The Melbourne Cup, a cornerstone of Australian greyhound racing, carries a rich legacy that began in 1933 at Napier Park. Initially contested over 400 yards, the event has since evolved into the sport’s most prestigious race, now held annually at Sandown Park over the 515 metre trip.
From its humble beginnings with a £500 purse to becoming the world’s richest greyhound race in 2012, the Cup boasts a storied history of growth, glamour, and iconic winners.
Today, the Melbourne Cup remains the pinnacle of achievement for trainers, owners, and greyhounds alike, symbolising excellence and tradition in Australian greyhound racing, with a $500,000 cheque for the winner.
The 2024 edition was won by Explicit for leading trainer Jason Thompson.
Here is the latest Melbourne Cup news ahead of the 2025 edition of the race:
Here is the latest Melbourne Cup tips from our expert form analysts:
Currently no odds are out for the 2025 Melbourne Cup
The 2025 Melbourne Cup field will not be announced until the heats have been run in November, 2025.
Only the best of the best compete in the Melbourne Cup series, making it one of the most anticipated races for enthusiasts and punters.
Naturally, a high-class line-up attracts plenty of betting interest as it showcases the best sprinting talent greyhound racing has to offer – proven, explosive chasers doing what they do best.
With all of the focus on the race, betting pools are usually bigger, which in turn results in a more lucrative winning dividend if you are skilful enough to pick the winner.
Leading greyhound bookmakers know how popular the Melbourne Cup is and many of them now offer all-in markets for the winner of the final in the weeks leading up to the heats. These prices often offer plenty of value.
Additionally, there are also fixed odds prices for both the heats and final once the fields and box draws have been drawn – giving punters the chance to shop around and find the top odds about their selected competitor.
The Melbourne Cup was first held in 1956 and staged as a handicap when won by Rocketeer (Rocket Jet x Whispering Lass Jan ’55) who collected £500 for his connections. It was run as a handicap race until 1964 when Rocket Streak (Chief Zephyr x Rocket Sue Oct ’62) scored a big victory from box one.
The first bitch to win the race was Saskagay (Sunview x Byam Rose Sep ’60), which won the 1962 edition over 565 yards in 30.80 – collecting £2,000.
The 1974 race was a rags to riches story, with the New Zealand-bred Kwik Metal (Gabriel Mist x Metal Joy Sep ’72) saluting after being purchased as a puppy for just $30.
In 1986 the race was reduced to 511m (having been run over 513m since 1973) following the reconstruction of Sandown Park. It only stayed at this distance for nine years, being run at 515m (the current distance) for the first time in 1995.
The first prize money, which had increased periodically since the inauguration of the race, hit $100,000 for the first time in 1996. Two years later, the race was taken out by one of the best greyhounds the sport has seen, Rapid Journey (Amerigo Magic x Miss Courtney May ’95), which added the race to his impressive CV including the Adelaide Cup, the Perth Cup, the Golden Easter Egg, the National Sprint Championship and the Topgun.
In 1999, now-disgraced trainer Graeme Bate prepared his third winner of the Melbourne Cup when Kantarn Bale (Light Of Fire x Jindara Bale Feb ’98) defeated two of his kennel mates to give Bate the trifecta.
In 2004 prize money grew to $150,000. In 2005 Closing Argument (Exceptional x Maddy Shiraz Nov ’03) defeated Bonshaw Boy (Bob’s One x Major Break Jun ’03) to give trainer Cameron Taylor the quinella.
Betty’s Angel (Brett Lee x Leprechaun Yap Nov ’04) defeated her litter sister Miss Mini Mouse in the 2006 final, setting a new 29.51 race record in the process and completing the Sapphire Crown – Melbourne Cup double.
The most controversial running was in 2008 when Surgeon (Primo Uno x Bella’s Angel Apr ’05) was allowed to start in the race despite many believing he had eased when winning his heat the week prior. His naughty antics were on display in the feature final, marring Hanify’s Impact (Collision x Miss Hanify May ’06) across the line en route to giving Darren McDonald his third Melbourne Cup win in five years.
El Grand Senor (Where’s Pedro x Elgrando Gold Apr ’08) won the 2010 Melbourne Cup – collecting his third group 1 trophy. The hatrick of wins at the highest level would later earn him Sandown Greyhound of the Year, Victorian Greyhound of the Year and Australian Greyhound of the Year titles.
