Champions Day 2026 - Full Fields, History & Key Race Facts
Champions Day at Flemington marks the finale of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a nine-race programme, headlined by the VRC Champions Sprint, Champions Mile and Champions Stakes. Giga Kick returns to the Champions Sprint after winning in 2025, aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Black Caviar. The day also features the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Matriarch Stakes, with notable gear changes and strong representation from leading trainers such as Ciaron Maher, Chris Waller and Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. Large, competitive fields and historical context add depth to each race.
- Three Group 1 races headline Champions Day at Flemington
- Full fields, race history and key facts for all nine races
- Gear changes included across the Melbourne Cup Carnival finale
Champions Day brings the Melbourne Cup Carnival to a close at Flemington, with three Group 1 races headlining the nine-race program. (Getty)
Champions Day brings the Melbourne Cup Carnival to a close at Flemington on Saturday, November 7 with three Group 1 races headlining a strong nine-race program.
- Race 1 - Inglis Banner (Restricted Listed) (1000m) - 12:40pm
- Fast Five
- Race 2 - Ronald McDonald House VIC/TAS Mile (1600m) - 1:15pm
- Fast Five
- Race 3 - Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3) (2600m) - 1:50pm
- Fast Five
- Race 4 - FISHER Stakes (Listed) (1200m) - 2:30pm
- Fast Five
- Race 5 - TAB ONE POOL Matriarch Stakes (Group 2) (2000m) - 3:10pm
- Fast Five
- Race 6 - VRC Champions Sprint (Group 1) (1200m) - 3:50pm
- Fast Five
- Race 7 - VRC Champions Mile (Group 1) (1600m) - 4:30pm
- Fast Five
- Race 8 - TAB Champions Stakes (Group 1) (2000m) - 5:10pm
- Fast Five
- Race 9 - HKJC World Pool Grand Handicap (1100m) - 5:50pm
- Fast Five
The VRC Champions Sprint, VRC Champions Mile and TAB Champions Stakes form the centrepiece of the card, while the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Matriarch Stakes add further depth across the afternoon.
Below are the full fields, race history, key facts and gear changes for every race on Champions Day 2026, while coverage for all codes is available through Live Racing & Sports Updates.
Race 1 - Inglis Banner (Restricted Listed) (1000m) - 12:40pm
Champions Day opens with the Inglis Banner, where a field of two-year-olds tackles 1000 metres in a $400,000 restricted sprint.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Affairs | Dominic Sutton | Billy Egan | 6 | 58kg |
| 2 | Steel Point | Liam Birchley | Jamie Mott | 3 | 58kg |
| 3 | The Chancer | Clinton McDonald | Ben Melham | 8 | 58kg |
| 4 | Soldi | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Blake Shinn | 9 | 56kg |
| 5 | She’s Supreme | Marc & Mitchell Conners | Damian Lane | 1 | 56kg |
| 6 | Dark Sister | Emma-Lee & David Browne | Rachel King | 12 | 56kg |
| 7 | Goddess Kay | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Craig Williams | 2 | 56kg |
| 8 | Jacquets Off | Simon Zahra | Jordan Childs | 13 | 56kg |
| 9 | Miss Ruthless | Richard & Will Freedman | Chad Schofield | 7 | 56kg |
| 10 | Natural Emotion | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 10 | 56kg |
| 11 | Naughty May | Amy & Ash Yargi | Michael Dee | 11 | 56kg |
| 12 | Palmilla | John Sadler | Jake Noonan | 5 | 56kg |
| 13 | Rusty Pearl | Ciaron Maher | Ben Allen | 4 | 56kg |
Fast Five
- Last five winners: Calamari Ring (2025), Within The Law (2024), Bold Bastille (2023), Arkansaw Kid (2022) and Semillion (2021).
- Debut winners: Calamari Ring and Within The Law both won the Inglis Banner on debut, immediately announcing themselves as promising two-year-olds.
- Maher record: Ciaron Maher has trained three winners since 2019, with Calamari Ring (2025) following earlier victories by Sneaky Five (2020) and Ideas Man (2019) when training in partnership with David Eustace.
