Australia’s most famous horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup, is set to return on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the historic Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. Known as “the race that stops a nation”, this prestigious event brings together elite horses, leading jockeys and passionate racing fans from around the world. With an impressive prize pool of A$10.2 million, the 2026 Melbourne Cup promises to be another exciting chapter in Australian sporting history.

A Historic Racing Tradition

First held in 1861, the Melbourne Cup has grown into one of the world’s most celebrated horse races. The 2026 event marks its 166th running, continuing a tradition spanning more than a century and a half. The race covers 3,200 metres and is classified as a Group 1 handicap race, testing the endurance, speed and determination of both horses and jockeys. Unlike shorter races, the Melbourne Cup requires competitors to maintain their stamina over a demanding distance while making strategic decisions throughout the contest. Beyond its sporting significance, the Melbourne Cup has become an important part of Australian culture. Each year, millions of people follow the race through television broadcasts, workplace celebrations and social gatherings.

Strong International Competition

The 2026 Melbourne Cup has attracted significant international interest. According to the Victoria Racing Club, 101 horses were originally nominated, including 78 locally trained runners and 23 international entries representing England, Ireland, Japan and the United States. Among the notable contenders is Half Yours, the defending Melbourne Cup champion, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy. The horse is seeking another historic victory following its impressive success in 2025. Australian trainer Ciaron Maher has also assembled a strong group of contenders, including Point Of Law, while internationally renowned Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien is pursuing his third Melbourne Cup victory. O’Brien’s entries have included Defiantly, who earned a place in the race through victory in France’s Prix Kergorlay. The international competition highlights the Melbourne Cup’s reputation as a major attraction for some of the world’s finest staying horses. As of 30 October, the final field has not yet been confirmed. The remaining contenders are competing for places in the 24-horse starting lineup, with final declarations scheduled for Saturday, 31 October.

A Celebration Beyond Horse Racing

Although horse racing is the centrepiece, the Melbourne Cup Carnival offers much more than sporting competition. The 2026 Carnival runs across four major race days, beginning with Victoria Derby Day on 31 October, followed by Melbourne Cup Day on 3 November, Crown Oaks Day on 5 November and Champions Stakes Day on 7 November. Fashion remains an essential part of the celebrations. Spectators traditionally attend in elegant dresses, colourful suits and elaborate hats, while the famous Fashions on the Field competition showcases creativity and personal style. Entertainment is another major attraction. British pop superstar Robbie Williams is scheduled to perform at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, adding further excitement to the occasion. The Carnival also attracts tourists and supports Melbourne’s hospitality, accommodation and retail industries, reinforcing its importance beyond the racetrack.

Anticipation Builds for Race Day

With substantial prize money, international competitors and a rich sporting history, the 2026 Melbourne Cup is shaping up to be a memorable event. However, the outcome remains uncertain. The demanding distance, changing track conditions, barrier positions and race-day tactics can all influence which horse ultimately crosses the finish line first. As Australia prepares for the first Tuesday in November, racing enthusiasts eagerly await the moment when the horses charge down Flemington’s famous home straight. Regardless of the winner, the Melbourne Cup continues to represent a unique combination of sporting excellence, international competition, fashion and Australian tradition.