Leading trainer Andrea Dailly won her first Melbourne Cup in 2011 when Dyna Tron (Collision x Gold Rush Bale Feb ’09) saluted. He was one of four finalists for Dailly and one of seven finalists for leviathan owner/breeder Paul Wheeler. The same year prize money was increased to $350,000 to the winner.
Jason Thompson scored back to back wins in the Melbourne Cup in 2012-2013. Got A Moment (Collision x Splitting Hairs Feb ’10) took out the race in 2012 when recording a slick 29.37, followed by Black Magic Opal (Magic Sprite x Awesome Opal May ’11) which took out the next edition in identical time.
In 2021, Hard Style Rico stunned the greyhound racing world by breaking the track record in the Melbourne Cup final, with the Lucky Karabitsakos-trained chaser running the 515m journey in 28.91, which was the first time the 29 second mark had been broken in a final.
The Melbourne Cup series and final is still a thriving part of the greyhound betting scene, with other races held at similar times including the Bold Trease and the Young Star.
After taking out the Melbourne Cup the year before with Dyna Villa, owner Paul Wheeler once again combined with Andrea Dailly for the win, which was an upset result as Dyna Double One (Barcia Bale x Crystin Bale Apr ’13) ran down champion kennel mate Fernando Bale (Kelsos Fusileer x Chloe Allen Mar ’13) to get the win. Both dogs were superstars of the track and retired as the only two greyhounds to have earned more than $1 million on the race track.
2015 Melbourne Cup results
November 20, 2015. Sandown SGRC First Prize $420,000
The 2016 edition of the race was taken out by Ando’s Mac (El Grand Senor x Brook’s Doll Jun ’14) which gave leading NSW trainer Jason Mackay his biggest training win. The $420,000 first prize took Ando’s Mac’s prize money to $556,386 – 16th on the all time prize money earner’s list.
The fawn flyer was the first NSW trained greyhound to win the race since Go Wild Teddy (Head Honcho x Web Of Silence Aug ’98) saluted in 2000 and was just the second greyhound which was not black to win the race in the past 14 years.
2016 Melbourne Cup results
November 18, 2016. Sandown Park SGRC First Prize $420,000
Aston Dee Bee broke through for his first group 1 win in brilliant style, winning the world’s richest greyhound race in a sizzling 29.36. The black dog was beaten for speed in the early stages but muscled his way to the front and from that point in time was never in doubt, charging clear to defeat a gallant Chasin’ Crackers.
2017 Melbourne Cup results
November 24, 2017, Sandown Park. First Prize: $420,000
The inside draw proved beneficial for star chaser My Redeemer, which hugged the rails and held out all comers to win the Melbourne Cup. Jumping from the one box, the son of Fernando Bale was one of the quickest away but looked like he was going to be headed by the then undefeated Black Opium from the five. My Redeemer used the rail perfectly however and held off all comers coming to the first turn. My Redeemer was able to extend away down the stretch to record a strong win.
2018 Melbourne Cup results
November 23, 2018, Sandown Park. First Prize: $425,000
Whiskey Riot has won a thrilling edition of the Melbourne Cup for greyhounds. The victory got the monkey off the back for the Anthony Azzopardi-trained chaser, after he placed in the Group 1 Topgun, Adelaide Cup and the Maturity. Angela Langton-trained Western Envoy finished second, while favourite Hooked on Scotch ran on well for third. The victory was Azzopardi’s first Melbourne Cup win, with connections pocketing $435,000 for connections.
Hard Style Rico took out the 2021 edition of the Melbourne Cup after leading throughout the race. The emphatic victory of Hard Style Rico was highlighted by the Lucky Karabitsakos-trained dog breaking the Sandown track record and thrashing a crack field, which included Tommy Shelby, Tiggerlong Tonk and Shima Shine. Hard Style Rico ($5) beat home Simon Told Helen and Tommy Shelby for the win.
Koblenz proved too strong in the 2021 Melbourne Cup, with an emphatic victory, leading all the way, to defeat Lala Kiwi ($7.10) and Kinson Bale ($13.20). Koblenz jumped the $4.30 second favourite, behind Aston Rupee, and was David Geall’s second Melbourne Cup win in four years, having taken it out in 2018 with My Redeemer.
