How do horses qualify for the Melbourne Cup?
Connections must nominate and keep their horse in the race through the acceptance stages. The race conditions set out the qualifying performances, ballot rules and exemptions that determine who makes the final field.
A Golden Ticket winner can earn ballot exemption. Other runners are assessed under the ballot rules, so being nominated is only the first step.
2027 Melbourne Cup qualification rules
The 2027 qualification rules, minimum weights and ballot clauses will be confirmed in the official race conditions. The 2026 minimum weights were 49kg for three-year-olds and 51kg for older horses. The handicapper could apply penalties for eligible wins after weights were released.
Racing Victoria will publish the official 2027 dates and race conditions.
How do you qualify for Melbourne Cup?
The qualification system is based on a handicap, with a minimum weight of 49 kilograms. While there is no official maximum weight for the Melbourne Cup, the highest allocated weight should not be less than 57 kilograms.
How many horses nominate for the Melbourne Cup?
On average around 300 to 400 horses nominate for the Melbourne Cup every year.
