Revellers are heading home after a long day of sun, smiles, booze and racing.
It’s believed upwards of 90,000 attended the iconic 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.
This year’s race was won by Point Of Law, formerly owned by King Charles, with Zahrann and Juja Kibo making up the placings.
Just months after leaving the King’s ownership in a deal reportedly worth more than $3million, the Frankel colt rewarded his Australian buyers with a Melbourne Cup triumph.
‘Please don’t wake me up. It’s an amazing feeling,’ jockey Ethan Brown said post-race.
The Ciaron Maher-trained runner overtook Royal Supremacy, who had taken a 20-length lead heading into the final straight.
Thousands of Aussies descende don Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday
Revellers were all smiles on the dance floor
Point Of Law, ridden by Ethan Brown (above), won the 2026 Cup
Attendees took a rest during the long afternoon
It’s believed more than 90,000 attended this year’s race
‘You know I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would leave by that far. But nothing better than a true stay in test and Point Of Law he’s just thrived,’ Brown said.
‘The top of the straight. I was within striking distance. And then I looked up and Royal Supremacy was about ten in front. I thought, oh no, I’ve left my run too long here, but I have full confidence in the horse.
‘He’s turned a foot for a stage, second to none, and I just had to rely on that. I seen Royal Supremacy on tired legs and when he quickened the way he did, my confidence grew.’
The result meant Maher took the trifecta.
‘It’s been a whirlwind, really, but I’m very proud of all the team. Like to get three horses in the first three spots. I don’t even know where the rest finished yet, but very proud,’ he said.
Co-owner Mike Angie said: ‘A horse bred by a king and queen, trained by a champion, ridden by a brilliant jockey. And owned by a bunch of owners that dare to dream.’
Grey skies cleared over the racecourse by the afternoon
Dancers ditched their heels
Punters enjoyed wins off-track
Reds and pinks were crowd-favourite colours this year
Punters and revellers gathered by the track on Tuesday afternoon
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Sons And Lovers was fourth.
This year’s winners were also treated to the highest Melbourne Cup prize pool on record with an astonishing $10.2million up for grabs, compared to $10million in 2025.
First place took home $4.5million, followed by $1.11million for second, $560,000 for third and $360,000 for fourth.
But the wins weren’t strictly on-track with some lucky punters winning big.
Based on the SuperTAB dividends and including the original stake, a $100 bet on Point Of Law to win resulted in a $780 win while the same bet on the horse to place was worth $310.
The same $100 bet for Zahrann to place won $1,100 while $100 on Juja Kibo to place was worth $440.
This year’s Melbourne Cup featured the largest-ever prize pool
It’s believed more than 90,000 attended the race
Showers hanging over the city cleared to blue skies by the afternoon
Revellers attended performances, including songs from British singer Robbie Williams
Some attendees grabbed any chance to rest
While the day started grey with rain over Melbourne the day before the race, revellers’ bright outfits brought the track back to life.
Morning showers began clearing by the afternoon as the crowds grew larger ahead of the big race at 3pm AEDT.
Bright colours were definitely a crowd favourite with bright pinks and reds stealing the show.
British singer Robbie Williams opened the entertainment with hit songs including Angels and Let Me Entertain You at 2.15pm.
The excitement finished with a 75-minute concert, set to end at 7pm.
READ MORE: The best and worst dressed celebrities at the 2026 Melbourne Cup
