Point of Law Wins Melbourne Cup for King Charles
"He's just thrived. There's nothing better than a true staying test. It's a result of the last 10 years and, without getting too carried away, I'm thrilled.
"Ciaron Maher -- Flemington Nov 3 2026
3.75lengths Point of Law winning margin
2026 Melbourne Cup finishing order
| Place | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Point of Law | Ethan Brown | Ciaron Maher |
| 2nd | Zahrann | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher |
| 3rd | Juja Kibo | Sam Clipperton | Ciaron Maher |
| 4th | Sons and Lovers | D Browne McMonagle | Joseph O'Brien |
| 5th | Royal Supremacy | Ben Allen | Ciaron Maher |
Records broken
Ciaron Maher became the first trainer in history to complete a Melbourne Cup trifecta (1st, 2nd and 3rd all from his stable). He also set a new record of seven runners in a single Cup, surpassing Robert Hickmott's six in 2013. Point of Law is only the third Northern Hemisphere three-year-old to win the Melbourne Cup after Rekindling (2017) and Cross Counter (2018), and became the fourth horse to complete the Geelong Cup-Melbourne Cup double in the same year. As breeder, King Charles was named recipient of the breeders' award at Flemington. The $10.2 million prize money winner's share goes to the Australian syndicate.
Jockey Ethan Brown's comeback
Brown, 25, from Alice Springs, suffered a near-fatal fall at Flemington during the 2023 Australian Guineas, losing five and a half litres of blood. He required multiple surgeries and six months of recovery before returning to racing. He credited trainer Maher's unwavering support for his return. His victory at the 2026 Melbourne Cup -- on the same track where he nearly died -- is one of Australian racing's most remarkable comeback stories.
What comes next
Prize money formally distributed -- AUD $10.2 million total purse
Post-race stewards inquiry into Asterix scratching (Penetrene medication) -- Waller stable response
King Charles named breeders' award recipient at Flemington ceremony
Point of Law future plans -- southern hemisphere summer campaign possible
167th Melbourne Cup -- first Tuesday November 2027