- Hayes double: The Hayes stable won consecutive editions with Arkansaw Kid in 2022 and Bold Bastille in 2023.
- Winning roll call: Calamari Ring, Within The Law, Bold Bastille, Arkansaw Kid, Semillion, Sneaky Five, Ideas Man, Espaniyaah, Setsuna and Azazel are the winners from 2016-2025.
Gear Changes
- Public Affairs: Blinkers FIRST TIME
- Steel Point: Blinkers FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME
- The Chancer: Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- Jacquets Off: Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- Miss Ruthless: Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- Natural Emotion: Lugging Bit FIRST TIME, Nose Roll FIRST TIME, Stallion Chain FIRST TIME
- Naughty May: Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
Race 2 - Ronald McDonald House VIC/TAS Mile (1600m) - 1:15pm
The older horses step out over 1600 metres in Race 2, with a competitive Benchmark 84 handicap bringing together several in-form runners.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roulette King | Trevor Rogers | Jamie Mott | 8 | 61.5kg |
| 2 | Fiorenot | Tom Dabernig | Jordan Childs | 4 | 60kg |
| 3 | Nation’s Call (IRE) | Robbie Griffiths | Logan Bates (a) | 3 | 59.5kg |
| 4 | He’ll Rip | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Blake Shinn | 9 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | Test Of Love (IRE) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Damian Lane | 11 | 58kg |
| 6 | Dirty Old Town | Andrew Gluyas | Jamie Melham | 10 | 55.5kg |
| 7 | Options | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Jye McNeil | 12 | 55.5kg |
| 8 | Silvasista | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Luke Currie | 5 | 55kg |
| 9 | Grand Omaha | Matt Laurie | Patrick Moloney | 13 | 54.5kg |
| 10 | Hiyaam Proud | Matt Laurie | Craig Williams | 1 | 54.5kg |
| 11 | Mount Bona | Grahame Begg | William Pike | 7 | 54.5kg |
| 12 | Stage ’N’ Screen (NZ) | Mark Walker | Daniel Stackhouse | 6 | 54.5kg |
| 13 | Superfabulistic (NZ) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Rachel King | 2 | 54kg |
Fast Five
- Recent winners: Sabaj (2025), Angland (2024), Watadeel (2023) and French Emperor (2022) have won the corresponding Champions Day mile across the past four editions.
- Price-Kent domination: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have trained three of the past four winners, scoring with French Emperor, Angland and Sabaj.
- Kah double: Jamie Kah rode consecutive winners of the race aboard French Emperor in 2022 and Watadeel in 2023.
- Four-year-old sweep: Each of the past four winners — French Emperor, Watadeel, Angland and Sabaj — was a four-year-old.
- Back for another crack: Nation’s Call finished third behind Angland in 2024, while He’ll Rip was runner-up to Sabaj in 2025, and both return for the 2026 edition.
Gear Changes
- Test Of Love: Cross-over Nose Band AGAIN
- Options: Gelded
- Silvasista: Blinkers AGAIN, Visors OFF FIRST TIME
- Stage ’N’ Screen: Visors OFF AGAIN
Race 3 - Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3) (2600m) - 1:50pm
The Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes puts the stayers back in focus, with a quality field lining up over 2600 metres under quality handicap conditions.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Defiantly (FR) | Joseph O'Brien | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 9 | 59.5kg |
| 2 | Vauban (FR) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Jordan Childs | 1 | 59.5kg |
| 3 | Berkeley Square | Dan O'Sullivan | Declan Bates | 8 | 57.5kg |
| 4 | Pinhole (GB) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 7 | 56kg |
| 5 | King Pedro (NZ) | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Mark Zahra | 11 | 55.5kg |
| 6 | Torranzino (NZ) | Paul Preusker | Billy Egan | 3 | 55kg |
| 7 | Valiant King (GB) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 4 | 55kg |
| 8 | Litzdeel | Danny O'Brien | Damian Lane | 6 | 54kg |
| 9 | Manzor Blue (NZ) | Lisa Latta | Michael Dee | 2 | 54kg |
| 10 | Newlook (FR) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Jamie Melham | 5 | 54kg |
| 11 | Bella Montagna (NZ) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Rachel King | 12 | 54kg |
| 12 | House Of Lords (NZ) | Peter Gelagotis | TBC | 10 | 54kg |
Fast Five
- Royal beginning: The Queen Elizabeth Stakes was introduced in 1954 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Flemington, with Rising Fast winning the inaugural edition.
