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Waller leads way with Melbourne Cup acceptances
SENTrack • September 30th, 2025 5:09 pm
The Victorian Racing Club (VRC) has released the first lot of acceptances for the 2025 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
66 horses remain in contention to compete in the race that stops a nation on the first Tuesday in November.
Master trainer Chris Waller leads the way with 14 horses in first acceptances including star mare Via Sistina.
There are 11 international raiders in the mix including current Cup favourite Al Riffa for two-time winning trainer Joseph O’Brien.
Last year’s winner, Knight’s Choice, will not get the chance to defend his crown due to a strangles breakout at Mount Macedon.
This weekend the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington offers a ballot-exempt opportunity to get into the Cup.
“The 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup is shaping up as a truly great contest, with the first acceptances showcasing the depth of class set to line up in this year’s race, marking an important milestone on the road to the Cup,” VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordan said in a statement.
“International contenders add intrigue to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, and this year runners from England, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States will challenge the locals in what promises an exciting contest.
“A number of Lexus Melbourne Cup hopefuls will be on display at Flemington this weekend for TAB Turnbull Stakes Day. The race meeting is highlighted by the Lexus Bart Cummings, which offers a coveted Golden Ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”
Ballot-exempt winners Deakin, Parchment Party and Revelare are guaranteed a run in this year's Cup provided they are fit. Via Sistina, Al Riffa, Buckaroo, Arapaho, Moira, Vauban and Aeliana are at the top of the order of entry at this stage.
Second declarations for the Lexus Melbourne Cup must be submitted by noon on Tuesday 14 October.
See the first acceptances below:
