Point Of Law mxr the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington, giving trainer Ciaron Maher a historic result in the arvo’z 166th running. With jockey Ethan Brown delivering a patient and perfectly timed ride, the horse produced a powerful late finish to overcome Royal Supremacy’s substantial lead.
The Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup was run over 3200 metres, with a total prize pool of $10.2 million. Following the late withdrawal of Asterix, 23 horses contested the race. Point Of Law, already a winner of the Ladbrokes Geelong Cup, made history by becoming the most lightly raced Melbourne Cup champion, winning at just his sixth career start.
Official Melbourne Cup 2026 Finishing Order
The official finishing positions and One Pool dividends for the first three horses are listed below.
| Position | Horse | One Pool Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 20. Point Of Law | $7.80, $3.10 |
| 2nd | 15. Zahrann | $11.00 |
| 3rd | 11. Juja Kibo | $4.40 |
| 4th | 1. Sons And Lovers | |
| 5th | 7. Royal Supremacy | |
| 6th | 24. Shockletz | |
| 7th | 18. James J Braddock | |
| 8th | 16. So You Are | |
| 9th | 12. Hopewell Rock | |
| 10th | 4. Middle Earth | |
| 11th | 2. Trustyourinstinct | |
| 12th | 3. Knight’s Choice | |
| 13th | 14. Soul Of Spain | |
| 14th | 23. Zakouma | |
| 15th | 6. Enfjaar | |
| 16th | 19. Kizlyar | |
| 17th | 22. Mr Monaco | |
| 18th | 21. Strictly Business | |
| 19th | 8. Wine Dark Sea | |
| 20th | 17. Future History | |
| 21st | 13. Onesmoothoperator | |
| 22nd | 10. Goodie Two Shoes | |
| 23rd | 5. Vauban |
Ethan Brown’s Patient Ride Delivers the Win
Royal Supremacy built a commanding advantage during the race, putting the chasing runners under pressure. Brown stayed composed, confident that Point Of Law had the acceleration needed to make up ground if he remained within reach approaching the final 400 metres.
Once the opportunity opened, Point Of Law unleashed his finishing speed and surged past Royal Supremacy. Brown later said he believed his mount had the strongest turn of foot in the field and that staying calm until a clear run became available was crucial.
Point Of Law crossed the line 3.75 lengths ahead of Zahrann. Juja Kibo finished third after a close contest for the remaining podium position.
Ciaron Maher Makes Melbourne Cup History
Maher entered the race with a large contingent of runners and emerged with an exceptional outcome: his horses occupied first, second and third.
The result made Maher the first trainer in the Melbourne Cup’s 166-year history to secure the trifecta. It was also his second Melbourne Cup victory.
Zahrann, the team’s Naturalism Stakes winner, finished in second place, while Juja Kibo—winner of The Metropolitan and the Moonee Valley Gold Cup—completed the top three.
Point Of Law Completes the Geelong Cup–Melbourne Cup Double
Point Of Law arrived at Flemington after winning the Geelong Cup, putting him among the leading contenders for the Melbourne Cup. The horse became the first Geelong Cup and Melbourne Cup double winner since Dunaden in 2011.
A European three-year-old racing in Australia as a four-year-old, Point Of Law made his Australian debut on October 21. His Geelong Cup performance helped him rise to the top of the Melbourne Cup betting market.
By race time, support had eased and Point Of Law was priced at $7 for Flemington Race 7. Early backers were rewarded when Brown’s well-judged ride allowed the horse to produce a decisive late burst.
Hopewell Rock, despite attracting significant betting support before the race, did not finish among the top three.
Melbourne Cup 2026: Race Details
- Race: 166th Melbourne Cup
- Venue: Flemington
- Distance: 3200 metres
- Race: Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup
- Total prize money: $10.2 million
- Winner: Point Of Law
- Jockey: Ethan Brown
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Winning margin: 3.75 lengths
- Runner-up: Zahrann
- Third place: Juja Kibo
Point Of Law’s victory was built on a successful Geelong Cup preparation and a measured ride from Ethan Brown. The result also delivered a landmark achievement for Ciaron Maher, whose horses swept the first three places in the 2026 Melbourne Cup.
