The 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup field runs at Flemington on Tuesday November 4, 2025, and the 24 confirmed runners will be announced on Saturday November 1,2025, on Victoria Derby Day!
Betting on the 2025 Melbourne Cup Field
| 14. Half Yours (8) J: Jamie Melham 53kg 15141T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | ||
| 20. Goodie Two Shoes (20) J: W M Lordan 51.5kg 1113xT: Joseph O'Brien | ||
| 7. Middle Earth (13) J: Ethan Brown 54.5kg 50903T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 21. River Of Stars (14) J: Beau Mertens 51.5kg x7802T: Chris Waller | ||
| 23. Torranzino (18) J: Celine Gaudray 51kg 80821T: Paul Preusker | ||
| 4. Vauban (2) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg x3650T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | ||
| 1. Al Riffa (19) J: Mark Zahra 59kg x4211T: Joseph O'Brien | ||
| 9. Absurde (4) J: Kerrin McEvoy 53.5kg 2x3x7T: Willie Mullins | ||
| 13. Changingoftheguard (24) J: Tim Clark 53kg 82106T: Kris Lees | ||
| 8. Meydaan (22) J: James McDonald 54kg 05239T: Simon & Ed Crisford | ||
| 17. Furthur (7) J: Michael Dee 52kg 52516T: Andrew Balding | ||
| 3. Arapaho (15) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 36408T: Bjorn Baker | ||
| 10. Flatten The Curve (17) J: Thore Hammer-Hansen 53.5kg 1411xT: Henk Grewe | ||
| 12. Smokin' Romans (11) J: Ben Melham 53.5kg 72948T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 22. Royal Supremacy (21) J: Robbie Dolan 51kg 11215T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 24. Valiant King (10) J: Jye McNeil 51kg 3x013T: Chris Waller | ||
| 15. More Felons (23) J: Tommy Berry 53kg x0944T: Chris Waller | ||
| 6. Presage Nocturne (9) J: Stephane Pasquier 55.5kg 13x34T: Alessandro Botti | ||
| 18. Parchment Party (3) J: John R Velazquez 52kg 2311xT: William I Mott | ||
| 19. Athabascan (1) J: Declan Bates 51.5kg x0002T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | ||
| 11. Land Legend (16) J: Joao Moreira 53.5kg 39500T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Chevalier Rose (5) J: Damian Lane 55.5kg 70x0xT: Hisashi Shimizu | ||
| 2. Buckaroo (12) J: Craig Williams 57kg x3232T: Chris Waller |
| 14. Half Yours (8) J: Jamie Melham 53kg 15141T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | ||
| 20. Goodie Two Shoes (20) J: W M Lordan 51.5kg 1113xT: Joseph O'Brien | ||
| 7. Middle Earth (13) J: Ethan Brown 54.5kg 50903T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 21. River Of Stars (14) J: Beau Mertens 51.5kg x7802T: Chris Waller | ||
| 23. Torranzino (18) J: Celine Gaudray 51kg 80821T: Paul Preusker | ||
| 4. Vauban (2) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg x3650T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | ||
| 1. Al Riffa (19) J: Mark Zahra 59kg x4211T: Joseph O'Brien | ||
| 9. Absurde (4) J: Kerrin McEvoy 53.5kg 2x3x7T: Willie Mullins | ||
| 13. Changingoftheguard (24) J: Tim Clark 53kg 82106T: Kris Lees | ||
| 8. Meydaan (22) J: James McDonald 54kg 05239T: Simon & Ed Crisford | ||
| 17. Furthur (7) J: Michael Dee 52kg 52516T: Andrew Balding | ||
| 3. Arapaho (15) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 36408T: Bjorn Baker | ||
| 10. Flatten The Curve (17) J: Thore Hammer-Hansen 53.5kg 1411xT: Henk Grewe | ||
| 12. Smokin' Romans (11) J: Ben Melham 53.5kg 72948T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 22. Royal Supremacy (21) J: Robbie Dolan 51kg 11215T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 24. Valiant King (10) J: Jye McNeil 51kg 3x013T: Chris Waller | ||
| 15. More Felons (23) J: Tommy Berry 53kg x0944T: Chris Waller | ||
| 6. Presage Nocturne (9) J: Stephane Pasquier 55.5kg 13x34T: Alessandro Botti | ||
| 18. Parchment Party (3) J: John R Velazquez 52kg 2311xT: William I Mott | ||
| 19. Athabascan (1) J: Declan Bates 51.5kg x0002T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | ||
| 11. Land Legend (16) J: Joao Moreira 53.5kg 39500T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Chevalier Rose (5) J: Damian Lane 55.5kg 70x0xT: Hisashi Shimizu | ||
| 2. Buckaroo (12) J: Craig Williams 57kg x3232T: Chris Waller |
The capacity 24-horse Melbourne Cup field for the ‘race that stops a nation’ is officially released on the Saturday before the $10 million feature takes place on the first Tuesday of November annually. After the racing action on Victoria Derby Day is when punters get a first glimpse at the stayers that will face off in that year’s field.
