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

The field for the 2026 Melbourne Cup has been finalised.

The 24 horses set to battle it out for more than $10 million in prizemoney have been confirmed 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 is set 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, instead got a start in the race. See below the confirmed numbers and jockey for every runner.

TREVOR MARSHALLSEA’S FORM GUIDE: Verdict on every runner and predicted first 4

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

MELBOURNE CUP ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know

Geelong Cup winner set for Melbourne Cup | 00:26

2026 MELBOURNE CUP FIELD

Number – Name – Weight – Trainer – Jockey – Barrier

1 Sons And Lovers (GB) 57.5kg Joseph O’Brien Dylan Browne McMonagle (3)

2 Trustyourinstinct (IRE) 57kg Joseph O’Brien James McDonald (18)

3 Knight’s Choice 56.5kg John Symons & Sheila Laxon Robbie Dolan (2)

4 Middle Earth (GB) 56.5kg Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra (1)

5 Vauban (FR) 56.5kg Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Jordan Childs (22)

6 Enfjaar (IRE) 56kg Roger Varian Ray Dawson (8)

7 Royal Supremacy (IRE) 56kg Ciaron Maher Ben Allen (21)

8 Wine Dark Sea (GB) 56kg Harry Charlton Damian Lane (23)

9 Asterix (NZ) 55kg Chris Waller Jye McNeil (6)

10 Goodie Two Shoes (IRE) 55kg Joseph O’Brien Wayne Lordan (19)

11 Juja Kibo (IRE) 55kg Ciaron Maher Sam Clipperton (14)

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

13 Onesmoothoperator (USA) 54.5kg Tim Fitzsimmons Declan Bates (13)

14 Soul Of Spain (IRE) 54.5kg Chris Waller Tommy Berry (5)

15 Zahrann (IRE) 54.5kg Ciaron Maher Ben Melham (11)

16 So You Are 54kg Bjorn Baker Rachel King (7)

17 Future History (GB) 53.5kg Gregory Hickman Jamie Melham (12)

18 James J Braddock (IRE) 53.5kg Joseph O’Brien Craig Williams (24)

19 Kizlyar (IRE) 53.5kg Joseph O’Brien Beau Mertens (20)

20 Point Of Law (GB) 53kg Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown (9)

21 Strictly Business 53kg Thomas Carberry Dean Yendall (4)

22 Mr Monaco (GB) 52.5kg Ciaron Maher Jabez Johnstone (16)

23 Zakouma 52kg Grahame Begg William Pike (10)

24 Shockletz (NZ) 51kg Ciaron Maher Harry Coffey (17)