What Melbourne Cup horses run in the 164th edition of the Melbourne Cup race on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 will be updated below as Melbourne Cup runners are confirmed!
Each year the finest Melbourne Cup horses take to the Flemington track on the first Tuesday of November in the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’. The Melbourne Cup field for the $8.56 million classic has a capacity of 24 runners that can run and look to add their name to the iconic list of Melbourne Cup winners.
Increasingly the Melbourne Cup horses that line-up in the famous Flemington Race 7 come for overseas.
BET ON THE 2024 MELBOURNE CUP HORSES
Early market betting odds on the 2024 Melbourne Cup will be displayed below once available. Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live markets, please visit ladbrokes.com.au.
Looking over the recent Melbourne Cup history, five of the eight champions from 2014-2022 were internationally-trained including Cross Counter in 2018 for Godolphin’s Newmarket-based horseman Charlie Appleby and most recently the Joseph O’Brien-trained Irish raider Twilight Payment who led an all-international trifecta.
In 2021 there were officially only two internationals in the Melbourne Cup field with the defending champion Twilight Payment finishing a disappointing 11th with the 58kg top-weight and the Andrew Balding-trained Spanish Mission running third behind locals Verry Elleegant (1st) and Incentivise (2nd).
There were also two internationally-trained horses in the 2022 Melbourne Cup field with the James Ferguson-trained Deauville Legend running fourth as the beaten favourite, while Without A Fight finished a disappointing 13th over 20 lengths beaten by the winner Gold Trip.
Doing the form on the Melbourne Cup horses is essential and looking for gallopers proven at the distance can be key. Melbourne Cup horses come into the Group 1 two-mile feature via a host of lead-up races including the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
Gold Trip (9th in 2022) was the last Cox Plate graduate to back-up and win the Melbourne Cup. Gold Trip was also the first horse in five years to run in all of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors also finished a brave second in the 2022 Caulfield Cup results.
The official list and field for the Melbourne Cup is announced on the Saturday before the race after the racing action of Victoria Derby Day. Once the Melbourne Cup horses are confirmed, the Melbourne Cup barrier draw then takes place to determine the starting positions of the hopefuls in the race.
Some of the most famous Melbourne Cup horses include the inaugural winner Archer (1861-62), triple champion Makybe Diva (2003-05), Kingston Rule who set the winning time record in 1990 and Prince Of Penzance (2015) who won at odds of $101!
2024 Melbourne Cup Final Field: Melbourne Cup Horses
The official Melbourne Cup 2024 Final Field & Barrier Draw is released on Saturday, November 2, 2024 with the last round of acceptances closing at 4:30pm (local time) before the announcement is made live from Flemington post the VRC Derby Day racing.
The full list of 2024 Melbourne Cup Horses & Jockeys will be detailed below for punters as soon as released by Racing Victoria.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place on the evening of Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 6:30pm (AEDT) and can be viewed live at Racing.com.
2024 MELBOURNE CUP HORSE PROFILES
Once the Melbourne Cup 2024 horses are confirmed, below we will take a look over a few of the key contenders in the ‘race that stops a nation’.
Below punters can stay up-to-date Melbourne Cup horses of interest that have secured a run in the 24-horse feature race at Flemington.
Stay up to date with the confirmed 2024 Melbourne Cup jockeys below to see what jockeys are riding what horses in this year’s Melbourne Cup field.
Melbourne Cup Ballot Exempt Races
There are currently eight 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.
International Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
- The Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup (3219m) – 2024 winner The Grey Wizard (not nominated)
- Listed Ebor Handicap (2816m) – 2024 winner Magical Zoe
Australian Melbourne Cup ballot exemption races:
2024 MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS
Here we take a look at potential 2024 Melbourne Cup contenders ahead of the final acceptances.
Click here to view the full list of 2024 Melbourne Cup nominations.
DEFENDING CHAMPION
Without A Fight (IRE)
Without A Fight winning the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by TEOFILO (IRE) from KHOR SHEED (GB)
- Age/Gender: 8YO gelding
- Trainers: Anthony & Sam Freedman (Mornington)
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum
- Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 2023 – 1st by 2.25L from Soulcombe (GB); 2022 – 14th beaten 21.15L behind Gold Trip (FR) *trained by Simon & Ed Crisford
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $26 – BET NOW
- Video: Without A Fight winning the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington November 7, 2023
It is a big ask to go back-to-back in the world’s richest handicap race with the last multiple Melbourne Cup champion being the mighty three-time hero Makybe Diva (2003-05).
Without A Fight was enormous last spring completing the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double for the first time since Ethereal (2001) and returns looking for more glory in Australia’s biggest staying races in 2024.
He is an eight-year-old now and hasn’t raced (at time of publish) since his incredible 2.25 length romp home from barrier 16 with 56.5kg last year, which had a lot to do with the masterful ride by Mark Zahra who went back-to-back having also ridden Gold Trip to victory the year prior.
The thing is, he’ll need to lump a lot more weight this time around. This will be his third Melbourne Cup assignment; he was also unplaced some 21 lengths beaten as an international raider in 2022.
Tough ask. Tough horse. Value.
LOCAL FAVOURITE
Circle Of Fire (GB)
Sydney Cup 2024 winner Circle Of Fire saluted for the punters with an impressive two length triumph. Photo: Steve Hart.
- Breeding: by ALMANZOR (FR) from FIERY SUNSET (GB)
- Age/Gender: 5YO horse
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher (Cranbourne)
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mr M Johnston, Mrs A J Johnston, Mr T N Porter, Mr H P Sambor, Eleven Royals, Shadwell Farm Racing, The Greene Machine, Mr A S Ingersole, Mr M J Burns, Mr B S David, B R A W Racing, Burning Ring, Mr T A Ginnane, Mr R McClure, Mr B G Noonan, Mr D J O’Connor, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Mr D J House, Mr W B Keighran, Madica
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15 – BET NOW
- Video: Circle Of Fire winning the 2024 Schweppes Sydney Cup at Randwick on April 13, 2024
Bred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Circle of Fire, a former Epsom Derby prospect trained by Sir Michael Stoute, has found a new lease on life under the care of Ciaron Maher.
After a promising start in England, Circle of Fire made a successful transition to Australia, showcasing his staying ability in the Chairman’s Quality. Star Italian jockey, Andrea Atzeni, then guided the horse to a tough Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) victory overcoming a three-deep run throughout to finish on top over the two miles.
Circle Of Fire relished the distance putting two lengths on them late, albeit with only 51.5kg. He’ll have more on his back in the Flemington equivalent but remains an all-in favourite in 2024 Melbourne Cup odds.
Right distance, right trainer, get him early.
EUROPEAN RAIDERS
Vauban (FR)
Vauban is an early favourite in 2024 Melbourne Cup betting. Photo: Steven Cargill / Racing.com
- Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
- Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
- Trainers: Mr Willie Mullins (Co. Carlow (IRE))
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mrs S Ricci
- Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 2023 – 14th beaten 13.35L behind Without A Fight (GB)
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15 – BET NOW
- Video: Vauban winning the 2024 Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York on August 23, 2024
Vauban, a highly anticipated horse with a strong reputation, faced challenges in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Despite his owner’s determination and trainer Willie Mullins’s strategic planning, Vauban’s performance fell short of expectations when he finished well behind some 13 lengths beaten as the pre-race favourite.
Since the 2023 Melbourne Cup, Vauban has participated in several European races, including the Yorkshire Cup and Ascot Gold Cup. Although he showed promise in these key events, he ultimately finished behind other strong contenders.
With the goal of redemption, Vauban is likely to return to Australia for another attempt at the Melbourne Cup after finally getting back to winning form at York on August 23.
Atoning for his recent third to the tearaway, Aidan O’Brien-trained Cup hopeful Tower Of London in the Curragh Cup, Vauban was gutsy off a nice William Buick ride relishing the extra distance of the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3319m). It was a narrow but convincing win there that put the writing on the wall for another shot at Australia’s best race.
Dour stayer out for redemption.
Absurde (FR)
Absurde was a brave seventh in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup and is set to return in 2024. Photo: Healey Racing.
- Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)
- Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
- Trainer: Mr Willie Mullins (Co. Carlow (IRE))
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: HOS Syndicate
- Previous Melbourne Cup Performances: 2023 – 7th beaten 5.45L behind Without A Fight (GB)
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $15 – BET NOW
- Video: Absurde winning the 2023 Ebor Handicap at York on August 26, 2023
Absurde was a Golden Ticket contender last year after a barnstorming Ebor win but didn’t quite live up to the hype when five lengths beaten running seventh.
He looks set to return for a second crack at the world’s richest handicap and is being kept very safe in all-in betting on the Cup after impressing with 61kg to win the Listed Chester Stakes (2916m) recently back home.
It is a big ask for horses to travel down under on Australia’s biggest day of racing, and Absurde lost few admirers impressing with his manners at the pre-race Melbourne Cup parade. His run was full of merit and this jump racing star will take benefit from the previous trip.
Second chance improver.
