Nation stops to witness racing history as Ciaron Maher becomes first trainer to win Melbourne Cup trifecta

In a race that added another remarkable chapter to Melbourne Cup history, Point of Law gave Ciaron Maher and Ethan Brown victory in the race that stops a nation®, while Maher became the first trainer in the race's 166-year history to train a historic trifecta with Zahrann finishing second and Juja Kibo running third.

Global superstar Robbie Williams brought Flemington to a standstill with a spectacular pre-Cup performance in the Mounting Yard ahead of the arrival of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy. In the largest entertainment production ever staged in the Mounting Yard, the electrifying 12-minute spectacle featured some of his biggest hits, including Feel, Rock DJ, Angels and Let Me Entertain You, alongside a dynamic cast of dancers and dazzling pyrotechnics, creating an unforgettable moment for racegoers. 

The world-famous Birdcage Enclosure played host to a who’s who of entertainment, sport, business and media. Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx stole the show on arrival at Don Julio’s Mexican hacienda, while LANDMARK by Lexus welcomed the Hon Julie Bishop and friend of the brand Kate Waterhouse. Crown played host to Birdcage regulars Chris and Bec Judd, while G.H. Mumm welcomed Jules Neale, who took on the ‘Tap Tap’ moment for the day. Meanwhile, TAB combined sporting star power with premiership glory, hosting Hugh McCluggage and Conor McKenna alongside three premiership cups. Among the guests in the Nine marquee were television favourites Darren Palmer and Jules Robinson. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus made its customary statement on Cup Day with bursts of colour shining through the highly sought after marquee on Flemington’s Front Lawn. 

On another hotly contested day of finals, the main prize was the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award, celebrating incredible style and design prowess. Yet another star-studded panel of judges cast their eyes over today’s contestants, including Marie Claire Founder and daughter of Lillian Frank, Jackie Frank, creative director of the Australian Fashion Festival Damien Woolnough and award-winning milliner Felicity Northeast. 

Today’s winner was Doncaster local Souri Sengdara, who drew on her obsession with weaving to create a memorable design called ‘Dreamweaver’. The idea for something ‘woven’ began in February and took over three months to create. 

Having already captivated racegoers with his historic pre-Cup performance in the Mounting Yard, Robbie Williams returned to deliver a show-stopping 75-minute concert on The Elms Live Stage presented by Maccas following the final race. With thousands of racegoers singing along to his biggest hits, the global superstar brought Lexus Melbourne Cup Day to a memorable close, capping off a spectacular day of racing, fashion, entertainment and celebration at Flemington. 

Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive, Kylie Rogers, said the 2026 running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup delivered an unforgettable day at Flemington, combining world-class racing and entertainment. 
 
"It was incredible to see more than 97,000 racegoers enjoying the atmosphere, excitement and tradition that make the Lexus Melbourne Cup so special," Ms Rogers said.

"The performance by Robbie Williams in the mounting yard was everything we knew it would be, setting the scene and creating an unforgettable atmosphere ahead of the running of the Cup. 

"Congratulations to Ciaron Maher, Ethan Brown, and everyone connected to Point of Law on their fantastic win in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. A special mention to Ciaron for making history as the first person to train the trifecta in the race.  

"We look forward to continuing the celebration of the Melbourne Cup Carnival across Crown Oaks Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day."