A total of 101 local and 19 international horses have been entered for the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 4 November 2025. At this same time last year, there were 123 contenders still in the running for the Lexus Melbourne Cup which included 20 internationals.
In a historic first, Hall of Fame American jockey John Velazquez has been booked to ride Parchment Party, potentially becoming the first American jockey to compete in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. One of the most accomplished jockeys in world racing, Velazquez has ridden more than 6,000 winners and is North America’s all-time leader in earnings with more than $US500 million.
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Parchment Party is a four-year-old colt trained by Bill Mott. The son of Constitution has won 4 of 11 career starts but 0 for 2 on turf.
The colt won his last two starts, taking the Birdstone at 1 ¾ miles at Saratoga on August 6. He won the Belmont Gold Cup (G3) two back in the slop at 1 ¾ miles in a race washed off the grass at Saratoga.
Champion trainer Chris Waller heads the local charge with 27 nominations, led by reigning Australian Horse of the Year, Via Sistina, Aeliana and Buckaroo. Defending Lexus Melbourne Cup champion, Knight’s Choice will attempt to become the first back-to-back Cup winner since the legendary Makybe Diva.
Hall of Fame Trainer and VRC Ambassador Gai Waterhouse is searching for her second win in the race alongside co-trainer Adrian Bott with Sir Delius and Vauban among the favoured runners nominated.
Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher has nominated 13 horses, headlined by Middle Earth, last year’s placegetter Okita Soushi and new addition to the stable Zardozi who finished fourth.
A total of eight countries are represented among the nominations including six international with horses from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, England, France, Germany, and the United States.
Two-time Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien has nominated two horses, led by the now Australian-owned Al Riffa who will be following in the footsteps of Lexus Melbourne Cup winners Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020).
Fellow Irish trainer, Willie Mullins has signalled his intention to travel to Flemington for the third consecutive year with Absurde and Hipop De Loire.
Further opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption at Flemington include the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500m) on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day on Saturday 13 September and the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. Outside of Flemington, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) offer ballot exemption.
VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon said he was pleased with the nominations for this year’s Cup.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup continues to capture the imagination of trainers and owners both here in Australia and around the world, and this year’s nominations reflect that global appeal,” Mr Jordon said.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 1 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 4 November, VRC Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 6 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 8 November.