The insanely talented, but largely unknown Yachi Bale has won the 2022 Melbourne Cup for greyhounds. The blistering finish saw the Mark Delbridge-trained dog defeat Fernando Mick, while Plaintiff was a neck away in third. The victory in the $650,000 to the winner Melbourne Cup was Delbridge’s first and the biggest win of his career. The winning dog was bred and owned by industry titan Brendan Wheeler, who is the son of the recently deceased greyhound legend Paul Wheeler.
The 2023 Melbourne Cup for greyhounds has been won by Aussie Rocks, with the Geoff Mitchell-trained two-year-old upsetting a stellar field, which included short-priced favourite Big Energy. After jumping well, some early chaos in the field which left Big Energy with plenty of work to do, Aussie Rocks ran on well to win connections $650,000. Big Energy finished second, while another roughie Mac’s Damage finished third. Making Aussie Rocks’ win even more special was his ability to overcome box five, which has been somewhat of a black hole for Melbourne Cup runners.
2023 Melbourne Cup Box Draw & FieldSandown515mGroup 1$650,000 to-the-winnerSaturday, December 2, 2023
|
|
 |
1 Buddy Monelli
T: Lyn SmithF: 2331Career: 33: 13-5-5Prizemoney: $83,395
+450
|
 |
2 Fab’s Vegetable
T: Tom. DaillyF: 1231Career: 53: 14-5-5Prizemoney: $99,125
+1400
|
 |
3 Mac’s Damage
T: Harley WhelanF: 5251Career: 36: 14-7-5Prizemoney: $87,380
+2500
|
 |
4 Big Energy
T: Jackie GreenoughF: 2511Career: 28: 14-6-0Prizemoney: $208,310
-125
|
 |
5 Aussie Rocks
T: Geoff MitchellF: 1881Career: 36: 15-6-5Prizemoney: $117,935
+1300
|
 |
6 Idolize
T: Peter PresuttoF: 1731Career: 55: 26-10-9Prizemoney: $336,400
+2000
|
 |
7 Tim Zoo
T: Jason ThompsonF: 1451Career: 16: 8-3-1Prizemoney: $72,375
+320
|
 |
8 Make No Promise
T: Paul BartoloF: 3111Career: 34: 15-6-7Prizemoney: $167,950
+2000
|
| Reserves | |
 |
9 Dundee Rebel
T: Geoff Scott-SmithF: 3332Career: 50: 11-13-9Prizemoney: $239,275
+1400
|
 |
10 Navarino
T: Jason ThompsonF: 1432Career: 34: 10-7-8Prizemoney: $92,975
+800
|
Odds correct at time of publication
Explicit etched his name into greyhound racing history with a spectacular victory in the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park, delivering a masterclass performance for trainers Jason and Seona Thompson.
The $500,000 first prize marked a triumphant culmination to a career brimming with promise and underscored Explicit’s status as one of the sport’s elite chasers.
2024 Melbourne Cup Final Box Draw & FieldSandown Park5150mGroup 1$500,000 to-the-winnerSaturday November 30, 2024
|
|
|
1 Joey The Jet
T: Jason ThompsonF: 1133Career: 9: 7-0-2Prizemoney: $40,770
+240
|
|
2 Eptimoize
T: Bradley GreenoughF: 1411Career: 8: 7-0-0Prizemoney: $49,260
+450
|
|
3 Schillaci
T: Jihad TalgiF: 1621Career: 39: 16-8-2Prizemoney: $1,183,960
+1400
|
|
4 Sunset Frazier
T: Jeffrey BrittonF: 1153Career: 33: 16-9-5Prizemoney: $330,900
+600
|
|
5 Miss Envy
T: Krystal ShinnersF: 1112Career: 18: 12-2-3Prizemoney: $206,332
+550
|
|
6 Explicit
T: Jason ThompsonF: 1418Career: 35: 25-4-1Prizemoney: $472,880
