The 2025 Melbourne Cup is quickly approaching, with the field announced on Saturday, November 1st.
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 1st, 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 2025 field
Melbourne Cup Acceptances
First acceptances will be declared on Tuesday 30 September, 2025 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 14. 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 16th September, approximately a week after the Melbourne Cup nominations close.
Melbourne Cup 2025 Dates
| Nominations | 12:00 pm (AEST) Tuesday 2 September |
|---|---|
| Late Nominations | 12:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 9 September |
| Weights | 12:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 16 September |
| First Declaration | 12:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 30 September |
| Second Declaration | 12:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 14 October |
| Third Declaration | 10:00am (AEST) Monday 27 October |
| Final Declaration | 4:30pm (AEST) Saturday 1 November |
| Final Field | 6:30pm (AEST) Saturday 1 November |
| Barrier Draw | 7:00pm (AEST) Saturday 1 November |
| Melbourne Cup Race | 3:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 4 November |
When is the Melbourne Cup 2025 field announced?
The 2022 Melbourne Cup field will be announced on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at around 6.30pm AEDT.
When is the Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw?
The 2025 Melbourne Cup barrier draw takes place at Flemington Racecourse on Derby Day evening (Saturday November 1st).