2025 Melbourne Cup Field & Barrier Draw
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THE CONFIRMED 2025 MELBOURNE CUP HORSES
The 2025 Melbourne Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw is released on Derby Day at Flemington after the racing action on Saturday, November 2, 2025, revealing the 24 Melbourne Cup Horses.
2025 Melbourne Cup Final Field & Barrier Draw
The 2025 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 6:30pm (AEDT).
The official Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025 final field and barriers are now out with Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours the narrow favourite drawn well in barrier 8.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Al Riffa
J: Mark Zahra
T: Joseph O'Brien |
3x4211 | H | 19 | 59kg | |
|
2. Buckaroo
J: Craig Williams
T: Chris Waller |
0x3232 | G | 12 | 57kg | |
|
3. Arapaho
J: Rachel King
T: Bjorn Baker |
x36408 | G | 15 | 56.5kg | |
|
4. Vauban
J: Blake Shinn
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
0x3650 | G | 2 | 56.5kg | |
|
5. Chevalier Rose
J: Damian Lane
T: Hisashi Shimizu |
070x0x | H | 5 | 55.5kg | |
|
6. Presage Nocturne
J: Stephane Pasquier
T: Alessandro Botti |
x13x34 | H | 9 | 55.5kg | |
|
7. Middle Earth
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher |
x50903 | G | 13 | 54.5kg | |
|
8. Meydaan
J: James McDonald
T: Simon & Ed Crisford |
205239 | G | 22 | 54kg | |
|
9. Absurde
J: Kerrin McEvoy
T: Willie Mullins |
32x3x7 | G | 4 | 53.5kg | |
|
10. Flatten The Curve
J: Thore Hammer-Hansen
T: Henk Grewe |
11411x | G | 17 | 53.5kg | |
|
11. Land Legend
J: Joao Moreira
T: Chris Waller |
x39500 | G | 16 | 53.5kg | |
|
12. Smokin' Romans
J: Ben Melham
T: Ciaron Maher |
x72948 | G | 11 | 53.5kg | |
|
13. Changingoftheguard
J: Tim Clark
T: Kris Lees |
x82106 | G | 24 | 53kg | |
|
14. Half Yours
J: Jamie Melham
T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy |
215141 | G | 8 | 53kg | |
|
15. More Felons
J: Tommy Berry
T: Chris Waller |
2x0944 | G | 23 | 53kg | |
|
16. Onesmoothoperator
J: Harry Coffey
T: Brian Ellison |
5x8401 | G | 6 | 53kg | |
|
17. Furthur
J: Michael Dee
T: Andrew Balding |
152516 | C | 7 | 52kg | |
|
18. Parchment Party
J: John R Velazquez
T: William I Mott |
92311x | H | 3 | 52kg | |
|
19. Athabascan
J: Declan Bates
T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton |
9x0002 | G | 1 | 51.5kg | |
|
20. Goodie Two Shoes
J: W M Lordan
T: Joseph O'Brien |
31113x | M | 20 | 51.5kg |
The Melbourne Cup field features no emergencies so if a horse is scratched after final acceptances than the two-mile showdown will run under capacity. There are plenty of lead-up races offering a chance for runners outside the Melbourne Cup ballot order of 24 to make the field including the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
Betting on the possible horses in the Melbourne Cup field is open nearly all year round, but the Melbourne Cup odds really firm once the final line-up is confirmed.
Each year the presence of internationally trained horses outside of Australia and New Zealand in the Melbourne Cup field is growing and the raiders have a strong record running in the Melbourne Cup trifecta. There are many lead-up races horses can run in leading-up to taking their spot in the Melbourne Cup field including the Geelong Cup.
Before the official Melbourne Cup field is announced there are a number of nomination and entry stages. The original Melbourne Cup nominations close in late August, or early September followed by Melbourne Cup weights around a week later. The nominations are followed by first acceptances in early October and second acceptances later that month.
2025 Melbourne Cup Acceptance Dates
- 2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations: Closed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – attracted 120 early entries (19 internationals).
- 2025 Melbourne Cup First Declarations: Closed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – leaving 66 remaining hopefuls.
- 2025 Melbourne Cup Second Declarations: Closed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – 53 original second acceptances taken but two subsequent withdrawals have left 51 in the mix.
- 2025 Melbourne Cup Third Declarations: Closed on Monday, October 27, 2025 – 40 remaining runners including 11 internationals.
- 2025 Melbourne Cup Final Field: is announced on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 4:30pm (local time).
- 2025 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw: Takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:30pm (local time).
Melbourne Cup Ballot Exempt Races
There are currently 10 races offering a “golden ticket” into the Melbourne Cup field with the following races offering the winners a ballot free ride for the famous Flemington feature as of 2025.
International Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
- The Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup (3219m)
- Listed Ebor Handicap (2816m)
Australian Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
- Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m)
- Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m)
- Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m)
- Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m)
- Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m)
- Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m)
- Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m)
- Group 1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m)
2025 Melbourne Cup News & Field Updates
Stay tuned for the breaking news on the horses and jockeys that are in and out of the Melbourne Cup 2025 field this spring.
2025 Melbourne Cup Jockeys
Stay tuned here for the confirmed 2025 Melbourne Cup jockeys. See what jockeys have locked in a ride aboard one of the 24 Melbourne Cup horses this spring.
Confirmed 2025 Melbourne Cup Jockeys
- Mark Zahra – Al Riffa (Joseph O’Brien)
- Damian Lane – Chevalier Rose (Hisashi Shimizu)
- John Velazquez – Parchment Party (William Mott)
- Celine Gaudray – Torranzino (Paul Preusker)
- James McDonald – Meydaan (Simon & Ed Crisford)
- Rachel King – Arapaho (Bjorn Baker)
- Kerrin McEvoy – Absurde (Willie Mullins)
- Thore Hammer-Hansen – Flatten The Curve (Henk Grewe)
- Jamie Melham – Half Yours (Tony & Calvin McEvoy
- Stephane Pasquier – Presage Nocturne (Alessandro Botti)
- Blake Shinn – Vauban (Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott)
- Ethan Brown – Middle Earth (Ciaron Maher)
- Tim Clark – Changingoftheguard (Kris Lees)
- Tommy Berry – More Felons (Chris Waller)
- Michale Dee – Furthur (Andrew Balding)
- Harry Coffey – Onesmoothoperator (Brian Ellison)
- Declan Bates – Athabascan (John O’Shea & Tom Charlton)
- Wayne Lordan – Goodie Two Shoes (Joseph O’Brien)
- Beau Mertens – River Of Stars (Chris Waller)
- Robbie Dolan – Royal Supremacy (Ciaron Maher)
- Jye McNeil – Valiant King (Chris Waller)
- Craig Williams – Buckaroo (Chris Waller)
- Ben Melham – Smokin’ Romans (Ciaron Maher)
- Joao Moreira – Land Legend (Chris Waller)
Mark Zahra to ride Al Riffa: Zahra has been locked in to ride the 59kg topweight, Irish raider Al Riffa, in his bid at a third Melbourne Cup trophy in four years. Zahra famously went back-to-back on Gold Trip (2022) and Without A Fight (2023) and gets a chance to partner one of the best in betting in 2025 with Joesph O’Brien’s galloper coming off a dominant four-length win in the Group 1 Irish St Leger to stamp his credentials as a genuine Cup contender.
John Velazuez to ride Parchment Party: American Hall of Fame jockey Velazuez will be down under for the historic ride on Parchment Party when William Mott’s Belmont Gold Cup winner becomes the first US trained horse to contest the Melbourne Cup.
Damian Lane to ride Chevalier Rose: Lane is set to partner Hisashi Shimizu’s Japanese raider in the Cup field with the veteran Deep Impact eight-year-old a proven Group 2 winner up to 3600m.
Celine Gaudray to ride Torranzino: Gaudry will make her Melbourne Cup debut aboard Torranzino after the duo combined to claim a golden ticket entry into the ‘race that stops a nation’ via a Ladbrokes Geelong Cup upset on October 23.
James McDonald to ride Meydaan: J-Mac has been confirmed as the new rider for UK raider Meydaan. Meydaan, a five-year-old by Frankel, was previously ridden by Andrea Atzeni in the Caulfield Cup, where he finished ninth after a tough run caught three-wide from barrier five. Despite missing Derby Day to ride Autumn Glow in the $10 million Golden Eagle, McDonald will be at Flemington for Cup week and now takes over the reins on Meydaan.
Rachel King to ride Arapaho: Rachel King has been confirmed to ride Arapaho in the 2025 Melbourne Cup. The experienced jockey reunites with the Bjorn Baker-trained stayer, who earned his spot in the Cup field after consistent performances this spring. Arapaho, known for his staying ability and toughness highlighted by his Sydney Cup win, will be looking to improve on his previous Cup effort when 11th to Gold Trip in 2022, and King’s familiarity with the horse is a major asset heading into the big race.
Kerrin McEvoy to ride Absurde: McEvoy has been confirmed to ride Absurde, teaming up with the Willie Mullins-trained Irish stayer who’s back for his third crack at the race after finishing seventh in 2023 and fifth in 2024. McEvoy, a three-time Cup winner, was impressed with Absurde during trackwork at Werribee, noting the gelding’s sharpness and maturity. Absurde arrived off a strong third in the Irish St. Leger and comes in via a Caulfield Cup 7th.
