The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has received 101 nominations for the 166th $10.2 million Group 1
Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), featuring a strong mix of leading local and international contenders
for the race that stops a nation® at Flemington on Tuesday 3 November.
The nominations include 78 locally-trained horses and 23 international entries, with representation
from four countries, England, Ireland, Japan and the USA.
Headlining the nominations is Half Yours, the reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup champion and Victorian
Horse of the Year for father and son training duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
Australia’s leading trainer, Ciaron Maher has nominated 14 horses, as the powerhouse stable aim to
win their second Lexus Melbourne Cup after Gold Trip in 2022.
Chris Waller has nominated 12 horses for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup, including Aeliana, who
will be among the stable’s leading contenders for a place in the field.
Dual Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, Joseph O’Brien leads the international contingent,
nominating 11 horses, as he bids for a third win. Among the entries is Defiantly, who secured his
spot in the race after winning the golden ticket race, the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at
Deauville in France and last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup runner-up, Goodie Two Shoes.
His father Aidan O’Brien, yet to win a Cup of his own, has five horses nominated headlined by Group
1 Epsom Derby (2419m) winner, Christmas Day, looking to become the first English Derby winner to
run in the Cup since Serpentine raced for owner Lloyd Williams in 2022.
Japan will once again feature among the Lexus Melbourne Cup nominations, with the 2026 race
marking the 20th anniversary of Delta Blues becoming the first Japanese-trained horse to claim
victory.
Stinger Glass will represent Japan for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi and M’s Racing who’s most recent
success came in the Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 3400 metres at Tokyo’s Fuchu Racecourse.
Champion hurdler-turned flat performer Constitution Hill is nominated for trainer Nicky Henderson.
The northern hemisphere nine-year-old is a fan favourite and will take another step towards a trip to
Melbourne when he competes in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton Park over 2400 metres.
2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner, Knight’s Choice, is nominated after a return to the track at
Caulfield last Saturday
Impressive 2025 Crown Oaks-winning mare Strictly Business is nominated for Ballarat trainer
Thomas Carberry, as well as previous Cup placegetters Soulcombe, Okita Soushi, Goodie Two Shoes
and Middle Earth.
Further opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption at Flemington include
the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day Saturday 12
September, and the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, Saturday 3
October. The Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), both
be held at Flemington this year will be run on Saturday 24 October. Outside of Flemington, the
Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), and Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) in October also offer ballot
exemption.
Horses among the nominations that have secured their spot through winning a golden ticket include
Zakouma (Grahame Begg) winner of the Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m), Tawny Port
(Miguel Clement) winner of the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup, and Defiantly (Joseph O’Brien) winner
of the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m).
VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon said the nominations set the scene for an exciting path to the
first Tuesday in November.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, and the depth of this year’s nominations
once again highlights its global appeal,” Mr Jordon said.
“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.”
The 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Howden Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 31 October,
followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 5
November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 7 November.