Melbourne Cup trophy reaches insane 165-year first
It’s the race that stops the nation and now the Melbourne Cup trophy itself has reached new heights for 2026.
With each year’s winning connections receiving a new trophy, this year’s edition has been unveiled and for the first time in the 165-year history of Australia’s most famous race, the piece is valued at more than $1 million.
The Melbourne Cup trophy for 2026. ABC Bullion
The trophy has been produced using Australian ABC Bullion gold, which was sourced entirely from the Northern Territory for the first time, while being brought to life by Sydney-based artisan goldsmiths W.J. Sanders.
It weighs more than 1.8kg and contains almost 60 ounces of 18-carat gold.
Last year, Jamie Melham became the second female jockey in history to win the race when she rode Half Yours to victory over the 3200m trip at Flemington, giving father-and-son trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy their first Cup triumph.
A year prior, it was Robbie Dolan on rank outsider Knight’s Choice in the big race for the training duo of John Symons and Sheila Laxon.
Mark Zahra rode back-to-back Melbourne Cup winners on Without A Fight (2023) and Gold Trip (2022), while it was the successful combination of James McDonald and Chris Waller with champion mare Verry Elleegant (2021) before that.
This year’s race will be held on Tuesday, November 3 at Flemington.
The winning connections will get a share in $4.5 million worth of prize money, as well as the trophy which is worth more than ever before.