+240
|
|
7 Big Energy
T: Jacqueline GreenoughF: 1111Career: 45: 19-8-2Prizemoney: $549,685
+800
|
|
8 Buddy Monelli
T: Lyn SmithF: 1581Career: 67: 23-8-10Prizemoney: $179,957
+5000
|
| Reserves | |
|
9 Excavation
T: Jason ThompsonF: 2151Career: 30:13-4-4Prizemoney: $371,775
+350
|
|
10 Deadly Avenger
T: George BorgF: 2132Career: 17: 6-3-3Prizemoney: $36,240
+1000
|
Odds correct at time of publication
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Distance | Box | Margin | Time | Runner-Up | Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Cheltenham Lass | P. Hogan | 555y | 7 | 4L | 30 10/16 | Fawn Nulla | Thunder Lane |
| 1967 | Swan Opal | N. Ballinger | 555y | 7 | 3L | 30 9/16 | Dollar Hunter | Jumbo Fawn |
| 1968 | Mr Spot | T. Rowlings | 555y | 1 | 6L | 30 9/16 | Wentwood | Miss Rajah |
| 1969 | Milimsimbi | S. Cleverly | 555y | 8 | 2L | 30 7/16 | Benjamin John | Noelybo |
| 1970 | Chris Dandy | A. Kay | 555y | 6 | Neck | 31 1/16 | Grand Sapper | Pagan Rate |
| 1971 | Gerard The Gent | H. Siakew | 555y | 8 | 3L | 30 7/16 | Shapely Escort | Lizrene |
| 1972 | Gold Grotto | E. Tucker | 555y | 1 | 3L | 30.60sec | Benny McGrath | Half Your Luck |
| 1973 | New Mariner | R. Jennings | 513m | 1 | 7L | 31.49sec | Half Your Luck | Just A Scamp |
| 1974 | Kwik Metal | C. Abbott | 513m | 1 | 2L | 31.02sec | Miss Alliance | Flash Gordon |
| 1975 | Dynamic Dean | S. Reed | 513m | 3 | 8-1/2L | 31.32sec | Lady Colice | Nigger Chimes |
| 1976 | Carrington Jade | K. Murphy | 513m | 2 | 7L | 30.70sec | Briel Lass | Clover Duke |
| 1977 | Milepost | T. Collins | 513m | 1 | 1/2L | 30.94sec | Mandaquita | Satan’s Legend |
| 1978 | Tangaloa | J. Hili | 513m | 1 | 2L | 30.97sec | Riviera Tiger | Rubin Caine |
| 1979 | Acclaim Star | B. Fletcher | 513m | 2 | 1-1/2L | 30.50sec | Big Pinch | White Panther |
| 1980 | Black Aztec | H. Sarkis | 513m | 8 | 1/4L | 30.74sec | Pancho Country | Smooth Orator |
| 1981 | Satan’s Shroud | G. Bate | 513m | 7 | 2-1/4L | 30.88sec | Royal Rumpus | Chief Enda |
| 1982 | Kid Scandal | A. Garratt | 513m | 1 | 1/2L | 30.70sec | Mystic Gleam | Peter Glider |
| 1983 | Lady Lilly | C. Kelly | 513m | 7 | 3/4L | 30.86sec | Winifred Bale | Mexican Shuffle |
| 1984 | Rustic Venture | P. Denaro | 513m | 1 | 1/2L | 30.92sec | Eaglehawk Star | Proud Paul |
| 1985 | Sydney Dingaan | N. Bryant | 513m | 3 | 3-1/2L | 30.44sec | Shining Chariot | Wanton Chief |
| 1986 | Legendary Kid | J. Coleman | 511m | 6 | 2-1/2L | 30.62sec | Pacific Segull | Swift Laser |
| 1987 | Speedy Mick | J. Schroeders | 511m | 3 | 3L | 30.52sec | Buka Sunset | Crotty Kid |
| 1988 | Hua | R. Symes | 511m | 7 | 2L | 30.01sec | Disco Dishlicka | Indiana |
| 1989 | Fair Sentence | G. Bate | 511m | 1 | 3L | 30.19sec | The Earbrander | Gay Rajah |
| 1990 | Highly Blessed | L. Ferremi | 511m | 5 | 7L | 30.53sec | Singalong | Black Pirate |
| 1991 | Fox Hunt | P. Jovanovic | 511m | 2 | 9.00L | 30.50sec | New Wish | Lively Monarch |
| 1992 | Master Giant | P. Akathiotis | 511m | 2 | 1.00L | 30.30sec | Dallas Duo | True To Do |
