Welcome to the ABC Sport Melbourne Cup blog
Good morning, Australia.
Welcome to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the 2026 Melbourne Cup.
British horse Hopewell Rock begins Melbourne Cup Day as the favourite for the race that stops the nation.
There has been rain in Melbourne over the previous 24 hours, with the Flemington track currently rated a Soft 5.
Join Andrew McGarry and me throughout the day, and be part of the conversation in the comment section.














