred Vintage Crop, trained by Dermot Weld, crossed the finish line first. This victory marked a turning point in the race's history, shattering the perception that overseas horses couldn't handle the travel and unique challenges of the Melbourne Cup.

In the years that followed, many international trainers were encouraged by Vintage Crop's success and began to target the Melbourne Cup for their runners. The 2002 triumph of Media Puzzle, another horse from Dermot Weld's stable, reaffirmed the global appeal of the race.

In 2006, the race saw its first Japanese champion, Delta Blues, trained by Katsuhiko Sumii. This victory was significant, not just for Japan, but for the Asian horse racing community, further expanding the Cup's geographical footprint.

French horses also made their mark, with Americain and Dunaden clinching back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The 2014 race saw Germany join the ranks of international victors when Protectionist, trained by Andreas Wohler, triumphed.

In recent times, there have been many international winners including:

  • Almandin (Germany, 2016)
  • Rekindling (Great Britain, 2017)
  • Cross Counter (Great Britain, 2018)
  • Twilight Payment (Ireland, 2020)
  • Gold Trip (France, 2022)
  • Without A Fight (Ireland, 2023

The increased participation of international runners has not been without its controversies. Concerns over local opportunities and equine welfare have sparked debates. Nevertheless, it has undeniably raised the race's profile, turning the Melbourne Cup into a truly global event.

Today, the Melbourne Cup is more than a local horse race; it's a global stage where the world's best horses and trainers showcase their prowess. It's a testament to Australia's embrace of international competition and stands as a symbol of unity in the world of sport, resonating with its motto: “the race that stops a nation” - or, perhaps more accurately now, “the race that captivates the world”.

Where is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup, a globally recognised horse racing event, takes place annually in Australia at the iconic Flemington Racecourse, located in Melbourne, Victoria. This prestigious race serves as a centrepiece for the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, showcasing a series of Group 1 races throughout this electrifying event.

Running over a challenging distance of 3200 metres, the Melbourne Cup invites thoroughbred horses aged three years and older to participate. Traditionally held on the first Tuesday of November, the day is recognised as a public holiday in Victoria, reflecting the cultural significance of this race. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival commences with Derby Day on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, followed by the main race on Tuesday. The excitement continues on Thursday with Ladies Day, also known as Oaks Day, and concludes with the TAB Champions Stakes Day on the following Saturday. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival attracts an attendance of over 100,000 annually, while millions tune in to watch the spectacle on television. Moreover, there are many Melbourne Cup-associated events hosted at various venues, clubs and racecourses across Australia, allowing race enthusiasts to gather at local tracks or pubs to witness the exhilarating contest.

As a key fixture in Australian culture, the Melbourne Cup is considered one of the most prestigious horse races worldwide. With a prize purse of $8 million, it ranks among the richest races in the equestrian world. Known as "the race that stops a nation", the Melbourne Cup garners substantial public interest and attention, further affirming its status as a truly international event.

Melbourne Cup Fashion

The Melbourne Cup isn't merely a significant sporting event; it's a much-awaited occasion on the Australian social calendar that seamlessly blends the world of racing with high fashion. Known for its glamour and sophistication, the Melbourne Cup is where spectators and celebrities alike display their sartorial flair through an array of extravagant ensembles.

There are no rigid dress regulations for the Melbourne Cup; however, the emphasis is on striking a balance between elegance and comfort, given the long-standing nature of the event. Over recent years, there's been a marked shift towards formal wear, with many gravitating towards tailored suits and fitted dresses.

Each racing season raises the bar in the fashion stakes, with attendees upping the ante with their imaginative and radiant outfits outshining the previous year's creations. While soft hues and pastels traditionally dominate the Melbourne Cup, vibrant colours and even metallic shades are increasingly finding favour as attendees explore more daring fashion choices.

Certain days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Spring Racing Carnival have even cultivated their distinctive fashion identity. For example, Oaks Day, affectionately referred to as Ladies Day, is renowned for its splash of pink ensembles.

Regardless of whether you're enjoying the races from Flemington's grounds, your local venue, your office, or the comfort of your home, everyone can partake in the fun of Melbourne Cup fashion. Believe it or not, our calculations reveal that dressing up for the occasion boosts your odds of picking a winning horse by a whopping 100%!

So this year, why not add some excitement to the Melbourne Cup? Dress up, have fun, and place your bet on the race. Don't forget to check out our best bets for the Melbourne Cup for expert advice and our top-rated betting sites for the event.

Melbourne Cup Results

The thing everyone wants to know is where the horse they bet on finished in the race. If you weren’t lucky enough to watch the race, you are relying on the official results of the race to be published. Have you come out as a winner and get to brag to all your friends and family about the time you picked the Melbourne Cup winner? 

In 2023, the Melbourne Cup was taken out by Irish runner Without A Fight. Without A Fight had a starting price of $8.00, so the gelding was one of the favoured runners in the Melbourne Cup. He also managed to complete the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double in 2023 as well!