- Last five winners: Whisky On The Hill (2025), Smokin’ Romans (2024), Muramasa (2023), Soulcombe (2022) and Warning (2021).
- Makybe Diva before the Cups: Makybe Diva won the race in 2002, one year before beginning her unprecedented run of three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories from 2003-2005.
- Back-to-back club: Lord won consecutive editions in 1962 and 1963, while Hyperno repeated the feat in 1979 and 1980.
- Champion honour roll: Rain Lover, Gunsynd, Hyperno, Might And Power, Makybe Diva, Precedence and Puissance De Lune are among the standout stayers to have won the race.
Gear Changes
No gear changes.
Race 4 - FISHER Stakes (Listed) (1200m) - 2:30pm
A big field of sprinters lines up in the Listed FISHER Stakes, with 1200 metres down the Flemington straight set to test a deep mix of established and emerging speed.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansaw Kid | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Mark Zahra | 15 | 59.5kg |
| 2 | Grand Larceny | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Ben Melham | 8 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | Sir Sway | Sue & Jason Jaensch | Campbell Rawiller | 6 | 56kg |
| 4 | Watchme Win | Andrew Gluyas | Blake Shinn | 7 | 56kg |
| 5 | Pallaton | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 5 | 55kg |
| 6 | Inkaruna | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Jamie Melham | 17 | 54kg |
| 7 | De Bergerac | Grahame Begg | Daniel Stackhouse | 16 | 54kg |
| 8 | Grand Impact (NZ) | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | Michael Dee | 13 | 54kg |
| 9 | Immortal Star | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 12 | 54kg |
| 10 | La Fracas (IRE) | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | Logan Bates (a) | 4 | 54kg |
| 11 | Photograph | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Jye McNeil | 9 | 54kg |
| 12 | Cripps | Patrick Kearney | Billy Egan | 14 | 54kg |
| 13 | Tuff Tu Mus | Dean Williams | Jake Noonan | 2 | 54kg |
| 14 | Jimmy Recard | Ciaron Maher | Beau Mertens | 10 | 54kg |
| 15 | Piastri | Gavin Bedggood | Jett Stanley | 3 | 54kg |
| 16 | Elouyou | Scott Cameron | Damian Lane | 1 | 54kg |
| 17e | Hankee Alpha (NZ) | Cindy Alderson | Craig Williams | 11 | 54kg |
Fast Five
- Last year’s winner: Need Some Luck won the 2025 FISHER Stakes on his Victorian debut, defeating De Bergerac and Big Swinger in heavy conditions.
- Family royalty: Need Some Luck is a half-brother to champion sprinter Chautauqua, the six-time Group 1 winner and three-time TJ Smith Stakes hero.
- Returning placegetter: De Bergerac finished second in last year’s edition and returns in 2026 looking to go one better.
- Familiar race, new name: The race has changed names several times in recent springs and was previously widely known as the MSS Security Sprint before becoming the FISHER Stakes.
- Straight-six test: The Listed 1200-metre handicap down the Flemington straight has become a strong late-Carnival sprint target for established performers and emerging stakes horses.
