Zakouma wins golden ticket into the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup

Trained by Grahame Begg, the five-year-old continued his strong preparation, producing a determined staying performance to finish ahead of Pounding and Sir Chartwell. 

Zakouma is the second horse to win a golden ticket into this year’s race that stops a nation™”, joining the Glen Thompson trained Whisky On The Hill, who earned his place by winning the Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington on TAB Australian Cup Day.  

The win gives trainer Begg his second Andrew Ramsden victory, following his 2023 success with Lunar Flare. The next race offering ballot exemption will be the Belmont Gold Cup to be run at Saratoga Racecourse in June.  

VRC CEO Kylie Rogers congratulated Zakouma’s connections on today’s result. 

“The Lexus Andrew Ramsden has once again delivered a memorable result, with Zakouma earning their place in the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup.” Ms Rogers said. 

“The road to the first Tuesday in November is well and truly underway, and the connections now begin an exciting journey toward racing’s biggest stage.” 

“The golden ticket series now heads to the iconic Saratoga Racecourse for the Belmont Gold Cup, continuing the international journey to the Lexus Melbourne Cup.” 

The undercard produced several standout performances including Concord Connie, who claimed the K A Morrison Handicap. Trainer Charlotte Littlefield indicated the Group 1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes as a potential target during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

Jockey Jett Stanley finished the day with a double, partnering Concord Connie and Losesomewinmore who won the Listed Hilton Nicholas TAB Straight Six for Richard and Chantelle Jolly.