TAB Australian Cup Day to deliver an exciting conclusion to the Flemington Autumn Carnival

First run in 1863, the TAB Australian Cup boast an illustrious honour roll featuring greats such as Makybe Diva, Octagonal, Northerly and Bonecrusher. Trainer Ciaron Maher will be looking to defend his title in the 164^th edition of the iconic race, saddling up defending champion Light Infantry Man alongside front-running warrior Pride of Jenni. Two-time Group 1 All-Star Mile winner Tom Kitten also returns to Flemington, adding further depth to an already outstanding field.

The race day is supported by a strong undercard including the $300,000 Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m), which offers the first golden ticket into the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup, and the $500,000 Listed VRC Sprint Classic (1100m), for some of the country’s best three-year-old sprinters including Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning second place-getter My Gladiola and Coolmore Stud Stakes third place-getter Legacy Bound.

The current favourite for the Lexus Roy Higgins is Litzdeel, trained by Danny O’Brien and to be ridden by Craig Williams. A victory would carry a fairytale quality, with the pair having combined in 2019 to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup with Litzdeel’s half‑brother, Vow and Declare.

Off the track, racegoers will also have the chance to experience a moment of history with the first public viewing of the newly installed Michelle Payne OAM statue at Flemington.

The tribute celebrates Payne’s extraordinary legacy as the first female jockey to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup, a triumph that transcended sport and inspired a generation. The statue captures her trademark determination and spirit, honouring not only her groundbreaking 2015 victory aboard Prince of Penzance but also her enduring impact as an advocate for women in racing. Positioned near the Phar Lap entrance, the statue will serve as a powerful new landmark at Flemington, joining the on‑course statues of Bart Cummings, Roy Higgins, Phar Lap and Makybe Diva.

The VRC will also be raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal in support of The Royal Children’s Hospital to provide world-class care for sick children. Racegoers can donate directly to the appeal or purchase a raffle ticket on-course to win some incredible prizes including a 100g ABC Bullion Cast Gold Bar valued at over $23k.

The 2026 Face of the Good Friday Appeal, Alissa, will attend Australian Cup Day and enjoy the family activities on-course. At just a few weeks old, Alissa was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease that required urgent chemotherapy and steroid treatment. Today, she is a thriving three‑year‑old who loves dancing, singing and choosing her own outfits.

Gates for TAB Australian Cup Day open at 11:00am with General Admission tickets available for $30 per person with children under 18 admitted free to Flemington.