The first Tuesday in November edges ever closer, as Flemington prepares to stage the 165th running of the Melbourne Cup.
The first Tuesday in November edges ever closer, as Flemington prepares to stage the 165th running of the Melbourne Cup. First contested in 1861, the "race that stops a nation" remains the jewel of Australian racing — and one of the most popular global contests with punters at the best new betting sites.
With A$10 million in prizemoney, the Cup is also the richest staying handicap in the world. No surprise, then, that this racing titan continues to lure not only Australia's finest but also a formidable international challenge. Overseas runners have struck three times in the past eight years, and with a host of international raiders remaining among the 2025 entries, the hosts may have a fight on their hands to keep the prize on home soil. Here, we take a look at the shape of the British and Irish Challenge.
Joseph O'Brien Chasing Historic Hat-Trick
Few young trainers have made such an impression on the Melbourne Cup as Joseph O'Brien. Still only 32, he has already won the trophy twice — with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020 — both for Australian owners. A third win would put him clear of Dermot Weld as Europe's most successful Cup trainer.
His headline act this year is Al Riffa, a dual Group 1 winner and most recently victorious in the Irish St Leger over 1m6f. Questions about his stamina at the full two miles remain, but his profile and connections — including two-time Cup winners Australian Bloodstock — make him a serious contender.
Also in O'Brien's team is Goodie Two Shoes, a tough mare with proven staying power at 2 miles, though she is by no means guaranteed to make the cut.
Ballydoyle, Mullins, and Weld in the Mix
While Joseph has enjoyed Cup glory, his father Aidan O'Brien has yet to crack the code, coming no closer than when saddling Tiger Moth to finish second in 2020. O'Brien Snr has three in contention this year: St Leger hero Scandinavia, Dee Stakes winner Mount Kilimanjaro, and the unexposed Aftermath. Scandinavia in particular is attracting market interest, though whether he makes the trip is still uncertain, with the memory of Jan Brueghel's veterinary issues in 2024 possibly lingering in O'Brien's mind.
Willie Mullins, the National Hunt master from Closutton, again targets Flemington after near misses in recent years. His leading hope is Absurde, fifth in 2024, joined by Hipop De Loire, who shaped well in the Ebor Handicap at York.
Veteran trainer Dermot Weld, who blazed the trail with Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002), has two outsiders: Harbour Wind, a Listed winner with French Group form, and Duraji, who caught the eye running on over 1m6f at Goodwood.
British Contenders: Underdogs with Dreams
Moving away from Ireland, the British training establishments are also set to be represented. Britain last lifted the Cup in 2018 with Cross Counter, and while the odds suggest the Brits are up against it, several intriguing challengers remain.
Epic Poet (David O'Meara) – A genuine globetrotter, with victories across Britain, France, and Dubai.
Furthur (Andrew Balding) – Progressive stayer, unbeaten this season and winner of the Geoffrey Freer.
Tabletalk (Tom Clover) – A first Cup runner for his trainer, already proven over 1m6f.
Onesmoothoperator (Brian Ellison) – Familiar to Aussie fans after winning the Geelong Cup last spring before finishing midfield in the Cup itself.
Meydaan (Simon & Ed Crisford) – By Frankel, consistent at Listed level, but untested beyond 1m6f.
As ever, the European contingent adds depth and class to a fascinating field, with St Leger winners Al Riffa and Scandinavia, particularly catching the eye. Will they have enough to repel home hopes such as Sir Delius, Bucakroo, and Revelare? All eyes on Flemington on 4 November!