Gear Changes
- La Fracas: Blinkers AGAIN
- Cripps: Tongue Tie AGAIN
- Tuff Tu Mus: Blinkers OFF AGAIN, Lugging Bit OFF FIRST TIME, Norton Bit FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
Race 5 - TAB ONE POOL Matriarch Stakes (Group 2) (2000m) - 3:10pm
The Group 2 Matriarch Stakes brings the mares together over 2000 metres, with several proven stakes performers engaged under set weights and penalties.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panova | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 18 | 59.5kg |
| 2 | Sunset Park (GB) | Michael Kent | Jamie Melham | 13 | 58kg |
| 3 | Machine Gun Gracie | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Blake Shinn | 9 | 57kg |
| 4 | Soverato (NZ) | Chris Waller | Damian Lane | 2 | 57kg |
| 5 | Too Darn Discreet | Dan O'Sullivan | Mark Zahra | 7 | 56kg |
| 6 | Private Legacy | Gregory Hickman | Ben Melham | 16 | 56kg |
| 7 | Zuleika | Todd Pollard | William Pike | 5 | 56kg |
| 8 | Vivy Air | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 1 | 55kg |
| 9 | You Wahng | Kris Lees | Luke Nolen | 11 | 55kg |
| 10 | Jenni’s Meadow | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 10 | 55kg |
| 11 | Sun Worshipper | Matt Kropp | Luke Currie | 4 | 55kg |
| 12 | Sun Gift (NZ) | Danny O'Brien | Michael Dee | 6 | 55kg |
| 13 | Perfect Ten (NZ) | Nikki Burke | Craig Williams | 3 | 55kg |
| 14 | Pillow Fight | Bjorn Baker | Rachel King | 8 | 55kg |
| 15 | Ocean Bay (NZ) | Gavin Bedggood | Daniel Stackhouse | 17 | 55kg |
| 16 | Samarelle (NZ) | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Jye McNeil | 15 | 55kg |
| 17e | Classic Gem | Dominic Sutton | Billy Egan | 12 | 55kg |
| 18e | Superfabulistic (NZ) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Jordan Childs | 14 | 55kg |
Fast Five
- Since 1986: The Matriarch Stakes was first run in 1986, with Iola winning the inaugural edition, while the Matriarch name itself was introduced in 1995.
- Last five winners: Sunset Park (2025), Hinged (2024), Deny Knowledge (2023), Atishu (2022) and Zayydani (2021).
- Waller pair: Chris Waller has trained two of the past four winners with Atishu and Hinged, and saddles Panova and Soverato in the 2026 edition.
- Group 1 springboard: Atishu won the 2022 Matriarch before later adding the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, while Lucia Valentina followed her 2015 win by taking the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes the next autumn.
- Mares who kept improving: Kenedna won the race in 2018 before going on to claim the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes and Doomben Cup, underlining the Matriarch’s history of producing top-level mares.
Gear Changes
- Too Darn Discreet: Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- You Wahng: Blinkers AGAIN, Winkers OFF AGAIN
- Sun Worshipper: Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) FIRST TIME, Pacifiers OFF FIRST TIME
Race 6 - VRC Champions Sprint (Group 1) (1200m) - 3:50pm
The first Group 1 of the afternoon is the $3 million VRC Champions Sprint, where a high-class field of sprinters clashes over the famous Flemington 1200 metres.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Kick | Clayton Douglas | Jamie Mott | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 2 | Mazu | Ciaron Maher | Rachel King | 11 | 58.5kg |
| 3 | Headwall | Matthew Smith | Ethan Brown | 6 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | Caballus | Bjorn Baker | Blake Shinn | 8 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | Rey Magnerio | Robbie Griffiths | William Pike | 12 | 58.5kg |
| 6 | Tempted | Ciaron Maher | Chad Schofield | 9 | 56.5kg |
| 7 | Joliestar | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 10 | 56.5kg |
| 8 | Charm Stone | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | Damian Lane | 3 | 56.5kg |
| 9 | Skybird | Mitchell Freedman | Ben Melham | 1 | 56.5kg |
| 10 | Geegees Mistruth | Mark Walker | Craig Williams | 5 | 56.5kg |
| 11 | Point Barrow | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 2 | 56.5kg |
| 12 | Plaintiff | Peter Snowden | Jordan Childs | 4 | 56.5kg |
Fast Five
- Since 1960: The Champions Sprint was first run as the Hallmark Stakes in 1960, with Karina winning the inaugural edition, before later carrying names including the Craven ‘A’ Stakes, Patinack Farm Classic and VRC Sprint Classic.
