Point of Law justified his status as the 2026 Melbourne Cup favorite, delivering a thrilling finish to claim the $10 million prize at Flemington Racecourse. The three-year-old stallion, formerly owned by King Charles until earlier this year, was ridden by Ethan Brown who masterfully closed the gap on the runaway leader, Royal Supremacy. Despite Royal Supremacy establishing a commanding lead of nearly 20 lengths during the race, Point of Law surged in the final stretch to reel in his stablemate and secure a decisive victory in the “race that stops the nation.”
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Trainer Ciaron Maher achieved an unprecedented feat by placing his top three runners in the race, becoming the first trainer in history to complete the Melbourne Cup trifecta. With a record seven horses in the field, Maher’s dominance was absolute as Point of Law took first place, Zahrann finished second, and Juja Kibo secured third. The only horse to break Maher’s sweep was Joseph O’Brien-trained Sons and Lovers, which finished fourth, highlighting the exceptional depth and preparation of the Maher stable in this high-stakes event.
The victory marked a profound personal milestone for jockey Ethan Brown, representing a stunning turnaround in his career after surviving a life-threatening fall three years ago. For Maher, this win was his second as a trainer in the Melbourne Cup, cementing his legacy in Australian racing history. The race concluded with Brown saluting the crowd, capping a day defined by royal connections, historical records, and a powerful narrative of resilience and triumph.
Source: The Guardian Sport
