The Melbourne Cup 2025 is set to captivate the world once again on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the historic Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is not just Australia’s richest and most prestigious horse race but also one of the most anticipated sporting events on the global racing calendar. With a staggering $10 million prize pool and elite horses from around the world, the 2025 Melbourne Cup promises to be a day of high stakes, glamour, and tradition.
Key Details of the 2025 Melbourne Cup
- Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Main Race Time: 3:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
- Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Race Distance: 3200 metres
- Total Prize Pool: $10 million
The Melbourne Cup stands as the ultimate test of endurance, speed, and strategy. Competing over two miles (3200 metres), only the finest stayers can claim victory in this legendary Group 1 handicap race.
The Spirit of the Melbourne Cup
Since its inception in 1861, the Melbourne Cup has grown from a local contest into an international festival of racing and fashion. Each year, Flemington Racecourse welcomes more than 100,000 spectators, while millions more tune in from across Australia and the world. The event embodies the essence of Australian culture, blending world-class sport, high fashion, and social celebration in one unforgettable day.
Full Race Day Schedule – Melbourne Cup 2025
The 2025 Melbourne Cup Day will feature 10 thrilling races across the afternoon. Below is the complete schedule (all times in AEDT):
| Race | Time | Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 1 | 10:45 AM | Darley Maribyrnong Plate | 1000m |
| Race 2 | 11:20 AM | MA Services Grand Handicap | 2000m |
| Race 3 | 12:00 PM | TAB Trophy | 1800m |
| Race 4 | 12:40 PM | The Schweppervescence Plate | 1000m |
| Race 5 | 1:20 PM | Australian Heritage Cup | 2800m |
| Race 6 | 1:55 PM | Kirin Ichiban Plate | 1800m |
| Race 7 | 3:00 PM | Lexus Melbourne Cup | 3200m |
| Race 8 | 3:50 PM | The Amanda Elliott | 1400m |
| Race 9 | 4:35 PM | The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes | 1400m |
| Race 10 | 5:15 PM | Channel 9 Trophy | 1400m |
Note: Race times may vary slightly depending on track conditions and race-day logistics.
Start Times Across Australia
For racing fans tuning in from different parts of the country, here’s when the main event—the Lexus Melbourne Cup 2025—will begin locally:
- Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, ACT: 3:00 PM AEDT
- South Australia: 2:30 PM ACDT
- Queensland: 2:00 PM AEST
- Northern Territory: 1:30 PM ACST
- Western Australia: 12:00 PM AWST
This ensures that wherever you are in Australia, you won’t miss the thrilling moment when the gates open at Flemington.
Prize Money and Rewards
With a $10 million prize pool, the Melbourne Cup remains one of the world’s richest turf races. The winner takes home approximately $4.4 million, along with the prestigious Loving Cup trophy, valued at over $250,000. The prize structure ensures generous payouts for runners-up, reflecting the race’s elite status and international appeal.
International Contenders and Global Prestige
Every year, the Melbourne Cup attracts top-tier horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe—especially from Ireland, Japan, the UK, France, and Hong Kong. International competitors add a layer of excitement, making it a truly global racing spectacle. The 2025 edition is expected to feature several past Group 1 champions vying for glory at Flemington’s lush track.
Melbourne Cup Fashion and Social Culture
Beyond the racing action, Melbourne Cup Day is a fashion extravaganza. Spectators showcase elegant outfits, elaborate hats, and vibrant colors, contributing to the event’s glamorous atmosphere. The Myer Fashions on the Field competition celebrates style, creativity, and sophistication, reinforcing the Cup’s reputation as both a sporting and social highlight.
How to Watch the Melbourne Cup 2025 Live
Fans can experience the race live in several ways:
Television Broadcast
The Seven Network (Channel 7) will broadcast all races, interviews, and highlights live throughout the day.
Coverage will begin in the morning and continue until the conclusion of the final race.
Online Streaming
For those preferring digital access, the race will be streamed live via:
- 7plus (official Channel 7 app)
- Racing.com
- TAB App and Website
- Kayo Sports (streaming subscription service)
These platforms offer multi-camera views, race previews, and post-race analysis, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment.
Getting to Flemington Racecourse
Flemington Racecourse is easily accessible from Melbourne’s city center:
- By Train: Special Cup Day trains run frequently from Southern Cross Station to Flemington Station.
- By Tram: Route 57 from Elizabeth Street takes racegoers directly to the course.
- By Car or Taxi: Parking is limited, so public transport is highly recommended.
Gates typically open around 8:30 AM, allowing guests to enjoy the pre-race festivities and soak in the electric atmosphere.
Melbourne Cup Carnival Events
The Melbourne Cup is part of the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) Spring Racing Carnival, which features four major race days:
- Derby Day – Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Oaks Day (Ladies Day) – Thursday, November 6, 2025
- Stakes Day (Family Day) – Saturday, November 8, 2025
Each day carries its own unique traditions, attracting diverse crowds and delivering unforgettable moments.
Why the Melbourne Cup Matters
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a horse race—it’s an Australian cultural institution. The day is a public holiday in Victoria, and businesses across the country pause to witness the spectacle. Its long history, prestige, and the stories of triumph and heartbreak make it one of the world’s most cherished sporting events.
The Melbourne Cup 2025 will once again unite racing enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and casual fans for an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture. From the thunder of hooves down Flemington’s final straight to the jubilant scenes in the winner’s circle, it’s a day that captures Australia’s spirit like no other. Prepare your outfits, place your bets, and get ready for “the race that stops a nation.”