The trainer/jockey combination of SY Lim and S Ruzaini should figure prominently with a couple of genuine contenders engaged on the eleven-race program at the Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. The first of those is JOYEE GO (2), which remains unbeaten from three starts at Class 5 level and is a chance of bouncing back on the downgrade over the1150m journey in Race 3. The five-year-old has posted two wins this year, both on Track Two, and should utilize his early pace to take up a forward position after barrier rise. Last start winner BABY TWINS (4) scored over this track and trip on October 4 but does draw deeper and may require some early luck. LEGEND OF NIAGARA (3) is the only other class dropper in the race and his Class 5 statistic of two wins from three runs in the grade stands him in good stead to break the 610-day winning drought.  THE STAR (1) returned to form last start on the downgrade and is a worthy trifecta chance despite the big weight. (Race 3 Selections: 2 – 4 – 3 – 1) The SY Lim/Ruzaini combination could strike with the seven-year-old grey CASH COVE (4), which looks ideally placed for a winning return in the 1150m Class 5A contest. CASH COVE (4) is only a moderate beginner best suited by a fast tempo and with veteran mare BIG BAD MAMA (5) to provide the speed influence, he should receive all the favors in the run. PACIFIC POWER (6) has scored once from thirteen local outings but does perform well when resuming and will settle on the pace from the good draw. ROCKET GENERAL (8) has been descending in the ratings since winning his maiden back in March and is expected to improve. BIG BAD MAMA (5) looks the logical leader but can be susceptible over the 1150m trip nowadays. The ten-year-old could hang on to a top four spot with the class drop. (Race 4 Selections: 2 – 6 – 8 – 5) Former Hong Kong galloper LEGENDS NEVER FADE (1) may have disappointed many local punters on his Malaysian debut on October 4 but there were genuine excuses with the gelding pulling up with a respiratory infection. Everything seems to be back on track with the seven-year-old judging by his effortless trial win on Tuesday and can immediately atone in the 1200m Class 3 contest. The gelding will line up against inform three-year-old MEGA FORTUNE (8), which is chasing the winning hat trick and is capable of winning at Class 3 level. Jockey Oscar Chavez has ridden the gelding to both victories and will be hard to beat on the 2.5kg weight drop. The form lines of CHEVAL PEGASUS (6) and TO REMEMBER (11) have tapered off recently but both gallopers are handy sit-sprinters capable of springing an upset result on their best performances. (Race 6 Selections: 1 – 8 – 6 – 11) From the trials conducted at SLTC on October 20, four-year-old galloper STORM TO FINISH (9) was by far the most impressive performance of the morning and looks a winning chance in the 1200m Class 3 contest. The gelding looks a progressive type in the making with only nine career starts to date for three wins and despite being diagnosed with a respiratory problem post-race, is coming off an eye-catching 3rd over 1300m on September 27. Benny Woodworth rides the gelding for the first time but the veteran jockey has combined with trainer Ricky Choi for seven wins during the past twelve-month period. Former Hong Kong performer, STORM CHASER (3) resumes since breaking the Malaysian duck back in August and is a definite watch first-up. The gelding was a late scratching at Ipoh for refusing to load prior to going for a two-month break but hopefully his manners have been remedied and a forward showing is expected. Former Australian GILDED VOYAGER (1) will strip a lot fitter second-up and can easily atone without surprising while BANKER’S WARRIOR (10) had no luck last start but appears well weighted with the 3kg apprentice claim. (Race 7 Selections: 9 – 3 – 1 – 10)            NAVARRE CROWN (7) appears well handicapped to go back-to-back in the 1300m Open Novice for leading trainer Simon Dunderdale. NAVARRE CROWN (7) finished runner up behind progressive galloper Strategise on debut before easily accounting for a Restricted Maiden lineup at start here last month. The Yes Yes Yes gelding will more than likely go around at a short quote but he does look hard to beat on exposed form. KNOW AT HEART (1) has been far from disgraced against Class 3 opposition and the former Hong Kong galloper will strike a much easier assignment. SUN MOON STARS (3) was specked at long odds when breaking the maiden tag three weeks ago and is capable of measuring up while CAPET REGENT (10) can be considered for the exotics. (Race 10 Selections: 7 – 1 – 3 – 10)

Saturday’s 10-race Highveld meeting at TAB Turffontein on 31 October is packed with quality, with the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode – Onamission Charity Mile the headline act, supported by a pair of Grade 3 contests for three-year-olds and three Listed races. While the Charity Mile’s community initiative ensures that the day ultimately has many winners beyond the racecourse, there are plenty of attractive betting propositions for punters, with the powerful stables of Sean Tarry and that of Mike & Mathew de Kock dominating the feature-race landscape. Race 4, the Grade 3 Starling Stakes for three-year-old fillies, sees eight of the 12 runners representing the Tarry and De Kock stables. De Kock’s Flower Island, a last-start winner of the Grade 2 Fillies & Mares Joburg Spring Challenge, renews rivalry with Tarry’s Get Up. There is unfinished business between the pair: Get Up defeated Flower Island in the Grade 2 Alan Robertson at the end of their two-year-old campaigns, before Flower Island avenged that defeat with a winning three-year-old reappearance. Get Up is now 1kg better off for a 2-length defeat and enjoys a better draw, so there should be little separating the two again. Tarry, however, throws five runners at the race, with Alice B Toklas, Secretary Bird, Griselda and Within Reach joining Get Up to provide the yard with plenty of firepower. De Kock’s trio is headed by Flower Island, with Good Day Sunshine and new stable recruit In Hot Water (formerly with James Crawford in the Western Cape) completing the De Kock trio. Flower Island and Get Up look the principal protagonists, although the depth of the race makes it one where exotic players may want to go wide. The three-year-old males take centre stage in Race 5, the Grade 3 TAB Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m, where Fish Tales sets the standard. This unbeaten Heavenly Blue colt, a last-start winner of the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville at the end of his two-year-old campaign, makes his first appearance for the De Kock stable after switching from James Crawford’s barn. There is considerable scope for improvement from Fish Tales as a three-year-old, and his pedigree suggests the additional 200m should be firmly in his favour. Perhaps even more significant for punters is that, of De Kock’s four runners, stable jockey Callan Murray has opted to partner Fish Tales, despite the colt’s awkward 11 draw. That is a notable vote of confidence. The big one is Race 7, the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode – Onamission Charity Mile over 1600m, where De Kock launches a four-pronged assault against a strong Tarry coupling that is made up of the two Grade 1 winners in the field, Cosmic Speed and Grand Empire. The latter has a score to settle with the De Kock-trained Splittheeights. During their highly productive three-year-old campaigns, Splittheeights chased home Grand Empire in the Grade 1 SA Classic over 1800m, having previously beaten Tarry’s charge in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas over this same 1600m course and distance. Grand Empire has the advantage of a comeback run under his belt and should strip fitter for it, but his 18 draw is an obvious concern. Splittheeights, by contrast, has landed gate 4, is unbeaten over the course and distance and Murray gets back in the irons. With just 53.5kg on his back, the De Kock inmate appears attractively weighted. The only question mark is fitness, though the yard’s assessment is that the lightly raced Vercingetorix colt is not yet 100%, but fit enough to acquit himself competitively. Given his course-and-distance record, favourable draw and weight, he nevertheless looks good value to make a winning return. And then there is Race 8, the Listed 4Racing Java Stakes over 2400m, where De Kock-trained Curious Girl rates one of the day’s strongest exotic-bet anchors. The filly, winner of last season’s SA Derby, is unbeaten in two starts over the TAB Turffontein Standside track. She made an encouraging seasonal return in the Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m at Hollywoodbets Greyville earlier this month. The step up to 2400m is ideal and she is the best-weighted runner in the lineup. With fitness already established and the extra 500m tailor-made for her, Curious Girl has plenty going for her.   Clive Robinson