Thore Hammer-Hansen to ride Flatten The Curve: Thore Hammer-Hansen has been confirmed to ride German raider Flatten The Curve in Cup. The Danish-born jockey, who’s been making waves in Australia, will partner the dour stayer trained by Henk Grewe. Flatten The Curve is proven up to 3700m overseas and recently won back-to-back races over two miles or further including a 3319m event by 5.5 lengths with 57kg back in August.
Jamie Melham to ride Half Yours: Jamie Melham is confirmed to ride Half Yours who is out to become just the 13th horse in history to complete the Spring Cups double. The pairing comes off a historic win in the Caulfield Cup, where Melham became the first female jockey to claim victory in the prestigious 2400m spring major. Half Yours, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, surged late to win the Caulfield Cup and earned a 2kg penalty for the Melbourne Cup, lifting his weight from 51kg to 53kg. Despite the added impost, connections have declared it’s “all systems go” for the Cup, with Melham retaining the ride.
Stephane Pasquier to ride Presage Nocturne: Pasquier will continue his partnership with the French-trained stayer after a strong showing in the Caulfield Cup. Presage Nocturne, trained by Alessandro Botti, finished a credible fourth in the 2025 Caulfield Cup, and connections have expressed confidence in his progression heading into the Melbourne Cup. The grey son of Wootton Bassett has built a solid record in Europe and now looks to peak over two miles at Flemington. Pasquier, a seasoned international jockey, retains the ride after guiding the horse through his Australian campaign, and the pair will be looking to improve on their Caulfield effort with a strong staying test in the Cup.
Blake Shinn to ride Vauban: Shinn, who rode Viewed to victory in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, will partner Irish import Vauban in the 2025 race for the Waterhouse & Bott yard. Vauban has his third Melbourne Cup tilt after a 14th in 2023 and 11th last year when prepared by Willie Mullins.
Ethan Brown to ride Middle Earth: Brown partnered Ciaron Maher’s import Middle Earth to finish third in the Group 3 JRA Cup at Moonee Valley, reigniting the import’s Melbourne Cup ambitions. Brown sticks aboard for the two-mile classic with Middle Earth sure to appreciate a drop in weight from 60kg to 54.5kg.
Tim Clark to ride Changingoftheguard: Clark has been confirmed to ride Changingoftheguard for trainer Kris Lees, adding another seasoned Group 1 jockey to the lineup for this year’s race. Changingoftheguard, an Irish import formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien, has won just one of his starts in Australia to date in the Listed Tatt’s Cup over 2400m at Randwick in early September and was last seen crossing fourth with 60kg behind Torranzino in the Geelong Cup.
Tommy Berry to ride More Felons: Berry has been booked to continue associations with More Felons having ridden the import for his three latest starts this prep. Trained by Chris Waller, More Felons has been steadily building toward the two-mile test at Flemington having shown promise since arriving in Australia including a strong finish in the Group 1 The Metrop (4th) only 1.34 lengths beaten and fourth again in the Group 3 St Leger over 2600m at Randwick on October 18.
Michael Dee to ride Furthur: Dee has been confirmed to ride Furthur for British trainer Andrew Balding. The Group 3 winning grey, who races as a four-year-old down under, is one of the emerging international contenders targeting the 3200m Flemington feature. The young horse has shown solid staying form in Europe and arrives in Australia with a progressive profile suited to the Cup’s testing distance. Dee, a Caulfield Cup and Victoria Derby-winning rider, brings tactical versatility and big-race experience to the partnership.
Harry Coffey to ride Onesmoothoperator: Onesmoothoperator, trained in the UK by Brian Ellison, secured his place in the Melbourne Cup field with a dominant win in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Cox Plate eve. Mark Zahra guided the gelding to victory with a cold ride from the back, slicing through the field to win eased down — a performance that earned the horse a 1kg penalty, lifting his Cup weight to 53kg, but it is Coffey who will be aboard for the 3200m feature.
Declan Bates to ride Athabascan: Bates has been confirmed to ride OTI Racing’s Athabascan in Cup, securing a key booking for the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained stayer. Athabascan earned his place in the Cup field with his strong run for second behind Onesmoothoperator in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup atoning for his three previous unplaced spring performances.
Wayne Lordan to ride Goodie Two Shoes: Lordan has been confirmed to ride Goodie Two Shoes teaming up with trainer Joseph O’Brien for another tilt at Australia’s greatest race. Fastnet Rock mare Goodie Two Shoes, one of two Cup runners for O’Brien alongside current race favourite Al Riffa, arrives in Melbourne as an outsider in the market but with solid European staying form. Lordan’s booking adds experience with the Irish jockey having previously ridden in major races across the globe. While Al Riffa is the stable’s headline act, Goodie Two Shoes has been working well at Werribee quarantine and is expected to relish the step up to 3200m at Flemington as she’s proven up to 3419m in Europe.
