2026 Melbourne Cup: Follow all the action at Australian racing’s showpiece event

Thanks for joining us across a massive day of racing and congratulations to Ethan Brown on his ride and what a terrific story of resilience.

But it’s hard to imagine anyone happier than trainer Ciaron Maher and his historic Melbourne Cup trifecta.

Until we do it all again it’s goodbye for now!

Fortunately, reports of rain were unfounded as perfect racing conditions held throughout the day.

A total of 97312 made it through the gates at Flemington.

William Pike has another winner with Fundamental Nature backing up his win on Beach Pade in race No.5.

Towards the back of the field, she bolted to overcome pre-race favourite Jett Smash in the final legs.

Fair effort for the $12.30 outsider, and it’s another win for trainer Ciaron Maher on a red-letter day.

Jett Smash takes second with Quiseen third, and that will wrap up the on-track action from another massive Melbourne Cup day.

Ben Allen and Royal Supremacy led for all but 150m of that race, including having a massive gap as they came into the turn.

Allen admits it was not his original plan.

“That obviously wasn’t the plan, but he’s very tough; I was surprised how far off they were when I looked off the back,” he says.

“Probably wouldn’t have ridden that way but was very game in defeat.”

William Pike speaks after finishing 14th with Zakouma.

“It was a good sound effort; they just didn’t go any gallop out there. It was a very steadily run race,” he says.

Mark Zahra finished 10th with Middle Earth.

“He was a bit keen in parts. He was travelling ok on the straight, but the winner was going a lot better than me and took my runs.

“He whacked away right until the end.”

Zac Lloyd, who was on second favourite Hopewell Rock but finished 9th, was not happy with the pace of the race.

“A bit of a non-event; they just went ridiculously slow bar the leader.”

“I was just a fraction off the bridle throughout, and then when they quickened it left him a bit flat-footed.

“But I thought he’d done good to make up as much ground as he did.”

Craig Williams led her from the front and did not look back as no other contenders came close to running him down.

There’s a blanket finish for the minor placings with the wonderfully named Tomato Toastie claiming second ahead of Gold Medallist.

Notorious animal activist Tash Peterson has made her presence felt at Ascot, shaming punters for enjoying the festivities.

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The WA TAB has revealed some of the biggest winners from today, with a South Hedland punter winning a whopping $83,791 on a $600 first four mystery bet.

For the more risk-averse, several betters took home $25,137 after putting just $1 on a mystery first four.

For actual selections, the biggest winner was a $47,500 on a $5000 bet on winner Point of Law.

In total more than $11 million was turned over on the race.

Three years ago, Ethan Brown’s career and life were at risk after a horrific fall at Flemington.

On Tuesday, on the very same track, the Australian jockey claimed an inspirational victory aboard Point of Law in the Melbourne Cup.

There are still three more races at Flemington today, with the Crown Amanda Elliott next.

Ranarsson had to dig deep to find an extra gear to just get over Barracks, who was being ridden by newly crowned Melbourne Cup winner Ethan Brown in the final 50m.

Harry Lime takes third.

While Ciaron Maher was the trainer, Point of Law has a consortium of honours, including West Coast great and Brownlow Medalist Chris Judd.

The horse was once owned by King Charles before it was sold to an Australian conglomerate for over $3 million.

He’s more than made that back today.