- Last five winners: Giga Kick (2025), Sunshine In Paris (2024), Imperatriz (2023), Roch ’N’ Horse (2022) and Nature Strip (2021).
- Black Caviar breakthrough: Black Caviar won the race in 2010 and 2011, with her first victory delivering the champion mare her maiden Group 1 at just her eighth start.
- Newmarket double: Roch ’N’ Horse completed the Newmarket Handicap-Champions Sprint double in 2022, joining Black Caviar, Miss Andretti, Rubitano, Special and Century in achieving the Flemington sprint double.
- Giga Kick returns: Giga Kick won the 2025 edition and lines up again in 2026 attempting to become the first back-to-back winner since Black Caviar in 2010-11.
Gear Changes
- Giga Kick: Bar Plates (Hind) FIRST TIME, Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME
- Plaintiff: Blinkers AGAIN, Winkers OFF AGAIN
Race 7 - VRC Champions Mile (Group 1) (1600m) - 4:30pm
The $3 million VRC Champions Mile brings together a select weight-for-age field over 1600 metres, with some of the country’s leading milers chasing another major spring prize.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Kitten | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 6 | 59kg |
| 2 | Lindermann | Chris Waller | Damian Lane | 3 | 59kg |
| 3 | Buckaroo (GB) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 7 | 59kg |
| 4 | Sepals | Cliff Brown | Ethan Brown | 5 | 59kg |
| 5 | Pounding | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 1 | 59kg |
| 6 | Another Wil | Ciaron Maher | John Allen | 4 | 59kg |
| 7 | El Soleado | Jack Laing | Blake Shinn | 9 | 59kg |
| 8 | Autumn Glow | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 57kg |
| 9 | Within The Law | Bjorn Baker | Rachel King | 8 | 57kg |
Fast Five
- Since 1919: The race now known as the VRC Champions Mile was first run in 1919, with Chal winning the inaugural edition, while its registered name remains the Cantala Stakes.
- Last five winners: Ceolwulf (2025), Mr Brightside (2024), Pride Of Jenni (2023), Alligator Blood (2022) and Superstorm (2021).
- Bart leads the way: Bart Cummings holds the training record with six wins, while David Hayes and Chris Waller sit next on four apiece.
- Williams record: Craig Williams leads the current jockeys with three victories, behind all-time record-holder Roy Higgins, who won the race six times.
- Elite mile roll call: Better Loosen Up, Testa Rossa, Boban, Turn Me Loose, Alligator Blood, Pride Of Jenni, Mr Brightside and Ceolwulf are among the standout winners on the honour roll.
Gear Changes
- Tom Kitten: Blinkers AGAIN
- Sepals: Standard Race Tips (Front) FIRST TIME, Standard Race Tips (Hind) FIRST TIME
- El Soleado: Bandages (Front) FIRST TIME
Race 8 - TAB Champions Stakes (Group 1) (2000m) - 5:10pm
The $3 million Group 1 Champions Stakes is the final major feature of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with a quality weight-for-age field assembled over 2000 metres.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cosmic Crusader (NZ) | Andrea Leek | William Pike | 11 | 59kg |
| 2 | Light Infantry Man (FR) | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra | 5 | 59kg |
| 3 | Sir Delius (GB) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Craig Williams | 7 | 59kg |
| 4 | Attrition | Mitchell Freedman | Jamie Mott | 9 | 59kg |
| 5 | Birdman (IRE) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 1 | 59kg |
| 6 | Land Legend (FR) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 8 | 59kg |
| 7 | Von Hauke (NZ) | Cliff Brown | Damian Lane | 3 | 59kg |
| 8 | Sabaj | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | Blake Shinn | 10 | 59kg |
| 9 | Omni Man (IRE) | Joseph O'Brien | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 6 | 59kg |
| 10 | Aeliana (NZ) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 57kg |
| 11 | Treasurethe Moment | Matt Laurie | Daniel Stackhouse | 2 | 57kg |
Fast Five
- Since 1869: The Champions Stakes was first run as the Melbourne Stakes in 1869 and is now registered as the LKS Mackinnon Stakes, making the 2026 edition the 157th running.
