The race that stops the nation is back. The 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup runs on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, and the Prince of Wales Hotel is once again Ipswich’s Cup Day HQ.

This year’s Cup is one of the most unpredictable in years. The defending champion is out, an Irish trainer has sent his strongest team yet, and late scratchings have shaken the field. Grab your crew and watch it unfold live on the big screens with us.

🗓 Melbourne Cup Day Schedule

All times in AEST (Queensland time)

• Doors Open: 10:00am
• Pre-Race Coverage & Festivities: from 11:00am
• Fashions & Entertainment: Midday onwards
• The Race That Stops the Nation: 2:00pm LIVE
• Post-Race Celebrations: Music, food and fun into the evening

⏰ Heads up: The Cup jumps at 3:00pm in Melbourne. Queensland doesn’t run daylight saving, so here in Ipswich the race starts at 2:00pm. Get in early so you don’t miss it.

🏇 The Storylines to Watch in 2026

A Cup Without Its Champion

Last year, Half Yours and jockey Jamie Melham made history with the Caulfield–Melbourne Cups double. Melham became only the second woman to ride a Melbourne Cup winner, after Michelle Payne. This year the champ won’t be lining up. Half Yours fell late in the Caulfield Cup and has been spelled for the rest of spring. Caulfield Cup winner Kingswood is also skipping Flemington, so neither of this spring’s big Cup headliners will run.

The Irish Invasion

Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien has already won the Cup twice, with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020). This year he has brought his biggest team yet. Champion jockey James McDonald rides Trustyourinstinct, and the stable also has Defiantly and James J Braddock at the top of the market. Goodie Two Shoes, last year’s runner-up, is back for another go. Could an O’Brien horse land the trifecta?

The Locals Fight Back

Leading the home charge is Point Of Law, who won the Geelong Cup and has spent much of the spring near the top of the market. Ciaron Maher has a big team too. It includes Middle Earth, third last year, and Mr Monaco, who earned his spot by winning the Bart Cummings.

Late Scratchings Shake Things Up

Two of the fancied runners won’t make the gates. Saint George, a leading contender after running second in the Caulfield Cup, failed his pre-race scans. Japan’s Stinger Glass has also been ruled out. Expect plenty of reshuffled office sweeps.

Jamie Melham’s Second Act

When Half Yours was withdrawn, last year’s winning jockey was left without a ride. The two scratchings lifted Future History into the final 24, and Melham will ride it. A fairytale defence is still possible.

Like Sire, Like Daughter

Staying mare Shockletz won her way into the Cup by taking the Archer Stakes at Flemington. Her sire Shocking did the same before winning the 2009 Melbourne Cup.

🌟 Why POWH Is Your Cup Day Destination

🥂 Cup Day Cocktails – Celebrate with drinks flowing all day.
📺 Live & Loud – Every second of the Melbourne Cup on our giant HD screens, with full sound.
🍽 Cup Day Eats – Share platters and Cup Day specials made for a long afternoon with mates.
👒 Cup Day Fashion – Frock up, suit up and bring your best race-day style.

🏆 The 166th Melbourne Cup Experience

The Melbourne Cup is part horse race, part national party. This year’s running is the 166th, over 3200 metres at Flemington, with around $10 million in prize money. It looks wide open. The champ is missing, the overseas raiders are stronger than ever, and the locals have plenty to prove.

At the Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich, you won’t miss a moment. We’ve got the drinks, the screens and the atmosphere from the opening coverage through to the 2:00pm jump and the celebrations after.

✅ Save the Date

Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Mark your calendars.

Round up your friends, dress in your race-day best, and celebrate Melbourne Cup Day live at the Prince of Wales Hotel Ipswich.

🍻 Where Ipswich comes together for the race that stops the nation.