Melbourne Cup Order Of Entry – 2026

The updated order of entry for the 2026 Melbourne Cup was released on September 29, 2026. The prestigious handicap race features a prize fund exceeding $10 million, with the starting field strictly restricted to 24 runners. Four horses currently hold ballot exemptions: Defiantly trained by Joseph O'Brien, Tawny Port trained by Miguel Clement, Shockletz trained by Ciaron Maher, and Zakouma trained by Grahame Begg.

Numerous contenders have met the first ballot clause, led by Chris Waller's Aeliana and Aidan O'Brien's Christmas Day. Other high-ranking hopefuls include Half Yours, Light Infantry Man, and Birdman. International and local trainers, including Joseph O'Brien, Ciaron Maher, and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, feature prominently among the top 24 prospective runners vying for starting positions.