Light Infantry Man defends title in the TAB Australian Cup

In the 164th edition of the historic race, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding showed immense grit to defend his title, holding off a gallant Pride of Jenni in a thrilling stablemate battle. The victory gave jockey Harry Coffey his first-ever Flemington Group 1 win.

The road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup has officially begun, with Whiskey on the Hill securing the first golden ticket into the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup after winning the $300,000 Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m). Connections are already mapping out their path toward the first Tuesday in November. 

Once trained by the late Mike Moroney - who famously won the 2000 Lexus Melbourne Cup with Brew - Whiskey on the Hill is now under the care of Glen Thompson, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead for the team. 

And home-bred filly Thanks Gorgeous sprinted away to win the VRC Sprint Classic (1100m) for father son training duo Levi and Mark Kavanagh. 

VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said TAB Australian Cup Day was a memorable finale to the Flemington Autumn Carnival. 

"TAB Australian Cup Day delivered everything we love about autumn racing at Flemington.

Capped off by a thrilling finish to the TAB Australian Cup, which added to an incredible atmosphere here at Flemington. Congratulations to Light Infantry Man and all connections on a brilliant victory in the 164th TAB Australian Cup. 

"It was also a special day for connections of Whiskey on the Hill, who secured the first golden ticket into the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup. The countdown to the first Tuesday in November is now underway. 

"It was a terrific way to close the Flemington Autumn Carnival, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for ANZAC Day Race Day on Saturday 25 April." 

@FlemingtonVRC @tabcomau #AusCupDay