GOLDEN TICKET HOLDERS
Note that the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup 2024 winner The Grey Wizard and Australia’s Listed Roy Higgins Quality 2024 winner Mark Twain have not been nominated for the Melbourne Cup and so do not feature below.
Point King (IRE)
Point King winning a ballot free ride into the Melbourne Cup 2024 via the Lexus Archer Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by ZOFFANY (IRE) from LOVED (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
- Trainers: Anthony & Sam Freedman (Mornington)
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mr L J Williams, Mr J Packer
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $21 – BET NOW
- Video: Point King winning the 2024 Lexus Archer Stakes at Flemington on September 14, 2024
Anthony & Sam Freedman have a genuine Melbourne Cup contender in with a Golden Ticket entry following the strong Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes win by former Irish galloper Point King.
The Zoffany gelding, previously prepared in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, had his third run down under and second for the Freedmans when given a gun ride by Jamie Kah to run home well on a Heavy Flemington track over 2500m and earn the ballot exemption.
He layed in a little down the straight still looking to be piecing things together but did enough and showed guts holding out the challengers.
Likely to be better on top of the ground, will stay all day, and caught the eye having come from a 2040m win at The Valley stepping up notably in grade and distance.
Right path now and if he improves can give some of them a run.
Part-owned by goliath Melbourne Cup owner Lloyd Williams who chases his incredible eighth victory.
Genuine contender with the Lloyd Williams factor who will relish firmer going on Cup Day.
The Map
The Map winning the Andrew Ramsden Stakes to earn a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup 2024 field. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
- Breeding: by ALPINE EAGLE from THIS MOMENT
- Age/Gender: 6YO mare
- Trainers: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray (Murray Bridge)
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Mrs J A Macgillivray, Mr D J Clarken, South East Connections, Gambling Graziers, Mr R A Sadek, Mr P Cousins, Mr G V Davidson, Mrs B R Davidson, Mr B R Hayden
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $26 – BET NOW
- Video: The Map winning the 2024 Lexus Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 18, 2024
Murray Bridge horsemen Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray have a class mare into the Melbourne Cup with The Map putting herself in the frame for a shot at the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’ with her half-length romp home over 2800m in the Listed Andrew Ramsden back in May.
Subsequent run had her running ninth in the Listed MacDonald Stakes (1400m) at home on August 24, but she was a 30/1 over that unsuitably short distance for a reason and lost few admirers hitting the line well under four lengths beaten with 57kg.
She’ll relish further as she gets deeper into her spring prep eyeing that potential Melbourne Cup run and will be in on a lightweight.
Denied a Group 2 Adelaide Cup victory over the two miles back in March beaten a nostril flare by Excelleration. Her Andrew Ramsden victory saw her atone however with the Adelaide Cup winner Excelleration running third in the Melbourne Cup golden ticket race.
She’ll stay all day and eat up the Melbourne Cup distance. Easy Melbourne Cup Day winner last year in the The Macca’s Run over 2800m. Can she go all the way in the big one 12 months on?
Only three Australian-bred horses have won the Melbourne Cup in the 21st century with Vow And Declare (2019) the latest.
Dour stayer with Cup Day experience. Can surprise.
Magical Zoe (IRE)
Magical Zoe winning the Ebor Handicap. Photo: Credit: Edward Whitaker.
- Breeding: by SHANTOU (USA) from FEDAIA (IRE)
- Age/Gender: 7YO mare
- Trainer: Henry De Bromhead (Co. Waterford (IRE))
- Jockey: TBC
- Weight: TBC
- Barrier: TBC
- Owners: Patrick and Scott Bryceland
- Current Melbourne Cup 2024 Odds*: $21 – BET NOW
- Video: Magical Zoe winning the 2024 Ebor Handicap at York on August 24, 2024
The only international nominated for the Melbourne Cup 2024 holding a golden ticket win, this mare was excellent at York in late August storming home in the time-honoured Ebor Handicap.
This Irish sensation lumped 60kg over the 2816m Ebor distance and won by an emphatic 2.8 length margin. That is some win for a mare!
Onwards down under now, and she is understandably being kept relatively safe in all-in betting on the Cup.
We could be looking at an Irish invasion on the first Tuesday of November with this impressive mare joining the likes of Willie Mullins’ Vauban and Absurde as fellow Irish stayers bound for race.
Her trainer and connections are all keen for a Melbourne Cup bid and she’s ticking all the right boxes this stage.
Irish mare with genuine Cup claims.
*All-in 2024 Melbourne Cup odds subject to change. Horses listed are potential Melbourne Cup contenders, not final acceptors, and can be withdrawn at any time.
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.