101 nominations received for the 166th Lexus Melbourne Cup

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. For more information and to purchase tickets visit vrc.com.au.

The full list of nominations for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup can be found here.

Key Milestone Dates for 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup