Live: Punters brave wintry conditions as new Melbourne Cup favourite emerges

British horse Hopewell Rock begins Melbourne Cup Day as the favourite for the race that stops the nation.

The four-year-old colt is one of 24 horses preparing to start the 166th edition of the Cup at Flemington this afternoon. 

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Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:41amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:41am

Melbourne Cup Day 2026

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Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:45amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:45am

What time is the Melbourne Cup?

By Michael Doyle

Here are the start times for the Melbourne Cup in each state and territory, including New Zealand.

• 3pm AEDT: Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, ACT
• 2:30pm ACDT: South Australia
• 2pm AEST: Queensland
• 1:30pm ACST: Northern Territory
• 12pm AWST: Western Australia
• 5pm NZDT: New Zealand

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:41amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 9:41am

Welcome to the ABC Sport Melbourne Cup blog

By Michael Doyle

Good morning, Australia.

Welcome to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Melbourne Cup.

British horse Hopewell Rock begins Melbourne Cup Day as the favourite for the race that stops the nation.

There has been rain in Melbourne over the previous 24 hours, with the Flemington track currently rated a Soft 5.

Join Andrew McGarry and me throughout the day, and be part of the conversation in the comment section.