Beau Mertens to ride River Of Stars: Mertens is locked in to partner Chris Waller’s Sea the Stars mare continuing his association with the seven-year-old import after partnering her huge Caulfield Cup second earlier this spring when only a half-length beaten as a 90/1 outsider. River Of Stars has emerged as a genuine staying prospect this campaign and produced a bold front-running effort in the 2025 Caulfield Cup, leading into the first turn under Mertens before being overhauled late by Half Yours. Despite finishing second, the performance was full of merit and earned her a spot in the Melbourne Cup field.
Robbie Dolan to ride Royal Supremacy: Dolan is confirmed to ride Royal Supremacy in stepping in after his original mount, Knight’s Choice, was ruled out due to a stable illness. Dolan, who famously won the 2024 Melbourne Cup aboard Knight’s Choice at odds of $91, will now partner Royal Supremacy, the Group 1 The Metropolitan winner in Sydney. Maher’s Irish-bred stayer surged into Cup contention with a powerful win at Randwick, showcasing a sharp turn of foot and strong staying ability over 2400m before a credible Caulfield Cup fifth.
Jye McNeil to ride Valiant King: McNeil will partner the flying Chris Waller trained Valiant King, continuing his association with the in-form stayer after guiding him to victory in The Bart Cummings. The Roaring Lion grey secured his place in the Melbourne Cup field with a dominant win in the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington, where McNeil produced a perfectly timed ride to storm home from off the pace and win by 2¾ lengths. That victory granted the five-year-old a ballot exemption, locking in his spot for the 3200m feature on Tuesday. McNeil, who famously won the 2020 Melbourne Cup aboard Twilight Payment, brings proven Cup-winning credentials and a calm tactical style that suits Valiant King’s strong-finishing profile. The pair will be aiming to replicate their Flemington success on the biggest stage of all. Valiant King went on to run the ideal lead-up when third in the Caulfield Cup.
Craig Williams to ride Buckaroo: Williams is confirmed to ride Buckaroo taking the reins of the Cox Plate runner-up for trainer Chris Waller. Buckaroo surged into Melbourne Cup contention after a gallant second-place finish behind Via Sistina in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, prompting part-owner Ozzie Kheir to push for a Cup campaign. With his form peaking and a strong spring preparation that includes placings in the Underwood Stakes (2nd) and Might And Power (3rd), Buckaroo now shapes as a serious threat over 3200m at Flemington. Williams, a Melbourne Cup-winning jockey aboard Vow And Declare in 2019, will ride Buckaroo on 57kg.
Ben Melham to ride Smokin’ Romans: Melham is confirmed to ride Smokin’ Romans in reuniting with the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer for another crack at the two-mile classic. Smokin’ Romans, a seasoned campaigner and former Group 1 Turnbull Stakes winner from 2022, has earned his place in the Cup field following consistent performances throughout the spring. Most recently, he contested the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, where Melham partnered him over 2500m, finishing eighth behind Onesmoothoperator.
Joao Moreira to ride Land Legend: Brazilian star Moreira will partner Land Legend for Chris Waller in the 2025 Melbourne Cup, continuing his association with the lightly weighted stayer who is out to atone for back-to-back last place efforts in the Turnbull (14th) and Caulfield Cup (18th).
2025 Melbourne Cup Weights
The 2025 Melbourne Cup weights (handicaps) are declared on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup weights have been released with Joseph O’Brien’s Irish St Leger winner Al Riffa and the Chris Waller trained 2024 Cox Plate winning mare Via Sistina the equal 59kg topweights.
For the full list of Lexus Melbourne Cup weights and the Order of Entry as of 16 September 2025, please click here.
2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations
Early Melbourne Cup 2025 Nominations featuring a huge list of potential runners in the two-mile classic close in late August or early September and will be detailed in full below as soon as released.
The official 2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations closed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 12:00pm (Melbourne time), attracting 120 early entries including 19 internationals led by all-in favourite Al Riffa for two-time winning Irish horseman Joseph O’Brien.
The 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup nominations feature last year’s champion Knight’s Choice who won at 90/1 in 2024 along with Ciaron Maher’s third placegetter Okita Soushi, while master trainer Chris Waller has 27 nominees including Via Sistina.
2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations: Quick Glance
- 120 total nominations taken
- Down from 123 in 2024
- 19 international nominees
- Joesph O’Brien’s Irish raider Al Riffa current $9 favourite
- Defending champion Knight’s Choice at a current all-in price of $51 to go back-to-back
- Last year’s third placegetter Okita Soushi one of 13 for trainer Ciaron Maher
- 27 for Chris Waller chasing his second trophy including unlikely final acceptor Via Sistina
2025 Melbourne Cup First Acceptances
The official Melbourne Cup 2025 first acceptances close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The Melbourne Cup 2025 first acceptances attracted 66 stayers led by recent Turnbull Stakes – Underwood Stakes double champion Sir Delius.
