The Victoria Racing Club has opened nominations for the 166th Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington, with 101 horses entered for the November 3 race.
While the total number of entries is lower than in recent years, there’s a significant increase in international interest, with 23 horses nominated from England, Ireland, Japan, and the USA.
In comparison, 2025 saw 120 nominations (19 international), 2024 had 123 (20 international), and 2023 recorded 132 (15 international). The 2022 edition had a much larger 186 nominations, including 43 from overseas, although entries were taken a month earlier that year.
Last year’s winner, Half Yours, is among the nominees, representing a significant success for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
The McEvoy stable also has Nearco Frod and Yellow Jersey entered. Half Yours is scheduled to begin his Cup campaign in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday week.
Ciaron Maher has nominated 14 horses as he chases a second Cup win. Chris Waller, who trained Verry Elleegant to victory in 2021, has 12 horses entered for the first Tuesday in November, including Aeliana, River Of Stars, and Soulcombe. Soulcombe recently had his first start since finishing second to Without A Fight in the 2023 Cup.
Joseph O’Brien, a two-time winner of the race, has the largest international contingent with 11 horses. His entries include last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes and Defiantly, who earned a ballot exemption through his win in the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville.
Aidan O’Brien is seeking his first victory in the Cup, a goal he first pursued in 2006 when Yeats finished seventh.
Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day leads O’Brien’s list, aiming to improve on the runner-up finishes of Johnannes Vermeer (2017) and Tiger Moth (2020), both of whom were beaten by Joseph’s winners Rekindling and Twilight Payment.
The 2024 winner, Knight’s Choice, is entered after missing last year’s race due to a bout of strangles. Middle Earth, who was placed last year, and Okita Soushi, who also placed in 2024, are nominated for another attempt.
One of the more interesting nominations is champion UK hurdler turned flat performer Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson.
Constitution Hill will take another step towards a trip to Melbourne when he competes in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton Park over 2400m.
VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon commented on the nominations, 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.”
Further opportunities for horses to receive ballot exemption 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 the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on October 24 also offer exemptions.
Other ballot exempt races on offer include the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), both next month.
Horses among the nominations that have secured their spot through winning a golden ticket include Zakouma, Tawny Port, and Defiantly.
Late entries close on September 8 with weights to be released on September 17. For those interested in the Melbourne Cup, exploring the betting markets for the race on Australian betting sites is a popular first step.