| 1993 | Silver Chisel | J. Fleming | 511m | 4 | 3.00L | 30.25sec | Keystone | Conquering Wind |
| 1994 | Light Of Fire | J. Thompson | 511m | 3 | 0.50L | 30.05sec | Zippity Magic | New Fox |
| 1995 | City Blitz | P. Giles | 511m | 3 | 0.10L | 30.06sec | Tenthill Doll | Honcho Whiz |
| 1996 | Henry Hand | D. Dean | 515m | 2 | 1.00L | 29.86sec | Sobbing Sal | Hanson Diamond |
| 1997 | Roanokee | R. Green | 515m | 4 | 0.50L | 29.96sec | Lansley Bale | World Title |
| 1998 | Rapid Journey | J. Carruthers | 515m | 6 | 3.00L | 29.91sec | Billy Cruise | Cerin Bale |
| 1999 | Kantarn Bale | G. Bate | 515m | 8 | 4.50L | 29.73sec | Devon Road | Flying Law |
| 2000 | Go Wild Teddy | M. Bell | 515m | 4 | 2.00L | 29.73sec | Classic Capri | Dutchy’s Angel |
| 2001 | Classic Capri | J. Hayley | 515m | 5 | 5.00L | 29.65sec | Coulta Bandit | Hotshow Vintage |
| 2002 | Excite Ability | L. Poore | 515m | 1 | 2.50L | 29.77sec | Elgrando | Mint Mojo |
| 2003 | Bombastic Shiraz | D. Cairns | 515m | 1 | 1.75L | 29.82sec | Bounty Lass | Spring Secret |
| 2004 | Hallucinate | D. McDonald | 515m | 1 | 2.25L | 29.73sec | Born Yesterday | Ceejay’s Vixen |
| 2005 | Closing Argument | C. Taylor | 515m | 1 | 0.75L | 29.94sec | Bonshaw Boy | See You Later |
| 2006 | Betty’s Angel | P. Bartolo | 515m | 4 | 5.50L | 29.51sec | Miss Mini Mouse | Ryght Way |
| 2007 | Shanlyn Prince | D. McDonald | 515m | 6 | 4.50L | 29.60sec | Slater | All Caution |
| 2008 | Surgeon | D. McDonald | 515m | 8 | 0.50L | 29.87sec | Hanify’s Impact | Nitro Burst |
| 2009 | Lord Ducal | J. Roberts | 515m | 7 | 2.50L | 29.53sec | Dyna Lachlan | Mr. Moorooduc |
| 2010 | El Grand Senor | C. Jones | 515m | 2 | 6.25L | 29.55sec | Symmetry | Dee Winter |
| 2011 | Dyna Tron | A. Dailly | 515m | 7 | 2.75L | 29.21sec | Shereen Bale | Allen Elroy |
| 2012 | Got A Moment | J. Thompson | 515m | 2 | 0.25L | 29.37sec | Glen Gallon | Hurunui Hitman |
| 2013 | Black Magic Opal | J. Thompson | 515m | 2 | 2.43L | 29.37sec | Dyna Beth | Hawk Alone |
| 2014 | Dyna Villa | J. Hunt | 515m | 8 | 1.95L | 29.36sec | Chica Destacada | Keybow |
| 2015 | Dyna Double One | A. Dailly | 515m | 2 | 0.46L | 29.17sec | Fernando Bale | Black Illusion |
| 2016 | Ando’s Mac | J. Mackay | 515m | 5 | 0.26L | 29.48sec | Jesaulenko | Worm Burner |
| 2017 | Aston Dee Bee | S. Thompson | 515m | 1 | 3.71L | 29.36sec | Chasin’ Crackers | Kouta Mayhem |
| 2018 | My Redeemer | D. Geall | 515m | 1 | 4.33L | 29.38sec | Black Opium | She’s Gifted |
| 2019 | Whiskey Riot | A. Azzopardi | 515m | 3 | 0.09L | 29.44sec | Western Envoy | Hooked On Scotch |
| 2020 | Hard Style Rico | L. Karabitsakos | 515m | 5 | 5.50L | 28.91sec | Simon Told Helen | Tommy Shelby |
| 2021 | Koblenz | D. Geall | 515m | 3 | 0.96L | 29.40sec | Lala Kiwi | Kinson Bale |
| 2022 | Yachi Bale | M. Delbridge | 515m | 4 | 0.39L | 29.21sec | Fernando Mick | Plaintiff |
| 2023 | Aussie Rocks | G. Mitchell | 515m | 5 | 0.50L | 29.55sec | Big Energy | Mac’s Damage |
| 2024 | Explicit | J. Thompson | 515m | 6 | 8.00L | 29.29sec | Joey The Jet | Miss Envy |
.jpg){kind=logo}
