After a full day of sunshine, celebration, drinks and racing, Melbourne Cup revellers are making their way home.
More than 90,000 people are believed to have attended the iconic 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.
Point Of Law, formerly owned by King Charles, claimed victory in this year’s race, while Zahrann and Juja Kibo filled the minor placings.
Only months after leaving the King’s ownership in a deal reportedly worth more than $3 million, the Frankel colt delivered a Melbourne Cup triumph for his Australian buyers.
‘Please don’t wake me up. It’s an amazing feeling,’ jockey Ethan Brown said after the race.
The Ciaron Maher-trained runner stormed past Royal Supremacy, who had opened up a 20-length advantage as the field entered the final straight.
Thousands of Australians descended on Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday
Revellers smiled and danced their way through the afternoon
Point Of Law, ridden by Ethan Brown (above), won the 2026 Melbourne Cup
Attendees paused for a rest during the long afternoon
More than 90,000 people are believed to have attended this year’s race
‘You know, I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would leave by that far. But there’s nothing better than a true staying test, and Point Of Law has just thrived,’ Brown said.
‘At the top of the straight, I was within striking distance. Then I looked up and Royal Supremacy was about 10 lengths in front. I thought, oh no, I’ve left my run too long here, but I had full confidence in the horse.
‘He’s got a turn of foot that’s second to none, and I just had to rely on that. I saw Royal Supremacy on tired legs, and when he quickened the way he did, my confidence grew.’
The result also gave Maher a trifecta, with his horses filling the first three places.
‘It’s been a whirlwind, really, but I’m very proud of all the team. To get three horses in the first three spots is incredible. I don’t even know where the rest finished yet, but I’m 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 who dare to dream.’
Grey skies gave way to clearer conditions over the racecourse by the afternoon
Dancers kicked off their heels as the celebrations continued
Punters celebrated their wins away from the track
Reds and pinks were crowd-favourite colours this year
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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.
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