South Africa’s racing spotlight will turn to Johannesburg on Saturday, 28 November 2026, when the prestigious Betway Summer Cup returns to TAB Turffontein Racecourse for another spectacular afternoon of top-class thoroughbred racing. Widely regarded as one of the highlights of the South African racing calendar, the Summer Cup combines sporting excellence, rich tradition and a vibrant social atmosphere. With a prize purse of R6 million, the Grade 1 feature promises to attract some of the country’s finest racehorses, leading jockeys and most accomplished trainers. This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrate Summer”, promises far more than just a day at the races.

A Racing Tradition Dating Back to 1887

Few horse races can boast a history as closely connected to their home city as the Summer Cup. Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold, and horse racing soon became part of the emerging city’s identity. The Johannesburg Turf Club was established in 1887, with its inaugural meeting featuring the Johannesburg Handicap, the predecessor of today’s Summer Cup. Originally contested over two miles for a prize of £250, the race has undergone numerous transformations throughout its remarkable history. It officially became known as the Summer Cup in 2001, while Betway took over title sponsorship in 2022. Today, almost 140 years after its origins, the race remains one of Johannesburg’s most celebrated sporting traditions.

The Ultimate Grade 1 Challenge

The centrepiece of the meeting is the R6 million Betway Summer Cup, a Grade 1 handicap contested over 2000 metres on Turffontein’s demanding Standside track. Unlike weight-for-age races, a handicap requires horses to carry different weights according to their assessed abilities, creating the potential for thrilling contests between established champions and emerging stars. The 2026 race has a maximum field of 20 runners, with the handicap weights ranging from 54kg to 60kg. Turffontein itself presents a formidable challenge. Its famous uphill section, beginning around the 1200-metre mark, places considerable demands on stamina and endurance. Over this testing course, tactical positioning, patience and a perfectly timed finishing effort can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Mocha Blend Returns Among a Star-Studded Entry

One of the most fascinating stories surrounding the 2026 Summer Cup is the possible return of defending champion Mocha Blend. Trained by Frank Robinson and ridden by Tristan Godden, Mocha Blend produced one of the greatest upsets in recent Summer Cup history when she captured the 2025 edition at extraordinary odds of 100-1. The daughter of Ideal World defeated Olivia’s Way by half a length, delivering a memorable first Grade 1 victory for both her trainer and jockey. Her name appears among the early nominations for the 2026 renewal, raising the exciting possibility of back-to-back Summer Cup triumphs. However, defending her crown will be anything but straightforward. A total of 43 horses were nominated at the first entry stage, with 42 appearing on the initial official rankings published on 13 October. At the top of that list stands Gladatorian, trained by Stuart Ferrie. The accomplished gelding strengthened his credentials with a victory in the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge at Turffontein in early October. Mocha Blend occupies second position in the initial rankings, followed by Sean Tarry’s Grade 1 SA Classic winner Grand Empire. Other prominent contenders include Fire Attack, Jan Van Goyen, King Pelles, Holding Thumbs and Native Ruler. The powerful father-and-son partnership of Mike and Mathew de Kock has nominated seven horses, including multiple Grade 1 winner Jan Van Goyen. Mike de Kock has an extraordinary record in the event, having trained nine Summer Cup winners during his celebrated career. With challengers nominated from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, the 2026 contest is shaping up as a fascinating battle between some of South Africa’s strongest racing stables. The final field is scheduled to be announced on 17 November, meaning the early nominations and rankings remain subject to change.