In second place, a total of 2.25L off the pace was Soulcombe, and Sheraz finished in third place. Both runners were trained by Chris Waller, and they were also both carrying less weight than the winner, 53.5kg and 51.5kg, respectively.

Check out the full Melbourne Cup results below:

FinishNo.HorseTrainerJockeyMarginBarrierWeight
13WITHOUT A FIGHT (IRE)Anthony & Sam FreedmanMark Zahra-1656.5kg
26SOULCOMBE (GB)Chris WallerJoao Moreira2.25L453.5kg
314SHERAZ (FR)Chris WallerBeau Mertens2.75L2251.5kg
411ASHRUN (FR)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceKerrin McEvoy4.75L1151.5kg
512DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (NZ)Phillip StokesDaniel Stackhouse4.95L1251.5kg
622INTERPRETATION (IRE)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceTeo Nugent5.35L1750kg
77ABSURDE (FR)Willie MullinsZac Purton5.45L853kg
824TRUE MARVEL (FR)Matthew SmithBen Thompson6.7L1050kg
99VOW AND DECLAREDanny O’BrienBilly Egan7.45L1953kg
1017MILITARY MISSION (IRE)Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottMs Rachel King8.2L551kg
1113OKITA SOUSHI (IRE)Joseph O’BrienDylan Gibbons (a)8.4L2051.5kg
1220MORE FELONS (IRE)Chris WallerMs Jamie Kah9.15L2350.5kg
1315LASTOTCHKA (FR)Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Craig Williams13.15L2151kg
145VAUBAN (FR)Willie MullinsRyan Moore13.35L355kg
1521FUTURE HISTORY (GB)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceHollie Doyle14.1L1350kg
164BREAKUP (JPN)Tatsuya YoshiokaKohei Matsuyama14.3L1855kg
171GOLD TRIP (FR)Ciaron Maher & David EustaceJames McDonald23.3L258.5kg
1819VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ)Liam HowleyCraig Newitt32.3L651kg
1918SERPENTINE (IRE)Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottJye McNeil32.4L151kg
2023KALAPOUR (IRE)Kris LeesZac Lloyd (a)32.7L1450kg
212ALENQUER (FR)Michael MoroneyDamien Oliver33.45L956.5kg
2216MAGICAL LAGOON (IRE)Chris WallerMark Du Plessis43.45L751kg
FF8RIGHT YOU ARECiaron Maher & David EustaceJohn Allen1553kg
10CLEVELAND (IRE)Kris LeesMichael Dee 0

Melbourne Cup Replay

Want to relive all the action from the 2023 Melbourne Cup? Well, we’ve got you covered! Check out the full race replay of the Melbourne Cup below:

Melbourne Cup Winners

Winning the Melbourne Cup is no easy feat, that’s for sure! But in the end, there is a winner every year, so check out the table we have put together of all the recent winners of the race (up until 2010):

Year:Runner:
2024TBC
2023Without A Fight
2022Gold Trip
2021Verry Elleegant
2020Twilight Payment
2019Vow And Declare
2018Cross Counter
2017Rekindling
2016Almandin
2015Prince Of Penzance
2014Protectionist
2013Fiorente
2012Green Moon
2011Dunaden
2010Americain

Melbourne Cup Prize Money

The Melbourne Cup is one of the biggest horse races in the world, and with that comes a lot of prize money! It is officially the richest handicap event and therefore many horses from right around the world come to Australia to try and bag themselves some of the prize money on offer.

There is a total of $8 million on offer, but this is split between the top 12 runners, with the winner getting a huge chunk of that $8 million. Check out the Melbourne Cup prize money breakdown below:

Place:Prize Money:
1st$4,400,000
2nd$1,100,000
3rd$550,000
4th$350,000
5th$230,000
6th - 12th$160,000

Melbourne Cup FAQs

You are now probably a true Melbourne Cup expert after going through this entire page! But one last thing before you go. If there are any final questions you may have, we’ve put together this FAQ section to hopefully cover them. Check out the FAQs below:

Where to bet on the Melbourne Cup?

There are many places you can bet on the Melbourne Cup! Before you make your final decision, we recommend you check out bookmaker reviews. We go into detail on all the key Aussie bookmakers, so you have more information to make the right choice.

How to bet on the Melbourne Cup?

Betting on the Melbourne Cup is easy, and we cover the step-by-step process in all our bookmaker reviews. So, if you’re not sure what the go is, we suggest you check out our reviews before you get started.

How to watch the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup will be broadcast on free-to-air. The entire Melbourne Cup Carnival is available to watch on TV, so you won’t miss any of the action.

When is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is scheduled for Tuesday 5th November 2024 at 3pm.

How long is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is one of the longest races on the Group 1 calendar, a total of 3,200 metres is covered in the race that stops the nation.

Who won the most recent edition of the Melbourne Cup?

In 2023, we saw Without A Fight win the Melbourne Cup. Without A Fight had a starting price of $8.00.

What is the prize money for the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is one of the richest races in the entire world, and the top runners share in a total of $8 million in prize money. 

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