The Melbourne Cup race is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events. If you’re planning to watch or attend, knowing the exact start time matters.
The race occurs annually on the first Tuesday of November, drawing crowds locally and internationally. Whether you’re placing a bet, hosting a viewing party, or simply curious, timing your day around the main event is key.
This guide provides all the essential details about the Melbourne Cup race time, along with other important information you need. From the precise starting time to broadcast options, favorite contenders, and entry costs, we’ve gathered the facts in one place.
The Melbourne Cup is more than a horse race – it’s an Australian institution with a rich history dating back to 1861. Read on to learn everything you need to know about when to tune in for the big race.
What Time Does the Melbourne Cup Main Race Run?
The Melbourne Cup main race is scheduled to run at 3:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on the first Tuesday of November. For 2025, this falls on Tuesday, November 4th.
This timing has been consistent for many years, though it’s always good to check the official Victoria Racing Club website for any last-minute changes.
The 3:00 PM timeslot was chosen to:
- Allow office workers to take a late lunch or afternoon break to watch
- Maximize television viewing audiences
- Provide optimal racing conditions at Flemington
- Accommodate the international broadcast schedule
For viewers in different time zones, here’s when the race will start:
| Location | Local time |
|---|---|
| Sydney | 3:00 PM AEDT |
| Brisbane | 2:00 PM AEST |
| Adelaide | 2:30 PM ACDT |
| Perth | 12:00 PM AWST |
| New Zealand | 5:00 PM NZDT |
| UK | 4:00 AM GMT |
| USA (Eastern) | 11:00 PM EST (Nov 3) |
| USA (Pacific) | 8:00 PM PST (Nov 3) |
| Japan | 1:00 PM JST |
The Melbourne Cup is race 7 in a card of 10 races held throughout the day at Flemington. The first race typically starts around 10:45 AM, with races scheduled approximately 40 minutes apart.
Which Horse is the Favourite for the Melbourne Cup?
Favorites shift as race day approaches, influenced by factors like recent performance, jockey experience, and track conditions. For the 2024 race, early predictions highlight these contenders:
- Gold Trip: The 2022 winner remains a strong candidate with proven stamina.
- Vauban: A European import with dominant long-distance wins in 2023.
- Without A Fight: Defending 2023 champion, aiming for back-to-back wins.
Bookmakers update odds frequently. Check sites like Sportsbet or Ladbrokes for live updates. Key traits of past favorites include:
- Weight: Horses carrying 55kg or less tend to perform better.
- Barrier Draw: Positions 5–15 have higher win rates.
- Trainer/Jockey Partnerships: Successful duos like Chris Waller and James McDonald often repeat wins.
The final field of 24 horses is determined through a ballot system based on prize money earned and weights allocated. Some horses may be scratched (withdrawn) in the days leading up to the race due to injury or other factors.
What TV Channel Is the Melbourne Cup On?
You can watch the Melbourne Cup on various channels, depending on your location:
- Australia: Channel 9, Nine Now (free-to-air), ABC Sport.
- UK: Sky Sports Racing
- USA: FanDuel TV
- New Zealand: Trackside TV
Streaming services like Kayo Sports, Racing.com, or YouTube (via official channels) also broadcast the race. Pubs and clubs across Australia host free screenings—arrive early to secure seating.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter a Horse in the Melbourne Cup?
Entering a horse in the Melbourne Cup involves several fees at different stages of the process:
- Initial nomination fee: $600
- First acceptance fee: $2,000 (paid in early October)
- Second acceptance fee: $4,500 (paid in late October)
- Final acceptance fee: $49,500 (paid the Saturday before the race)
The total cost to enter a horse and maintain it through all acceptance stages is $56,600. However, this represents only a small portion of the overall expense involved in getting a horse to the Melbourne Cup.
Additional costs include:
- Training fees – Approximately $50,000-$70,000 per year
- Transport costs – Up to $100,000 for international horses
- Quarantine expenses – Required for all international entrants
- Jockey fees – Usually 5% of prize money earned
- Stabling costs at Flemington or nearby facilities
For international horses, the Victoria Racing Club often provides travel subsidies to attract high-quality competitors from overseas. Some owners spend millions of dollars purchasing and preparing a horse for a Melbourne Cup campaign.
The significant investment is balanced against the substantial prize money on offer:
- Total prize pool: AUD 8 million
- First place: $4.4 million
- Second place: $1.1 million
- Third place: $550,000
- Horses placed 4th through 12th also receive prize money
Beyond the financial considerations, the prestige of winning the Melbourne Cup is considered priceless in racing circles. The winning horse, jockey, trainer, and owner are recognized in Australian racing history.
Conclusion
The Melbourne Cup race starts at 3:00 PM AEDT on the first Tuesday of November. Adjust for your time zone if you are watching internationally.
Channel 9 broadcasts the event in Australia while streaming platforms like Kayo or Sky Sports cover it overseas.
As an Amazon Service LLC Program Associate, V. Auto Basics earns from qualifying purchases. See Our Affiliate disclaimer.