More Than One Major Race

Although the Summer Cup takes centre stage, the supporting programme is another major attraction. The 2026 meeting is scheduled to feature several additional graded races, including:

• Grade 2 Betway Dingaans (1600m): An important contest showcasing promising three-year-old talent.
• Grade 3 Merchants (1160m): An exciting sprint featuring specialist speedsters.
• Grade 3 Fillies Mile (1600m): A valuable opportunity for talented young fillies to demonstrate their potential.
• Listed Carry On Alice Stakes (1160m): Another competitive sprint that adds depth to the programme.

Together, these races offer spectators an exciting mixture of speed, stamina and emerging talent. They also provide an opportunity to witness future South African racing stars competing on one of the country’s biggest stages.

Where Racing Meets Fashion and Entertainment

The Summer Cup has developed into much more than a traditional racing fixture. Under the 2026 theme “Celebrate Summer”, organisers are preparing a celebration of Johannesburg’s distinctive energy, combining elite racing with fashion, music, food and premium hospitality. Racegoers can look forward to a colourful atmosphere, stylish outfits, live entertainment and an exciting social experience. From passionate racing enthusiasts to first-time visitors, the event offers different ways to enjoy one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious sporting occasions. General admission tickets start at R100, while premium hospitality packages provide additional options for those seeking an exclusive raceday experience.

A Summer Cup Full of Possibilities

From its origins in the gold-rush era to its modern status as a multimillion-rand Grade 1 showpiece, the Summer Cup continues to represent the enduring spirit of South African horse racing. The 2026 edition offers several compelling questions. Can Mocha Blend repeat her remarkable 2025 success? Will Gladatorian turn his impressive recent form into Grade 1 glory? Could a rising star from one of South Africa’s leading stables emerge to claim the prestigious trophy? Whatever the outcome, the Betway Summer Cup promises another unforgettable chapter in Johannesburg’s racing history. On 28 November 2026, all roads lead to TAB Turffontein — where tradition, racing excellence and the excitement of summer come together.

Jockey Richard Fourie continues to set a high standard, with his strike rate around the 20% mark. Much of that success is due to his continued stream of winners at TAB Fairview for trainer Alan Greeff. They team up in all eight races on Friday, but it will be the filly in Race 4, Pretty Awesome, who attracts the most interest from punters, especially for the exotics. Pretty Awesome has had just three starts so far and won her second outing. The well-bred daughter of Gimmethegreenlight is improving and should be at her best over this course and distance, a MR 68 Handicap over 1400m on the turf. A bad draw might force Richard Fourie to drop her out early, but she has already shown a good finishing kick. Provided she gets luck in running, she looks the banker bet. Racing returns to the turf, and there are a number of tricky races, but George Handel in Race 5 and Red Birch in Race 8 should give us a run for our money. George Handel is on a long losing run, but jockey Muzi Yeni knows how to get the best out of him, and he has been very consistent of late. He is probably even better on the grass and should be doing his best work late. Trainer Dean Smith has his yard in decent form, and Red Birch is clearly improving. This daughter of Erik The Red is unbeaten in two starts since cheekpieces were applied, and she wears them again. Jockey Craig Zackey has got her to quicken nicely in both those wins, and she can overcome a difficult draw to score.   Clive Robinson

Video Stars Race 3 – 10 VIVA CHALEUR He was urged forward early to stalk the leader from a wide draw last start before weakening in the straight to finish seventh, beaten 3.25 lengths over this distance on turf. The form has since been franked, with the winner going on to place in Class 4. The return to the AWT, where he recorded his sole local win, should work in his favour, and he is worth considering as a value option. Race 4 – 11 BULL ATTITUDE On a highly competitive mark, he was badly held up from the 400m to the 100m last start but still flashed home late to finish fourth over 1650m at this track, beaten by only a neck. With a clear passage, a top-three finish was well within reach. Well weighted in this week’s field, he appears to be edging closer to a win and can make amends with better luck in running. Sectional Stars Race 1 – 7 SUPERB GUY He was slow to begin from a wide draw last start and had to settle well off the speed in a race dominated by the frontrunners. Once balanced in the straight, he finished off strongly to claim sixth over 1400m. With a clean getaway this time, he looks capable of securing a top-three finish. Race 7 – 5 GOOD CHAP Despite the wide draw, he comes off an encouraging first-up effort, posting the second-fastest final 400m sectional to finish sixth over this track and distance. He has performed well on the All-Weather track and, with a more economical run, could finish in the money second-up.