Melbourne Cup 2026 final field, horses, order of entry, weights, jockeys, trainers, numbers, barriers, favourite

The field for the 2026 Melbourne Cup is close to being finalised.

The 24 horses set to battle it out for more than $10 million in prizemoney will be confirmed after 4.30pm AEDT, before the all-important barrier draw is held ahead of Tuesday’s race.

More than 100 horses initially nominated for the 166th running of the Cup at Flemington Racecourse, including 21 internationals, but the final line-up now appears set unless there are any further enforced withdrawals after some top hopes were ruled out in recent days.

Joseph O’Brien-trained hope Defiantly became the latest casualty after failing a veterinary check on Saturday morning.

But, in a twist of fate, it means another of Irish trainer O’Brien’s horses, Kizlyar, will instead get a start in the race.

BARRIER DRAW: Full results and who fared best — and worst

MELBOURNE CUP ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know

ORDER OF ENTRY: Latest in the race for Cup spots

DERBY DAY FORM GUIDE: Tips for big Flemington card

GOLDEN EAGLE FORM GUIDE: Tips for big Randwick card

Geelong Cup winner set for Melbourne Cup | 00:26

LIKELY 2026 MELBOURNE CUP FIELD

Number – Name – Weight – Trainer – Jockey

1 Sons And Lovers (GB) 57.5kg Joseph O’Brien Ryan Moore

2 Trustyourinstinct (IRE) 57kg Joseph O’Brien James McDonald

3 Middle Earth (GB) 56.5kg Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra

4 Vauban (FR) 56.5kg Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott TBC

5 Knight’s Choice 56.5kg John Symons & Sheila Laxon Robbie Dolan

6 Royal Supremacy (IRE) 56kg Ciaron Maher TBC

7 Enfjaar (IRE) 56kg Roger Varian Ray Dawson (unconfirmed)

8 Wine Dark Sea (GB) 56kg Harry Charlton TBC

9 Juja Kibo (IRE) 55kg Ciaron Maher Sam Clipperton

10 Asterix (NZ) 55kg Chris Waller TBC

11 Goodie Two Shoes (IRE) 55kg Joseph O’Brien Wayne Lordan

12 Soul Of Spain (IRE) 54.5kg Chris Waller Tommy Berry

13 Onesmoothoperator (USA) 54.5kg Tim Fitzsimmons Declan Bates

14 Zahrann (IRE) 54.5kg Ciaron Maher Ben Melham

15 Hopewell Rock (IRE) 54.5kg George Boughey Zac Lloyd

16 So You Are 54kg Bjorn Baker Rachel King

17 Future History (GB) Gregory Hickman 53.5kg

18 James J Braddock (IRE) 53.5kg Joseph O’Brien Craig Williams

19 Kizlyar (IRE) Joseph O’Brien 53.5kg TBC

20 Point Of Law (GB) 53kg Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown

21 Strictly Business 53kg Thomas Carberry TBC

22 Mr Monaco (GB) 52.5kg Ciaron Maher Jabez Johnstone (a)

23 Zakouma 52kg Grahame Begg William Pike

24 Shockletz (NZ) 51kg Ciaron Maher Harry Coffey