2025 Melbourne Cup First Acceptances: Quick Glance
- 66 total first acceptances taken
- Down from 72 in 2024
- 11 international nominees (up from 6 at the same stage last year)
- Horses from Ireland, America, Japan, Germany and the UK all remain in Melbourne Cup contention
- Sir Delius for Waterhouse & Bott $4 top fancy
- Joesph O’Brien’s Irish raider Al Riffa second favourite at $6
- Al Riffa and unlikely final acceptor Via Sistina 59kg top-weights
- Defending champion Knight’s Choice withdrawn
- Last year’s third placegetter Okita Soushi also ruled out
- 14 for Chris Waller chasing his second trophy (down from 27 at nomination stage)
- Parchment Party, Revelare and Deakin ballot exempt horses paid up for at first acceptance stage
2025 Melbourne Cup Second Acceptances
The Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025 second acceptances close on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 @ 12:00pm (Melbourne time).
The 2025 Melbourne Cup second acceptances originally drew 53 horses but there are now 51 left in the mix following two subsequent withdrawals.
The big news following the Melbourne Cup second declarations was the withdrawal of race favourite Sir Delius on vets’ orders.
2025 Melbourne Cup Second Acceptances: Quick Glance
- 53 second acceptances taken but 2 subsequent withdrawals leave 51 remaining runners
- Via Sistina (targeting Cox Plate) and Aeliana notable withdrawals for Waller
- 8 remain for Chris Waller led by The Bart Cummings winner Valiant King
- Sir Delius subsequently withdrawn on vets’ orders from the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate
- 11 internationals still in the mix
- Joseph O’Brien’s Irish raider and topweight Al Riffa new $5 favourite
Remaining Ballot Exempt Horses
- Valiant King – Group 3 The Bart Cummings winner
- Deakin – Listed Roy Higgins Quality winner
- Revelare – Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes winner
- Parchment Party – Group 3 Belmont Gold Cup winner
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Ballot | Weight | True Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x71211x076 | DEAKIN (FR) | G | 6 | Phillip Stokes | 1= | 52kg | 7.5 | ||
| 2 | 5x59231x1x | PARCHMENT PARTY (USA) | H | 5 | William Mott | 1= | 52kg | 7.5 | ||
| 3 | 11111×7117 | REVELARE | G | 5 | Robert Hickmott | 1= | 51.5kg | 8 | ||
| 4 | 90x0693x01 | VALIANT KING (GB) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 1= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 5 | 210x3x4211 | AL RIFFA (FR) | H | 6 | Joseph O’Brien | 5 | 59kg | .5 | ||
| 6 | 29x970x323 | BUCKAROO (GB) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 6 | 57kg | 2.5 | ||
| 7 | 55241×3640 | ARAPAHO (FR) | G | 9 | Bjorn Baker | 7 | 56.5kg | 3 | ||
| 8 | 20x130x365 | VAUBAN (FR) | G | 8 | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 8 | 56.5kg | 3 | ||
| 9 | x11x070x0x | CHEVALIER ROSE (JPN) | H | 8 | Hisashi Shimizu | 9 | 55.5kg | 4 | ||
| 10 | 71x4x13x3x | PRESAGE NOCTURNE (IRE) | H | 6 | Alessandro Botti | 10 | 55.5kg | 4 | ||
| 11 | 72×152516 | FURTHUR (IRE) | H | 4 | Andrew Balding | 11 | 52kg | 4.5 | ||
| 12 | 38x159x509 | MIDDLE EARTH (GB) | G | 6 | Ciaron Maher | 12 | 54.5kg | 5 | ||
| 13 | x83230x570 | ZARDOZI | M | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 13 | 52.5kg | 5.5 | ||
| 14 | 447×520523 | MEYDAAN (IRE) | G | 5 | Simon & Ed Crisford | 14 | 54kg | 5.5 | ||
| 15 | 8x768x3950 | LAND LEGEND (FR) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 15 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 16 | 60310×7294 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | G | 9 | Ciaron Maher | 16 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 17 | x5x3132x3x | ABSURDE (FR) | G | 8 | Willie Mullins | 17 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 18 | 011x11411x | FLATTEN THE CURVE (FR) | G | 7 | Henk Grewe | 18 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 19 | 342x73x780 | RIVER OF STARS (IRE) | M | 7 | Chris Waller | 19 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 20 | x50x12x094 | MORE FELONS (IRE) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 20 | 53kg | 6.5 | ||
| 21 | 57x331113x | GOODIE TWO SHOES (IRE) | M | 7 | Joseph O’Brien | 21 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 22 | 3x742x8210 | CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) | G | 7 | Kris Lees | 22 | 53kg | 6.5 | ||
| 23 | 030309×748 | SHARP ’N’ SMART (NZ) | G | 6 | Graeme Rogerson | 23 | 52.5kg | 7 | ||
| 24 | 05735x840x | ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) | G | 8 | Brian Ellison | 24 | 52kg | 7.5 | ||
| 25 | 782959×000 | ATHABASCAN (FR) | G | 7 | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | 25 | 51.5kg | 8 | ||
| 26 | 8x4x8x112x | POINT KING (IRE) | G | 7 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 26 | 51.5kg | 8 | ||