- Last five winners: Via Sistina (2025), Via Sistina (2024), Atishu (2023), Zaaki (2022) and Zaaki (2021).
- Waller-McDonald streak: Chris Waller and James McDonald have combined to win the past three editions, with Atishu in 2023 followed by Via Sistina in 2024 and 2025.
- Back-to-back specialists: Via Sistina and Zaaki have both won consecutive editions in the past five years, with Via Sistina now the latest multiple winner on one of Flemington’s oldest Group 1 honour rolls.
- Champion names: Lonhro, So You Think, Grand Armee, Desert War, Arcadia Queen and Via Sistina are among the modern stars to have won the race.
Gear Changes
- Treasurethe Moment: Blinkers FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF FIRST TIME
Race 9 - HKJC World Pool Grand Handicap (1100m) - 5:50pm
Champions Day concludes with a Benchmark 80 sprint over 1100 metres, where a large field rounds out the nine-race program.
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verdoux | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Holly Durnan (a3/52kg) | 9 | 64kg |
| 2 | Esmahli | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Jackson Radley (a2/53kg) | 14 | 61kg |
| 3 | Annie’s Rose | Kristen Buchanan | TBC | 11 | 60.5kg |
| 4 | Sergeant Major (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 1 | 60kg |
| 5 | Torsheen | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Mark Zahra | 3 | 60kg |
| 6 | Educated | Ciaron Maher | Celine Gaudray | 8 | 59.5kg |
| 7 | Rohesia | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Daniel Stackhouse | 4 | 59.5kg |
| 8 | Electric Elvis (NZ) | Reece Goodwin | Damian Lane | 16 | 58.5kg |
| 9 | King Tut | Ciaron Maher | Thomas Stockdale | 13 | 58.5kg |
| 10 | Tres Magnifique | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Craig Williams | 19 | 58.5kg |
| 11 | Saluted | Robbie Griffiths | Luke Currie | 5 | 58kg |
| 12 | It’s A Yes | Lindsey Smith | Jamie Mott | 2 | 56kg |
| 13 | Prestige Lucky | Matt Jenkins | Chad Schofield | 6 | 55.5kg |
| 14 | Royal Rendezvous | Mark Walker | Logan Bates (a1.5/51kg) | 20 | 55kg |
| 15 | Hustle In Heels | Julius Sandhu | TBC | 10 | 54kg |
| 16 | Salaria | Alex Rae | Jamie Melham | 7 | 53kg |
| 17e | Fission | Robbie Griffiths | Blake Shinn | 17 | 58.5kg |
| 18e | Brave Design | Danny O'Brien | Damian Lane | 12 | 58kg |
| 19e | Lawborough (NZ) | Simon Zahra | Jye McNeil | 15 | 58kg |
| 20e | My Zephyr | Michael Shepherdson | TBC | 18 | 55kg |
Fast Five
- Carnival finale: The final race on Champions Day has traditionally been a large-field sprint handicap, giving emerging sprinters one last chance to make an impact at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week.
- Straight-track test: The 1100-metre course keeps the race entirely on Flemington’s straight, placing a premium on speed, race position and handling the unique straight-six layout.
- Maher numbers: Ciaron Maher has four runners engaged in the 2026 edition — Sergeant Major, Educated, King Tut and Fission — giving the stable a strong hand in the Carnival closer.
- Hayes representation: Ben, Will & JD Hayes saddle Esmahli and Rohesia, adding another leading stable presence to a race that regularly attracts improving sprinters from major yards.
- Big-field challenge: With 20 acceptors including emergencies, Race 9 is one of the deepest fields on the Champions Day card and rounds out the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a typically competitive straight-course handicap.
Gear Changes
- Torsheen: Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie OFF FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF FIRST TIME
- Rohesia: Blinkers OFF AGAIN
- Tres Magnifique: Lugging Bit FIRST TIME
- Salaria: Winkers FIRST TIME
- Brave Design: Gelded
- My Zephyr: Blinkers AGAIN
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