The 2026 Melbourne Cup saw a crowd of over 90,000 descend upon Flemington Racecourse, culminating in a victory for Point of Law. The horse, previously owned by King Charles III, secured the win in the world's richest handicap race.
Point of Law, ridden by jockey Ethan Brown, overtook Royal Supremacy in the final straight. "Please don't wake me up. It's an amazing feeling," Brown commented after the race. He described a moment of doubt as Royal Supremacy established a significant lead, but expressed full confidence in Point of Law's ability to close the gap.
The race featured a substantial prize pool of $10.2 million, with the winning connections taking home $4.5 million. Second place secured $1.11 million, third earned $560,000, and fourth received $360,000.
Trainer Ciaron Maher achieved a notable trifecta with his horses finishing in the top three positions. "It's been a whirlwind, really, but I'm very proud of all the team," Maher stated. Co-owner Mike Angie celebrated the win, highlighting the horse's royal breeding, training, and jockey.
Beyond the on-track action, the event was also a significant social occasion. Revellers donned bright attire, with pinks and reds being popular choices. Despite initial grey skies and rain the day prior, the weather cleared by the afternoon, complementing the vibrant atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed the festivities throughout the day, with many embracing the celebratory spirit.
Punters also saw significant returns, with a $100 bet on Point of Law to win yielding $780. Bets placed on Zahrann and Juja Kibo for placing also resulted in substantial winnings, with $100 bets returning $1,100 and $440 respectively. Attendees enjoyed wins off-track.