| 27 | 232×001121 | ROYAL SUPREMACY (IRE) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 27 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 28 | 1231×86000 | MARK TWAIN (NZ) | G | 6 | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | 28 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 29 | 7×21121514 | HALF YOURS | G | 5 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 29 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 30 | 42529×2517 | BIRDMAN (IRE) | G | 5 | Chris Waller | 30 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 31 | x460x8x866 | POST IMPRESSIONIST (IRE) | G | 7 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 31 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 32 | 52x05x0027 | SCARY (NZ) | H | 4 | Emma-Lee & David Browne | 32 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 33 | 059417×440 | TRAV (NZ) | G | 6 | Raymond Connors | 33 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 34 | 698222×030 | ETNA ROSSO (IRE) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 34 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 35 | 07344×7451 | BRAYDEN STAR (GB) | G | 7 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 35 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 36 | 21253×0838 | GRAND PIERRO | G | 6 | Jason Warren | 36 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 37 | 1103×85913 | WHISKY ON THE HILL (GB) | G | 6 | Glen Thompson | 37 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 38 | 202763×070 | INTERPRETATION (IRE) | G | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 38 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 39 | 70x4541x60 | DON DIEGO DE VEGA (FR) | G | 6 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 39 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 40 | x0x2311330 | SAYEDATY SADATY (IRE) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 40 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 41 | 84212×8082 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | G | 6 | Paul Preusker | 41 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 42 | 10x112x313 | GILDED WATER (GB) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 42 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 43 | 121213×775 | FERNAO (IRE) | G | 7 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 43 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 44 | 5x2241x6x2 | GOLDEN SNAP (JPN) | M | 6 | Katsunori Tanaka | 44 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 45 | 0x404x8827 | ADELAIDE RIVER (IRE) | G | 6 | Kris Lees | 45 | 52kg | 7.5 | ||
| 46 | 0x80x48x47 | CLEVELAND (IRE) | G | 8 | Kris Lees | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 47 | 70x5585x09 | DASHING DUCHESS (NZ) | M | 6 | Symon Wilde | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 48 | 31210×4235 | KINGS VALLEY (IRE) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 49 | 110x322x34 | QUIETNESS (GB) | M | 6 | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 50 | 32×8233512 | SO YOU ARE | G | 4 | Stirling Osland | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 51 | 0x0000x806 | STAR OF INDIA (IRE) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 46= | 51kg | 9.5 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2025 Melbourne Cup Third Acceptances
The Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025 third acceptances are taken on Monday, October 27, 2025.
The Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025 third acceptances have left 40 remaining hopefuls including the Joesph O’Brien trained favourite and 59kg topweight Al Riffa to be ridden by Mark Zahra and Chris Waller’s Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo who will be partnered by Craig Williams.
2025 Melbourne Cup Third Acceptances: Quick Glance
- 40 third acceptors
- 11 remaining international raiders led by 59kg top weight Al Riffa
- Al Riffa leads the latest all-in Melbourne Cup betting markets at $6
- Five ballot exempt contenders remain with Half Yours, Onesmoothoperator, Parchment Party, Torranzino and Valiant King
- 8 chances for trainer Chris Waller led by Caulfield Cup third placed Valiant King and Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Ballot | Weight | True Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x211215141 | HALF YOURS | G | 5 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 1= | 53kg | 2.0kg | 6.5 | |
| 2 | 5735x840x1 | ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) | G | 8 | Brian Ellison | 1= | 53kg | 1.0kg | 6.5 | |
| 3 | 5x59231x1x | PARCHMENT PARTY (USA) | H | 5 | William Mott | 1= | 52kg | 7.5 | ||
| 4 | 4212×80821 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | G | 6 | Paul Preusker | 1= | 51kg | 8.5 | ||
| 5 | 0x0693x013 | VALIANT KING (GB) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 1= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 6 | 210x3x4211 | AL RIFFA (FR) | H | 6 | Joseph O’Brien | 6 | 59kg | .5 | ||
| 7 | 9x970x3232 | BUCKAROO (GB) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 7 | 57kg | 2.5 | ||
| 8 | 55241×3640 | ARAPAHO (FR) | G | 9 | Bjorn Baker | 8 | 56.5kg | 3 | ||
| 9 | 0x130x3650 | VAUBAN (FR) | G | 8 | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 9 | 56.5kg | 3 | ||
| 10 | x11x070x0x | CHEVALIER ROSE (JPN) | H | 8 | Hisashi Shimizu | 10 | 55.5kg | 4 | ||
| 11 | 71x4x13x34 | PRESAGE NOCTURNE (IRE) | H | 6 | Alessandro Botti | 11 | 55.5kg | 4 | ||
| 12 | 72×152516 | FURTHUR (IRE) | H | 4 | Andrew Balding | 12 | 52kg | 4.5 | ||
| 13 | x159x50903 | MIDDLE EARTH (GB) | G | 6 | Ciaron Maher | 13 | 54.5kg | 5 | ||
| 14 | 47×5205239 | MEYDAAN (IRE) | G | 5 | Simon & Ed Crisford | 14 | 54kg | 5.5 | ||
| 15 | x768x39500 | LAND LEGEND (FR) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 15 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 16 | 0310×72948 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | G | 9 | Ciaron Maher | 16 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 17 | 5x3132x3x7 | ABSURDE (FR) | G | 8 | Willie Mullins | 17 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 18 | 011x11411x | FLATTEN THE CURVE (FR) | G | 7 | Henk Grewe | 18 | 53.5kg | 6 | ||
