Point Of Law Wins Geelong Cup - King's Former Colt Books Melbourne Cup Berth

Alex Marsh

Editor

Last updated: Wed. 21 Oct. 2026 07:00

Alex Marsh 3 hours ago

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Point Of Law wins the 2026 Geelong Cup on Australian debut, securing a Melbourne Cup berth
Ciaron Maher claims his first Geelong Cup as Ethan Brown continues his big-race success
Formerly owned by King Charles III, the son of Frankel now has his sights set on Flemington

Ethan Brown holds off Small Fry aboard Point Of Law to win the 2026 Geelong Cup. (Getty)

Point Of Law has surged into Melbourne Cup contention with a fighting victory in Wednesday's $500,000 Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), handing Ciaron Maher his first success in the feature and continuing his flourishing big-race partnership with jockey Ethan Brown.

The former King Charles III-owned stayer made an immediate impact on his Australian debut, overcoming a wide barrier and a demanding on-speed run to hold off Joseph O'Brien's Small Fry, with his stablemate Omni Man completing an international trifecta.

Brown pressed forward aboard Point Of Law before settling second behind The Euphrates, who established a strong tempo but weakened to finish tenth, adding further merit to the winner's performance after absorbing much of the early pressure.

Small Fry, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, loomed as a serious threat in the straight, but Point Of Law dug deep to repel the challenge, while Beau Mertens partnered Omni Man into third, with all three placegetters making their Australian debuts.

The victory was another major result for Maher and Brown, whose partnership continues to deliver on the big stage, and remarkably came at just the fifth career start of a colt who has now won three races, including two at Group 3 level.

Point Of Law also secured ballot exemption into the $10.2 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3, having entered Wednesday's race 31st in the order of entry and needing to improve his position to guarantee a start.

From Royal Ownership to Melbourne Cup Contender

The victory adds another chapter to the remarkable journey of the Frankel colt, who was bred by King Charles III and previously raced in the royal colours of the King and Queen under leading British trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Out of the Deep Impact mare Portfolio, herself a daughter of Listed winner Diploma, Point Of Law began with a narrow second at Yarmouth in April before breaking his maiden over 2000m at Newbury the following month.

He then finished fourth in the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot before establishing his staying credentials with victory in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy (2615m) at Newmarket in July, defeating Galiyan by half a length.

That performance put him firmly in the picture for Britain's St Leger, but his future took a different turn in August when the King and Queen agreed to sell the promising colt to Australian interests.

The acquisition was particularly notable given Maher and his mother Eileen had been guests of the King and Queen at Royal Ascot earlier in the year, while the trainer already had a connection to the royal racing operation through Gilded Water.

Point Of Law was purchased by a syndicate involving ARE Investments, DEG Racing, Adrian Willoughby, John Simmons, John O'Neill, Rupert Legh and Cameron Massie, with the sale price undisclosed.

The Geelong Cup has long been a successful Melbourne Cup pathway, with Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) completing the double.

Point Of Law now has the chance to join that distinguished trio, carrying royal breeding, proven European staying form and the Maher-Brown partnership into Australia's greatest staying test.