What you need to know about the Melbourne Cup Field

The 2022 Melbourne Cup is quickly approaching, with the field announced on Saturday, November 2nd.

That is the date of Victoria Derby Day, which is the first of four meetings which make up the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Final acceptances for the big race will be listed directly after racing events on November 2nd, with 24 starters listed at 6.30pm for the world’s richest handicap.

The Melbourne Cup takes place on Tuesday, November 5, in what is dubbed “the race that stops a nation.”  The 3200 metre event is held at Flemington racecourse, with dedicated Melbourne Cup parties and events spreading around the entire country.

While most of the public are only concerned with race day itself however, there are a number of steps leading up to the big race.

Melbourne Cup: View the Melbourne Cup 2024 field

Melbourne Cup Acceptances

First acceptances will be declared on Tuesday October 1st, 2024 and is likely to halve the list of nominated horses. First acceptances gives the first proper guide as to which horses are likely to get a start in the Melbourne Cup.

Second acceptances for the Melbourne Cup are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, October 15. Once second acceptances are announced we begin to see a clear picture as to which horses are likely to gain a start in the field of 24.

Once acceptances are released they will be published on our Melbourne Cup page immediately.

Melbourne Cup Weights

The weights for the nominated Melbourne Cup runners will be released on Tuesday 17th September, approximately a week after the Melbourne Cup nominations close.

Melbourne Cup 2024 Dates