The Race That Stops a Nation: A Guide to the Melbourne Cup

In Australia, few things unite the country like the first Tuesday of November. At exactly 3:00 PM (AEDT), offices go quiet, construction sites pause, and millions of eyes turn toward a patch of turf in Melbourne. This is the Melbourne Cup, an event so ingrained in the national psyche that it is colloquially known as “The Race That Stops a Nation.”

Whether you are a seasoned punter studying the form guide or a once-a-year bettor joining an office sweepstake, the Melbourne Cup is the undisputed pinnacle of the Australian sporting and gambling calendar.

A Legacy Born in 1861

The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a race; it’s a living history book. First run in 1861, the inaugural race saw a field of 17 horses compete for a gold watch and a modest purse of 710 pounds. The winner, a horse named Archer, famously walked over 800km from Nowra to Flemington just to compete—and then won again the following year.

Since then, the race has evolved into a global phenomenon. It is a 3,200-metre Group 1 handicap held at Flemington Racecourse, testing the ultimate endurance of thoroughbreds. The handicap system is part of what makes the race so popular; by assigning heavier weights to higher-rated horses, the field is theoretically leveled, giving every runner—and every punter—a “fair go.”

The Cultural Phenomenon

While the horses are the stars, the Melbourne Cup is equally about the spectacle. It is the centerpiece of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a week-long celebration of fashion, food, and socialite culture.

For many Australians, the “Cup” is their first introduction to the world of horse racing. From the “Fashions on the Field” competitions to the traditional office “sweeps,” the event transcends the track. It’s a day for fascinators, sharp suits, and long lunches—a public holiday in Victoria that the rest of the country celebrates just as fervently.

The Modern Gambling Landscape

The Melbourne Cup remains the single biggest wagering event in Australia. Even as gambling habits shift toward sports like AFL and NRL, the Cup holds a unique position. Recent data shows that even with cost-of-living pressures, wagering turnover on the race remains staggering.

In 2025, the total prize pool reached a massive $10 million, with the winner taking home $4.4 million. This astronomical sum attracts the world’s best stayers from Europe, Japan, and the UAE, turning the local “handicap” into a truly international “battle of the stayers.”

Key Betting Trends

• The Rise of Digital Apps: Gone are the days of queuing at the TAB. Most Australians now place their bets via mobile apps, which offer “Price Pumps” and “Same Race Multis.”
• The “Once-a-Year” Punter: A significant portion of the betting pool comes from people who only bet on this one race. This “mug money” often flows toward popular names or lucky numbers, which can occasionally skew the odds on favorites.
• Exotic Bets: While a “Win” or “Each-Way” bet is standard, the Melbourne Cup is famous for its life-changing Trifectas and First 4s. With 24 horses in the field, picking the first four in order is incredibly difficult but offers massive payouts.

Betting Strategies for the Cup

Because the Melbourne Cup is a 3,200m staying test, picking a winner requires a different approach than a standard sprint. Here are a few tips used by pro punters:

1. Look for “Stayers”: Not every horse can run two miles. Look for runners who have performed well in the Caulfield Cup or international staying races like the Ebor Handicap.
2. Check the Weight: Because it’s a handicap, a few kilograms can make a huge difference over the final 400 metres.
3. Barrier Draws: While less critical over a long distance, a good draw helps a horse find a comfortable position early without burning too much “petrol.”
4. The “Cup King” Factor: Pay attention to trainers like Chris Waller or international maestros like Willie Mullins, who have mastered the art of peaking a horse for this specific day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time does the Melbourne Cup start?

The Melbourne Cup traditionally jumps at 3:00 PM AEDT on the first Tuesday of November.

2. Where is the Melbourne Cup held?

The race is held at the historic Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.

3. How many horses run in the Melbourne Cup?

The final field is limited to 24 runners, though scratchings can occur on the morning of the race.

4. Who won the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

The 2025 Melbourne Cup was won by Half Yours, ridden by jockey Jamie Melham and trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy.

5. What is an “Each-Way” bet?

An Each-Way bet is effectively two bets: one for the horse to win and one for the horse to “place” (finish in the top 3). If your horse wins, you collect on both.

6. What is a “Sweep”?

A sweep is a common social game where people “buy” a random horse from the field for a small entry fee. If your horse wins or places, you win a share of the total pot.

7. Why is it called “The Race That Stops a Nation”?

The term was coined because the vast majority of the Australian population stops whatever they are doing to watch or listen to the race.

8. Can I bet on the Melbourne Cup if I’m not in Victoria?

Yes, you can bet through licensed online bookmakers or TAB outlets across all Australian states and territories.

9. What are the luckiest saddlecloth numbers?

Statistically, numbers 4 and 12 have been among the most successful in the history of the race.

10. How much is the total prize money?

As of 2025, the total prize pool is $10 million, making it one of the richest turf races in the world.