The Melbourne Cup, inaugurated in 1861, stands as Australia’s premier horse racing event renowned for its rich history and memorable feats. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at 3pm (AEDT), the race is the seventh of ten at Flemington Racecourse, traditionally held on the first Tuesday of November.
Makibbe Diva holds the record for the most Melbourne Cup victories, winning thrice consecutively from 2003 to 2005. Other notable dual winners include Think Big, Rain Lover, Peter Pan, and Archer, the first horse to claim multiple titles. Jockeys Bobby Lewis and Harry White lead with four wins each, while trainers like legendary Bert Cummings boast an impressive 12 Melbourne Cup victories.
The race accommodates up to 24 runners, one of Australia’s largest fields, although historic entries once peaked at 39. Flemington has been the consistent venue since the Cup’s inception, with race day traditions evolving over time. Barrier 5 is statistically the most successful gate, and the winning time record stands with Kingston Rules at 3:16.3 from 1990.
Handicap weights vary, with Carbine carrying the heaviest at 66kg to victory in 1890, while the race favors horses aged four to five years most often. Stallions dominate the history of winners, though mares occasionally make remarkable wins, such as Very Elegant in 2021.
Looking ahead, the favorites for 2025 include Half Yours, Al Rifa, Valiant King, and Presage Nocturne. The race rewards $10 million in total prize money, with significant shares allotted to owners, trainers, and jockeys. The Melbourne Cup attracts crowds exceeding 90,000 fans and is broadcast widely, including on Channel 9, Tab app, Sky Racing, and Racing.com.
Fan Take: The Melbourne Cup’s blend of tradition, competitive spirit, and prestige makes it a pinnacle event in horse racing that every fan anticipates. Its evolving story and the high stakes involved not only celebrate equine excellence but also drive passion and growth in the sport globally.