| 19 | 42x73x7802 | RIVER OF STARS (IRE) | M | 7 | Chris Waller | 19 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 20 | 50x12x0944 | MORE FELONS (IRE) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 20 | 53kg | 6.5 | ||
| 21 | 57x331113x | GOODIE TWO SHOES (IRE) | M | 7 | Joseph O’Brien | 21 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 22 | x742x82106 | CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD (IRE) | G | 7 | Kris Lees | 22 | 53kg | 6.5 | ||
| 23 | 82959×0002 | ATHABASCAN (FR) | G | 7 | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | 23 | 51.5kg | 8 | ||
| 24 | 32×0011215 | ROYAL SUPREMACY (IRE) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 24 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 25 | 1231×86000 | MARK TWAIN (NZ) | G | 6 | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | 25 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 26 | 2529×25176 | BIRDMAN (IRE) | G | 5 | Chris Waller | 26 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 27 | 460x8x8667 | POST IMPRESSIONIST (IRE) | G | 7 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 27 | 51kg | 9 | ||
| 28 | 2x05x00273 | SCARY (NZ) | H | 4 | Emma-Lee & David Browne | 28 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 29 | 59417×4409 | TRAV (NZ) | G | 6 | Raymond Connors | 29 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 30 | 98222×0302 | ETNA ROSSO (IRE) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 30 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 31 | 1253×08385 | GRAND PIERRO | G | 6 | Jason Warren | 31 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 32 | 103×859135 | WHISKY ON THE HILL (GB) | G | 6 | Glen Thompson | 32 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 33 | 202763×070 | INTERPRETATION (IRE) | G | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 33 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 34 | 0x4541x606 | DON DIEGO DE VEGA (FR) | G | 6 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 34 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 35 | x0x2311330 | SAYEDATY SADATY (IRE) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 35 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 36 | 21213×7758 | FERNAO (IRE) | G | 7 | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 36 | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 37 | x2241x6x20 | GOLDEN SNAP (JPN) | M | 6 | Katsunori Tanaka | 37 | 51.5kg | 6.5 | ||
| 38 | 110x322x34 | QUIETNESS (GB) | M | 6 | John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | 38= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 39 | 2×82335120 | SO YOU ARE | G | 4 | Stirling Osland | 38= | 51kg | 9.5 | ||
| 40 | x0000x8061 | STAR OF INDIA (IRE) | G | 7 | Chris Waller | 38= | 51kg | 9.5 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2025 Melbourne Cup Field FAQ
The final field for the 2025 Melbourne Cup will be officially announced at 4:30pm AEDT on Saturday, November 1, which is Victoria Derby Day.
When is the 2025 Melbourne Cup field announced?
🕓 Field Announcement: Saturday, 1 November 2025 at 4:30pm AEDT.
Where is the 2025 Melbourne Cup field announcement made?
Location: Flemington Racecourse.
When is the 2025 Melbourne Cup barrier draw announced?
🏇 Barrier Draw: Held after the last race on Derby Day, typically around 5:30–6:30pm AEDT.
When does the 2025 Melbourne Cup field race?
📅 Race Day: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 3:00pm AEDT.
When are the 2025 Melbourne Cup field and nominations out?
2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations: Close on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
2025 Melbourne Cup First Declarations: Close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
2025 Melbourne Cup Second Declarations: Close on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
2025 Melbourne Cup Third Declarations: Close on Monday, October 27, 2025.
2025 Melbourne Cup Final Field: Is announced on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 4:30pm (local time).
2025 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw: Takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:30pm (local time).
How to bet on the 2025 Melbourne Cup field?
Visit Ladbrokes and their future racing markets to bet on the 2025 Melbourne Cup field and early entries heading towards the two-mile classic on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
You can bet on the Melbourne Cup 2025 field online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at ladbrokes.com.au. The process is quick and easy!
Once you've created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that's right for you.
2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations
Early Melbourne Cup 2025 Nominations featuring a huge list of potential runners in the two-mile classic close in early September and will be detailed in full below as soon as released.
The official 2025 Melbourne Cup Nominations close on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
2025 Melbourne Cup First Acceptances
The official Melbourne Cup 2025 first acceptances close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.